What is a production assistant?
Individuals who work as production assistants are typically employed in the television or film industries. Production assistants often have a long list of duties and responsibilities that could range from answering phones in a production office setting to making coffee runs for the cast and crew. While they are sometimes viewed as worker bees, responsible for a production’s smaller everyday tasks, the role of product assistants can vary greatly depending on the budget allotment and needs of a production. A few common duties and responsibilities of a production assistant include operating faxes, copiers, and other office equipment. Production assistants may also be asked to have a quality understanding of computers and use Microsoft Office products. They may be required to answer office phones or even manage the cell phone of one of their superiors. Production assistants could also be required to lift up to 50 pounds since they may have to pick up or deliver large items to various set locations. As a production assistant, you may be required to run errands or transport individuals associated with the production using your vehicle or one provided to you. Most TV and film sets have food catered to ensure the cast and crew have plenty to eat for workdays that could last up to 16 hours. The production assistant might be in charge of having the food catered several times per day. An assistant might also help supply the craft service – or food and snacks usually available all day to individuals involved in crafts (camera and lighting crews, makeup artists, grips, etc.) since they may not have time to sit and eat during the times catered meals are served. Production assistants might also be responsible for booking meetings and setting agendas for the production. In addition to managing tasks for their direct superiors and meeting the needs of the set, production assistants might be required to respond to requests from any member of the production. It’s quite common for production assistants to make coffee or food runs for the actors on set, particularly if their own assistants are not on hand. It’s also well known that production assistants are tasked with jobs that other cast and crew members don’t want to do, but the benefit of doing so is the ability to gain intimate insight into the world of film and TV production. One of the most challenging aspects of working as a production assistant is the long hours. The job sometimes requires production assistants to meet the needs of the set for 10 to 14 hours in a day. They might also have to work nights and weekends. During work hours, production assistants are expected to be alert, attentive, highly reliable, willing to learn quickly, and able to listen effectively so instructions are not repeated multiple times. Since the production assistant is considered an entry-level position, entering this field does not require vast training. In fact, production assistants typically don’t need specific educational or training backgrounds. However, it’s good to note that while many have received at least a high school diploma or GED, others may have studied TV or film production, communications, costume design, or graphic design in college.