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

A degree isn’t essential but you'll need IT skills, initiative and enthusiasm. If you’ve got secretarial experience or qualifications this could give you an advantage. 

A network of contacts and experience gained from student or community film, TV or radio projects, or work experience would be useful.

You could start work as a runner, junior assistant or secretary and work your way up.

Large broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements and graduate schemes. 

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.

Doing a college course in media production could help you get started, especially if it is one that gives you hands-on experience and allows you to develop your contacts.

BBC Academy has more information on work experience and becoming a production assistant.

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

Starting Salary

£16,000 to £21,000