How to Get a Job as a Production Assistant
Show business is one of the most challenging fields to break in to, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. If the bright lights of Hollywood have been calling your name, your first step to turning that dream into a reality is landing a job as a production assistant. While there's nothing glamorous about it, it's the best way to get your foot in the entertainment industry door.
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Instructions
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Research, research, research. It's important you understand what a production assistant job entails and that requires doing your homework. Head to your local bookstore and read up on the industry and profession. Memorize names, players and companies. Watch as many movies as you can, especially the classics and award winners. Familiarize yourself with the industry since knowledge is power.
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Go where the jobs are. There's no denying it--Los Angeles and New York are the top two places to land a production assistant job. It's not impossible to find a gig somewhere else, but it is far less likely. If you are serious about an entertainment career, plan on moving to Los Angeles or New York as soon as possible. If that's not possible right away, look into local television and news stations for openings until you are able to relocate.
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Realize no job is below you. What does a production assistant do? Anything they are told. Professional duties run the gamut from delivering tapes to fetching coffee, and since you are the lowest man on the totem pole, you will be treated as such. That being said, it's how you meet people who can further your career. No matter how low or nonexistent the pay is, take the job. No matter how unrelated the show or film is to what you're actually interested in, take the job. No job is too small.
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Network, network, network. You've probably heard "It's all about who you know" before, but this is especially true for the entertainment industry. Networking is just as important if not more important than your qualifications, so get to know as many people in the field as you can. Build strong professional relationships with co-workers, join clubs and organizations related to the industry, and get and maintain the contact information of as many people as you can. You never know when you might need their help.
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Focus your energy. Once you become more familiar with the field and how the process works, try to focus on what stage of production you are most drawn to. Writing? Video editing? Directing? Talent management? Take specialized classes to hone your skills and read up on the leading players in that niche. Having a specific expertise will help you land more jobs than simply being a general production assistant.
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Tips & Warnings
The Hollywood Creative Directory is the go-to source for entertainment information. It's practically the phone book for the industry.
Make sure to read trade magazines and websites like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety to stay on top of the latest industry news.
If you don't have a valid driver's license, the odds of landing a production assistant job are slim. Make sure to get one ASAP.
Eliminate the words "no" and "can't" from your vocabulary. There will always be someone lined up behind you ready to say "yes."
Resources
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