TV or film assistant production co-ordinator
Job Description:Assistant production co-ordinators support producers in making film or TV programmes.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- hire studio facilities and equipment
- book hotels and make travel arrangements
- attend production meetings
- copy and distribute scripts
- type and circulate production schedules (‘call sheets’) and daily reports
- get permission to use copyrighted music or film clips
deal with accounts and expenses
In television, you could:
- time the show in the studio gallery
- call camera shots
- cue pre-recorded material
- keep records or a log of shots taken
- make sure the shots look the same after breaks in filming
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- knowledge of English language
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Entry Requirements:
To become a TV or Film Assistant Production Coordinator, you don’t necessarily need specific subjects, but having a strong foundation in relevant subjects can be advantageous. Assistant Production Coordinators help with the logistical and administrative aspects of TV and film productions. Here are some subjects and steps that can be beneficial:
- English: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for an Assistant Production Coordinator. English can help you develop these skills, as you’ll need to create documents, communicate with the team, and draft various materials.
- Media Studies: This subject can provide insights into the world of media production, including film and television. It may cover aspects of production coordination, project management, and media theory.
- Business Studies: As an Assistant Production Coordinator, you’ll be involved in budget management, scheduling, and administrative tasks. Knowledge in business studies can be valuable for these responsibilities.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are useful for tasks such as budgeting, financial management, and scheduling.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training providers
University
Many people in this role are graduates, though having a degree is not essential. Degree subjects that may be useful include:
- creative media production
- film and television production
- film and TV studies
You might find it helpful to choose a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts.
College
You could take a course at college, for example:
- Diploma in Media Techniques
- Diploma in Creative Media Production
- Media, Broadcast and Production courses
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a broadcast production assistant advanced apprenticeship.
Local news channels may offer apprenticeship opportunities.
Work
Your first paid job will usually be as a runner or junior assistant in the production office. You’ll then work your way up as you get experience.
Volunteering
Get as much practical experience as you can. This will show employers that you’re committed to learning more about the industry. You can build useful experience through activities like:
- student or community film/TV projects
- community or student radio
You’ll also get the opportunity to meet people already working in TV and film. Building a network of contacts could help you when you start looking for work.
Direct Application
Employers will be interested in your relevant skills and experience. Some will expect you to be a graduate.
Generally they will value experience of working in TV, advertising or office management.
Other Routes
You could also take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
Career tips
You’ll need to develop experience in both the creative and business sides of film or programme making. You’ll also need to develop an understanding of the production process, and a good network of contacts in the industry.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typically you could work up to 39/41 hours per week. You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio, on a film set or in an office.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could progress to production co-ordinator and production manager, or become a researcher or producer.