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TV or film production assistant

assistant production coordinator
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Performing arts and media
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Career outlook for TV or film production assistant

Average UK salary

£48,880

Currently employed in Scotland

8,800

"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would take care of many of the practical tasks behind great films and TV programmes.

Typically, you would:

  • Hire studio facilities and equipment
  • Book hotels and make travel arrangements for cast and crew
  • Go to production meetings
  • Copy and distribute scripts
  • Type and circulate production schedules and daily reports
  • Get permission to use copyrighted music or film clips
  • Deal with accounts and expenses

In television, you might also:

  • Time the show in the studio gallery
  • Call camera shots
  • Cue pre-recorded material
  • Keep records of shots taken
  • Make sure the shots look the same after breaks in filming

You would work as part of a team of producers, researchers, and technical staff like camera crew and editors.

Working conditions

Hours

Your working hours would vary depending on the type of production and the location. You would often work long hours, including early mornings, late evenings and shifts.

Environment

You would be based in an office with other members of the production team, but during filming you could also spend a lot of your time moving between offices and production locations.

Travel

Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and stay away from home for long periods.

UK employment status

Full-time

38%

Part-time

14%

Self employed

48%

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  • Adaptability
  • Positive attitude
  • Resilience
  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Resourceful
  • Problem solving
  • Developing a plan
  • Time management
  • Reliable

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

There are no set entry routes into this role, however many production assistants are graduates.

It's not essential to have studied film or media production before looking for work, though it may be helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts.

There are NC/NQ, HNC/D and degree courses available in media, film, television, production or broadcasting or business related qualifications.

A media, film, television, production or broadcasting National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF levels 2-6) may require no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).

You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.  

Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.

To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.

The most useful qualifications include practical skills and work-placements.

There may also be the option of undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in this area.

Useful subjects

  • English (required by many courses)
  • Media studies
  • Social studies

You will also need

It is helpful to have in-depth understanding of the production process, and a good network of contacts in the industry.

Build up as much practical industry experience as you can through activities like student film and TV, work experience placements, or hospital or community radio.

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry, creative, management and business skills such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCFQ level 4) or a relevant college or university qualification such as a Higher National Diploma in Television Production (SCFQ level 8)

There are also a number of industry bodies that can offer relevant training and qualifications such as the British Film Institute.