Film Production Assistant Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a film production assistant. 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 a film production assistant.
Who is a Film Production Assistant?
The Film Production Assistant performs a wide range of tasks on set, from administrative duties to purchasing equipment, editing film, delivering meals, and making coffee. Traditionally, this individual is expected to do whatever is necessary to ensure that a filming project goes as planned.
Each day in this position usually involves completely different responsibilities. These requests traditionally come from the producer, director, writer, or others involved in the production of the film. Because the requests are often simultaneous and have the same degree of urgency, an effective film production assistant must have excellent time management and prioritization skills. However, long and irregular hours are usually associated with this job.
The ability to multi-task is often considered one of the most important qualifications for a film production assistant position. Knowledge of computer operations, project coordination, and communications are highly desirable. Excellent documentation skills and exemplary research skills are generally required for success in this position.
Computer skills are required for the assistant to communicate via email and make travel arrangements and hotel reservations. In addition, he or she is often asked to research specific requests from a film crew or actors. Organizing and maintaining film documentation is a common task of the film production assistant.
In addition to administrative and personal assistance skills, this position usually requires listening and comprehension skills. Since there are different people making requests at the same time, the film production assistant must mentally take notes and act accordingly. He/she must generally be able to work with total commitment and remain focused under the most stressful circumstances.
This position is traditionally seen as a stepping stone to a more professional and lucrative job in the film industry. With this in mind, a film production assistant is generally expected to learn the work of other crew members to make them more valuable to the production and increase their chances for advancement.
There are usually no educational or work experience requirements for this position. Production assistants often have a college degree in a variety of subjects, but training and opportunities are more important to be able to achieve their goals. Some candidates may also have a degree in film studies or a related field.
Film Production Assistant Job Description
Below are the film production assistant 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 duties and responsibilities of a film production assistant include the following:
- Preparing and maintaining the production budget, including ordering supplies, equipment, and services.
- Greeting clients and answering phones to direct calls to the appropriate people.
- Scouting locations and setting up equipment before shooting.
- Organizing and managing the production schedule and agenda
- Coordinating with other departments, such as set and costume, to ensure that all requirements are met.
- Recording and transcribing dictation or notes from meetings or interviews
- Tracking and maintaining all documents, including copies of scripts and contracts.
- Organizing and maintaining an edit of the film by the director or producer for future use.
- Keeping a log of equipment use, including its location and condition.
- Answering phones and directing calls as needed.
- Making travel arrangements for cast and crew.
- Keeping track of all incoming and outgoing correspondence.
- Monitoring the production budget and expenses.
- Assisting with set up and breakdown of production sets.
- Serving as a liaison between the crew and cast members.
- Checking equipment for functionality, repair, or replacement as needed.
- Assisting with continuity and timing issues on set.
- Maintaining movable props and backdrops to facilitate shooting sequences.
- Assisting with the coordination of on-set catering and beverage service.
- Helping with the coordination of wardrobe fittings, hair and makeup appointments, and scene deliveries.
- Supervising the work of assistants, interns, or temporary workers assigned to the production.
- Archiving footage for use in post-production or as reference material for future productions.
Qualifications
To become a film production assistant, you may need the following skills and experience
Education
Most film production assistant positions require at least a high school diploma or a graduate degree. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree in film, communications, or a related field.
Training and experience
Film production assistants usually receive on-the-job training from their supervisors. This may include training in the use of the company’s computer systems, organization and filing of documents, and basic office tasks.
Certification and licensing
Film production assistants do not require certification to be employed. However, some assistant positions may require certification, which can be a good way for an aspiring assistant to demonstrate dedication to the industry.
Essential Skills
- Teamwork
Teamwork is an important skill for production assistants, as they often work with a team of people on set. They need to be able to work well with other people and help the rest of the team with their tasks. For example, if the director needs something from another department, the production assistant can act as a liaison between them.
- Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As a film production assistant, you need to be flexible with your schedule and working hours. You may also have to adapt to new tasks or responsibilities when someone else unexpectedly takes over. Being able to change your focus quickly will help you focus on your responsibilities and meet deadlines.
- Patience
A film production assistant needs to be patient when working with others who have different responsibilities to themselves. For example, they may have to wait for the director or producer to finish their work before the assistant can do theirs. Patience is also required when working on projects that take longer than expected. The production assistant must be able to remain calm and focused in stressful situations to help everyone else keep their spirits up.
- Problem-solving Skills
Problem-solving is the ability to identify and solve problems. As a production assistant, you may be responsible for solving problems that arise during filming. For instance, if equipment breaks down during the production process, you may need to solve these problems quickly so that the production can continue without interruption. This skill will also help you anticipate potential obstacles before they arise.
- Time management
Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks so that they are completed on time. As a film production assistant, you may be responsible for scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, and other aspects of your supervisor’s schedule. Strong time management skills will help you ensure that all your responsibilities are completed on time.
- Scheduling
Scheduling is the ability to plan and manage your time effectively. As a production assistant, you may be responsible for scheduling meetings, phone calls, travel arrangements, and other tasks. This requires attention to detail and an understanding of how long each task may take so that you can schedule effectively.
- Multitasking
A film production assistant often has many tasks and responsibilities. They may be responsible for scheduling, budgeting, correspondence, travel arrangements, equipment maintenance, etc. The ability to multi-task is an important skill for film production assistants, as it enables them to carry out their tasks efficiently and effectively.
- Organization
Organization is a skill that can help you become an effective film production assistant. You may need to keep track of several tasks at once, and organizational skills will enable you to do this effectively. Organizational skills can also help you to stay organized in your personal life.
- Attention to detail
Attention to detail is a skill that can help you do your job well. As a film production assistant, you will be responsible for keeping track of important information and documents related to a project. This requires attention to detail so that you can remember the content and location of each document. You also need to pay attention to detail when following instructions or carrying out tasks. For example, if you are responsible for planning meetings, you need to make sure that you enter all the necessary information correctly so that everyone knows when and where to meet.
- Creativity
Creativity is a skill that can help you in your role as a film production assistant. You may need to come up with creative solutions to problems or obstacles, and your ability to do this can make you an effective assistant. A situation can arise in which a filmmaker needs a prop but doesn’t have time to get one. You can assist by finding s similar item instead. This can save time and money for the project while meeting the director’s needs.
- Communication
Communication is an essential skill for film production assistants, as they often work with many different people on set. They need to be able to communicate effectively with their supervisors and other crew members so that everyone understands what tasks need to be done and when.
Communication skills are also important as they enable assistants to communicate information clearly to actors and directors during filming. This allows everyone involved in the production process to know what is going on and to make informed decisions about how to proceed.
How to Become a Film Production Assistant
- Get a university degree
A position as a film production assistant is usually a stepping stone to a higher-level career in the film industry. People looking for a job as film production assistants may be recent college graduates who want to become producers, work behind the camera, or edit footage. Individuals with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in film and video production or a related field have a competitive advantage when applying for this position. To prepare for a variety of film-related careers, students should study topics such as lighting and sound, screenwriting, cinematography, camera work, directing, editing and production.
- Engage in the production of student films
In addition to learning the basics of filmmaking, some film and television production programs offer students the opportunity to create a student film. In these projects, students write their short scripts and take responsibility for directing and editing. Other students work as crew members and have the opportunity to witness the production process. This is a good preparation for the job of film production assistant that can give students the experience of working on a film set.
When working on a student film, students need to understand what aspects of filmmaking they enjoy. Whether it is shooting, lighting, or sound, they may have the opportunity to focus their skills in these areas on many projects. When working on set as an assistant, the student will be able to use these specific skills and gain additional experience.
- Finding job opportunities
After graduation, individuals can usually apply for entry-level positions. Some programs may offer internships in manufacturing companies, which can help young graduates get their careers off the ground. Participation in networking events may also provide employment opportunities.
- Attend workshops and training
Some organizations offer training programs and seminars for those already working as film production assistants or those who aspire to become one. These programs are particularly useful for those who have not yet obtained a university degree in film production. Those who have already obtained an assistant position can use these programs to gain additional experience to further their career. Those who aspire to an assistant position can gain a competitive edge and additional experience by attending these events and workshops.
Film production assistants may have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in film production, but a few years of experience in the field can serve as an added advantage.
Where to Work as a Film Production Assistant
A film production assistant works in a variety of places, including movie studios, TV studios, and advertising agencies.
Some common job titles for film production assistants include runner, set decorator, production assistant manager, production accountant, and camera operator.
Film production assistants work long hours, often more than 40 hours a week, and may be required to work evenings and weekends. They are generally required to be on call, which means they must be available to work at any hour during the day and night. They may have to travel to various locations, both in their country of residency and abroad. The work can be very stressful, and film production assistants often have to deal with different people and tight deadlines.
Film Production Assistant Salary Scale
Salaries for film production assistants in the United States range from $25,594 to $35,000, with an average salary of $32,000.