Job Description

Production assistants support producers in making film or TV programmes. You’ll work as part of a wider production team, including producers, researchers, and technical staff like camera crew and editors.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could take a course at college, for example Level 3 Diploma in Media Techniques or Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production.

You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

The following local colleges offer courses in Media:

• City College Norwich
• East Coast College
• One Sixth Form College
• Suffolk New College
• The College of West Anglia
• West Suffolk College

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course. 

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an advanced apprenticeship in creative and digital media or as a broadcast production assistant.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 also offer apprenticeship opportunities.

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You could do a degree in:

• creative media production
• film and television production
• film and TV studies

You might find it helpful to choose a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts.

You'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

Your first paid job will usually be as a runner or junior assistant in the production office. You'll then work your way up as you get experience.

Direct Application

Many production assistants are graduates, although a degree is not essential. A lot of employers will be more interested in your skills and experience.

You'll also find it useful to have experience of working in TV, advertising or office management.

Other Routes

You could also take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.

Career tips

Get as much practical experience as you can. This will show employers that you're committed to learning more about the industry. You can build useful experience through activities like:

• student or community film/TV projects
• community or student radio

You'll also get the opportunity to meet people already working in TV and film. Building a network of contacts could help you when you start looking for work.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, and 'insight' and 'talent days'. Competition can be tough, but if you're successful, it will help you get a better understanding of the industry.

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

ScreenSkills also has information on finding work experience.

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could progress to production coordinator and production manager, or become a researcher or producer.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Broadcast journalist
• DJ
• Media researcher
• Radio broadcast assistant
• TV or film assistant director

Required Skills

• organisational skills
• excellent attention to detail
• admin skills
• maths skills for handling budgets
• creativity when dealing with problems
• stamina and determination

Salary Range

£15,000 to £30,000