Production Assistant job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Production Assistant?
A Production Assistant, or a Production Crew Assistant, is a professional who assists directors and producers on the set.
They work in television and film studios, or theater backstages. Production Assistants perform a variety of tasks to ensure the activities on the set run smoothly.
They provide assistance to actors and extras on the set, run errands as assigned, set up equipment for filming, print and distribute scripts, and generally maintain a professional, uninterrupted, and smooth filming environment.
The top Production Assistant skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are hiring an energetic and enthusiastic Production Assistant to support and provide assistance to directors, producers, and other crew members in television or film settings. You will perform various important tasks and duties, including preparing the set for filming, printing and distributing scripts, guiding and coordinating actors and extras across the filming area, providing information regarding the scenes and rehearsals, and running errands as assigned.
Your main goal as a Production Assistant is to monitor the activities on the set and ensure everything runs smoothly and without interruptions. Actors and crew members will count on your support and help, and you are required to demonstrate professionalism, determination, and dedication on the set. Additional skills that we value are communication, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.
Duties and responsibilities
- Provide assistance and support to directors, producers, designers, makeup artists, and other crew members
- Help with preparing set lights, props, equipment, supplies, etc.
- Print and distribute paperwork, such as scripts and call sheets
- Guide, coordinate, and lead actors and extras around the filming areas
- Control crowds by putting up signs, directing pedestrians away from filming areas, etc
- Distribute messages and items within the crew and cast
- Answer phone calls and maintain paperwork
- Run errands by directors and actors if needed
- Perform safety checks for equipment on the set
- Help create and adhere to production and filming budgets
- Check and maintain filming schedules
- Provide information to actors regarding the scenes and rehearsals
- Monitor the set to ensure there aren’t any issues
Requirements
- A degree in media, film, or communications preferred
- Prior experience as a production assistant or a similar role
- In-depth knowledge of the film and television industry
- Excellent communication skills
- Organization and multi-tasking
- Team player
- Determination and adaptability
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
A high school diploma is a minimum educational requirement for Production Assistants.
Although it is not necessary for Production Assistants to have a degree, a Bachelor’s degree in communications, media, or film is considered an advantage since it provides in-depth knowledge of the industry.
Many candidates acquire initial experience through training programs or by working on independent movies for a start.
Sample interview questions for a Production Assistant.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Have you always wanted to work in the television and film industry?
- What is your favorite movie?
- Have you ever considered being an actor?
- How long have you been working in the television and film industry?
- Could you tell us more about your previous working experience as a Production Assistant?
- If hired, which skills will you demonstrate the most?
- How do you handle stressful situations and remain focused?
- How do you efficiently and accurately keep track of your tasks and responsibilities?
- How would you calm down a nervous actor or extra before filming?
- You suddenly realize that the set is missing extras. What do you do?
- Have you ever disagreed with someone above you? How did that end?
- Tell us about the situation when you solved a problem that could cause a delay in filming?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $9 at the 10th percentile to $20 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Director
Television Production Assistant
Movie Production Assistant
Frequently asked questions.
What are the different types of Production Assistants?
There are several different types of Production Assistants, such as movie production assistants, television production assistants, radio production assistants, music video production assistants, etc.
Who do Production Assistants work with?
Production Assistants mainly work with directors and producers on the set to provide support and assistance to them.
Additionally, they work with other crew members and actors.
What is the average annual salary for Production Assistants?
The average annual salary for Production Assistants is $30,592.
What are the essential skills for Production Assistants?
Production Assistants must have great communication, leadership, and organizational skills. They should also be adaptable, team players, and determined.
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