Assistant Producer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an assistant producer. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an assistant producer.
Who is an Assistant Producer?
An assistant producer is a subordinate to the producer of a television program, a film, or sometimes a major radio program. He or she usually contributes to program content, direction, and publicity.
Once a producer proposes a theme for a program or film, the assistant producer is expected to make suggestions and recommendations for the development process. They are usually assigned the responsibility of producing parts of the program independently. This allows them to develop their skills and eventually become producers in their own right.
Whenever the production requires research, the assistant producer is usually responsible for gathering and organizing the information. In the case of a television or radio program, the assistant producer usually arranges interviews with experts and guests. If the story requires statements or opinions from public officials, he or she obtains and verifies these as well.
There are also circumstances in which the assistant producer is also involved in developing, writing, and editing scripts. They are also often responsible for sets, music, props, and other needs of the production team. When it comes to the more technical aspects of TV or film production, the assistant producer often has to help edit tapes for continuity. They may assist in the creation of graphics and other visual concepts used for transitions between segments. Familiarity with a wide variety of production equipment is usually required for this position.
Some independent television productions, such as those often broadcast on public television or public channels, often require financing. In these cases, the assistant producer usually has to draw up a budget for such a project and submit it to the producer for approval. Once approved, he or she is usually responsible for seeking potential sources of funding. They often write and submit proposals for grant applications.
This job usually requires excellent multitasking skills to be able to perform different tasks simultaneously. Good communication skills are usually required to work well with support staff and to communicate with guests, professionals, and project sponsors. Another important skill is mechanical skills which can help enhance the assistant producer’s ability to operate tools and equipment on set.
A degree in multimedia production, media communications, public relations, or journalism is usually required for this position. Two years of work experience in a related field is highly desirable. Writing, production, and research skills are generally considered an advantage for future assistant producers.
Assistant Producer Job Description
Below are the assistant producer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The responsibilities and duties of an assistant producer include the following:
- Coordinating with the director during production to ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
- Checking scripts or storyboards for continuity or logic errors.
- Helping to supervise the work of the production team, including liaising with other departments such as lighting and sound, if necessary.
- Managing the project budget, including submitting applications for additional funds
- Purchasing equipment or props needed for the shoot, such as wardrobe or furniture
- Meeting with scriptwriters or other members of the production team to discuss the storyboard or other pre-production details
- Assisting the producer in recruiting crew members based on their experience and availability to meet deadlines
- Establishing a structure or schedule for production or post-production activities, such as shooting or editing
- Establishing shot lists for the director and cinematographer to follow during filming
- Providing creative ideas and research to refine the script during pre-production.
- Maintaining regular communication between the production and post-production teams.
- Coordinating the hiring process for principal actors and crew.
- Coordinating the transfer of project material from production to post-production departments.
- Establishing the sequence of shots in the daily production plan.
- Developing the production plan in collaboration with the production teams.
- Explaining shot details such as camera angles, posture, and movement in the scene and the use of props for talent.
- Developing an initial roster of potential talent to be used in film production.
- Determining the location requirements of the scripts to assess their suitability.
- Identifying the main problems leading to budget overruns and production delays.
- Implementing measures to improve the status of the production in consultation with key actors and crew.
- Maintaining communication with the production team in all departments.
- Manage the day-to-day running of the production in liaison with the creative team and actors.
- Overseeing the progress of post-production technical contractors to ensure a smooth and timely post-production process.
- Organizing visits to the edited content in the post-production rooms.
- Overseeing the continuity of props, backgrounds, and lighting on different shoots of the same scene.
- Passing pre-selected actors to production teams to finalize audition invitations.
- Recording the progress of the production by analyzing updates from the different teams.
- Screening potential candidates based on their casting tapes and portfolios for specific roles.
- Working with the producer to develop program concepts and ideas.
- Researching projects, gathering information and knowledge from available sources.
- Recruiting, training, and organizing crew members and supervising production staff.
- Coordinating stage set-up, and overseeing lighting and sound plans.
- Ensuring that video or audio segments are played in the correct order.
- Managing budgets and preparing financial and status reports.
- Participating in the creative side of the job by coming up with ideas, helping to develop stories and scripts, and suggesting improvements.
Other tasks include the following:
- Preparation and modifications of scripts
While finalizing a script, the assistant producer ensures that it has commercial value and that the production of a film based on the script will also benefit the studio and the executive producer(s). Sometimes, the assistant producer also brings their creativity to the development or modification of a script.
- Preparation of meetings
The assistant producer communicates with location and studio owners, actors, financial analysts, caterers, and other personnel, and arranges meetings to discuss the script, shooting schedule, and other requirements of the project.
- Preparing contracts
The assistant producer prepares all contracts related to booking locations, hiring actors, renting equipment, etc.
- Supervision and assistance
An assistant producer is present throughout the shoot and supervises the staff involved. He/she assists the crew and provides replacement personnel or equipment if necessary. During post-production, the assistant producer coordinates work with studio directors and visual effects artists.
- Public relations
The assistant producer assists the marketing team in developing promotional strategies.
Qualifications
Assistant producers generally need the following qualifications:
Education
Most assistant producers have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as communications, broadcasting, or arts. Some assistant producers might also have a master’s degree in these courses.
Most of them also gain experience in this field before graduating. As a result of this, some assistant producers have been able to work as cameramen, producers, editors, or journalists.
Training and experience
Assistant producers usually start as entry-level assistant producers or production coordinators. These roles provide practical experience in the film and television industry. Assistant producers work with different departments, such as props, sets, and special effects. However, production coordinators learn how to manage budgets, schedules, and personnel.
Certifications and licensing
Although certifications are not required to become an assistant producer, they can help you get a job faster and increase your earning potential.
Essential Skills
Assistant producers need the following skills to be successful:
- Organization
Assistant producers often have to manage several tasks at once, so organizational skills can be very useful. You can use your organizational skills to keep track of schedules, manage budgets, and organize files and documents. Organization can also help you keep track of the individuals you are dealing with in the production process of a movie.
- Communication
Assistant producers often communicate with many people during the production process. They must be able to convey clear messages to other production staff, crew members, and actors. They also need to be able to listen and understand what others are saying to them. This can help them to carry out their tasks and responsibilities.
- Time management
Time management is another skill that assistant producers need to perform their tasks effectively. As they often have many tasks to perform, they need to prioritize and manage their time effectively. This involves knowing when certain tasks need to be done and delegating them to other assistants or crew members.
- Problem-solving
As an assistant producer, you may be responsible for solving production problems. For example, if a crew member is ill and unable to work, you may need to find a replacement. This requires problem-solving skills, as you need to find a qualified replacement and ensure that production continues as planned.
- Leadership skills
Assistant producers often work in a team, so it is important that you have good leadership skills. As an assistant producer, you may be responsible for delegating tasks and assigning roles. You can also use your leadership skills to motivate your team and keep them working.
- Collaboration
Associate producers work across all departments to bring the producer’s vision to life. This often means working together to create the best sets, costumes, schedules, and scripts.
- Negotiation skills
As an associate producer, you need to be able to negotiate effectively, whether it’s working with an actor’s agent, setting your salary, or determining the terms of a project with a producer.
- Flexibility
As an associate producer, you may have to travel for months at times, to work on location series or films. Your schedule should allow for frequent and short trips.
- Creativity
Associate producers must be able to envision a set, a scene, and a project before they start. They have to think quickly and develop creative solutions with the budget and equipment they have.
How to Become an Associate Producer
Here are the steps to becoming an Associate Producer:
- Get a degree
You don’t need a university degree to work as an assistant producer, but a strong background can help you stand out from the crowd. In addition, you can make valuable contacts during your training, especially if you follow a well-known course in the entertainment industry. You can choose a specific field, such as visual arts, film, theatre, communications, or a related discipline.
- Look for a job in the entertainment industry.
The entertainment industry is often very competitive. Looking for job openings can serve as a starting point for your career.
You can consider positions such as
- Interns
- Personal assistant
- Set construction crew
- Production Assistant
- Networking
Networking is one of the most important components of finding a job in the entertainment industry. If you know the right people, you can find out about vacancies more quickly and secure job interviews. As a student, intern or employee, it is important to build relationships with everyone you meet. Leave a positive impression on your teachers, colleagues, managers, and clients.
You can also establish contacts through the following channels:
- Attending professional events.
- Doing volunteer work
- Joining networking groups through social media.
- Participating in industry-related activities, such as local drama courses.
- Keeping in touch with former classmates, teachers, and tutors.
- Inviting industry professionals such as directors, development producers, and executive producers over for coffee or dinner.
- Meeting everyone on set if you get a job.
- Work hard
Before a producer sees your CV, they will recognize your work ethic. Show that you are a reliable worker and focus on the following:
- Arriving on time.
- Following instructions
- Being polite
- Dressing and behaving in a professional manner
- Volunteering for additional tasks
- Asking questions when appropriate
- Supporting and complementing other crew members
- Expressing gratitude
- Start small
Any opportunity as an associate producer can advance your career. Look for opportunities to work in student films, independent films, and on smaller projects to gain experience and meet new people.
Where to work as an Assistant Producer
Assistant producers work in a wide range of sectors, including TV and radio stations, film production companies, advertising agencies, and corporate communications departments. They usually work during normal office hours, but may occasionally work on evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. Assistant producers often work on several projects at the same time and must be able to perform different tasks simultaneously. They must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Assistant Producer Salary Scale
The salaries for assistant producers in the United States range from $10,014 to $194,646, with a median salary of $36,097.