Tv Or Film Production Assistant

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

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You’ll be involved in a range of tasks including:

• hiring studio facilities and equipment
• booking hotels and making travel arrangements
• attending production meetings
• copying and distributing scripts
• typing and circulating production schedules ('call sheets') and daily reports
• getting permission to use copyrighted music or film clips
• dealing with accounts and expenses

In television, you might also carry out production duties, like:

• timing the show in the studio gallery
• calling camera shots
• cueing pre-recorded material
• keeping records or logging of shots taken
• making sure the shots look the same after breaks in filming

You could work at a film studio, in an office, at a TV studio or on a film set.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

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 tips

You'll need to develop experience in both the creative and business sides of film or programme making. You'll also need to develop an understanding of the production process, and a good network of contacts in the industry.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the The Production Guild for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

You can find out more about entry level opportunities in television from the Royal Television Society

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a TV or film production assistant from ScreenSkills and ProductionBase.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.