How to Become a Production Assistant
The number of television job applicants exceeds the amount of TV jobs that are available. Television is a tough business to break into, but it is not impossible. You can launch a career as a production assistant if you are determined, flexible and willing to work hard.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
-
-
1
Polish your organizational and communications skills. A production assistant is a multi-tasker and needs to be able to communicate effectively with anyone that is part of the production team. An employer looks for these characteristics when considering someone for a production assistant position.
-
2
Search for production assistant jobs in television trade publications, on television job websites or at local cable and commercial television stations. Local stations sometimes post available jobs in the local newspaper classified ads. It is possible to get an entry-level production assistant position with a local station without television experience. Show a willingness to learn and enthusiasm for TV production.
-
3
Look for freelance positions. Work on local sports events production crews to get your foot in the door. These jobs are usually temporary, low-paying gopher jobs, but allow you to learn a variety of production skills and network with other people in television. Major television networks are always looking for local people to work on crews in various cities for football, basketball, golf tournaments, tennis, car racing and other events. Inquire about these opportunities on television job websites or major television network websites. Students majoring in television should ask their college professors about freelance opportunities. Networks solicit colleges for students to fill no-pay or low-pay positions in exchange for on-the-job training. ESPN offers a P.A. Trainee program and multiple internships on their website.
-
4
Be flexible. Television production jobs have crew calls that may be early in the morning and go late into the evening. Production shoots can be scheduled on nights, weekends and holidays. You may not have a choice of a traditional business hours work schedule.
-
5
Build a portfolio of your production work. Get copies of shows in which you worked as part of the production crew.
-
6
Learn as many production duties as possible. Make yourself available to do any job that needs to get done. The more experience you have doing various production tasks, the better your chances of getting a permanent production assistant position.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Develop contacts in the industry. Networking is essential to getting jobs. Who you know can lead to your next job.
High school or college students that are interested in production assistant jobs should contact local television stations to inquire whether or not they offer internship programs.
