TV or film production assistant
Take care of many of the practical tasks behind great films and TV programmes.
Also known as: assistant production coordinator, TV production runner
About the job
What it's like
It takes a great team to create great TV and films. You'll work with many different people to help productions run smoothly. This includes directors, producers, researchers, camera crew and editors.
As a production assistant you'll take care of many of the important practical tasks that keep things moving. It's a job that'll keep you on the go throughout the day.
You might be delivering scripts to cast members on set, booking locations for various shoots or making sure important paperwork is up to date.
That could be on set, in the production office, in studios or in post-production.
It's a hands-on career that allows you to learn about the different stages involved in a production. You'll also gain experience and make useful contacts if you're looking to move into other jobs in the industry.
Your tasks might include:
preparing sets, equipment and materials for filming
supporting cast and crew during shoots
delivering equipment, documents and messages between departments
arranging travel, accommodation and filming locations
updating schedules, call sheets and production records
helping solve problems to keep productions running smoothly
You may see jobs advertised as 'production runner'. These roles are often more entry level but there is a lot of overlap in the work involved. Some employers use 'runner' and 'production assistant' to mean the same thing.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
The Production Guild – membership organisation for film and TV production professionals
Creative Skillset – explore the roles in the creative industries and routes into work
Screen Scotland – browse a range of skills training
GetIntoFilm – discover industry opportunities on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube
ERIC – use this free app to explore opportunities in the creative industries
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- developing a plan
- problem solving
- resourceful
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- resilience
- positive attitude
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Drama
English
Media
Music Technology
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no set qualifications needed to get into this role but they can help. Experience, practical skills and industry contacts are just as important.
Explore some of the routes into this career.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. There are lots of courses that would build useful skills and insight. Consider areas such as:
tv, film and broadcast production
creative industries
media and communication
film and media studies
theatre and performing arts
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. There are lots of relevant courses, consider areas such as:
tv, film and broadcast production
media and communication
film and media studies
theatre and performing arts
art and design
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) let you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Work
You can get into this career by applying directly with an employer. You can use the My World of Work job search to look for job vacancies.
You'll also find opportunities with:
BBC Careers – explore early careers opportunities
ITV Careers – ITV Academy production traineeship
4Talent – Channel 4's training schemes, work experience programmes, workshops and careers events
Sky Careers – opportunities for graduates, apprenticeships, work experience and placements at Sky
rad Scotland – a traineeship for people looking to work in TV
Building experience is just as important as qualifications. Look for work experience opportunities in TV and film. You could also volunteer on student films, independent productions or community media projects to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry.
It is helpful to have in-depth understanding of the production process, and a good network of contacts in the industry.
There are also a number of industry bodies that can offer relevant training and qualifications such as the British Film Institute.
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.
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