No formal qualifications are needed to become a PA. The Production Assistant (PA) has an important role on-set in the entertainment industry by providing support for producers, directors and crew members with the creation of movies, TV shows, ads and other forms of productions. It’s a great place to start if you’ve just entered the industry and want to taste film, TV, and media production. Do you like fast-paced environments? Are you well-organised and passionate about bringing productions to life behind the scenes? Then becoming a production assistant could just be the career for you! This guide will explain how to become a production assistant in the UK, including the qualifications and key skills you’ll require.

What Does a Production Assistant Do?

Production Assistants help with logistical needs for film, television and media productions. Their tasks can vary widely depending on the production and the needs of the crew but generally involve:

• Supporting the Production Team: PAs help the producers, director, and other key personnel schedule, distribute scripts, coordinate meetings, etc.
• Organising Equipment and Materials: PAs ensure that the equipment and materials are available on set and in good working order. They are sometimes responsible for moving equipment between locations.
• Administrative Duties: PAs may handle administrative duties for the production, such as filing paperwork, maintaining a production log, sending and receiving invoices, and helping with budgeting.
• Communicating with Cast and Crew:  Production Assistants communicate with cast and crew about the shooting schedule, location and last-minute production changes.
• Errands: PAs run all kinds of errands to ensure productions run smoothly, whether picking up coffee for the crew, buying props, or taking cast members to set.
• Set Management: PAs help set up and break down equipment, ensure the set is clean and tidy, and help with crowd control or traffic control on location.
• Keeping the Newsflow: PAs make sure that everyone up and down the line, from script writing to broadcast, is informed of what’s happening at every stage in the production.

Average Production Assistant Salary in the UK

Productions pay a Production Assistant salary between £18,000 and £23,000 per year in the UK. Where in the UK you work, and the type of production you work as an entry-level PA determines your pay.

The longer a PA works, and the more high-end productions they are on, the more they can earn, up to around £25,000 to £30,000. A freelance PA will be paid by the day, and rates vary from £80-£150. Although starting salaries are low, the role is a great way to learn how to work on a production and progress into other paid, more senior jobs.

Key Skills for a Successful Production Assistant

Suppose you are a successful Production Assistant; you need t. In that case, I need to be organised, flexible, and able to work on varied tasks under pressure. Key skills include:

• Time Management and Organisation: Production Assistants often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, so managing your time and staying organised is key to ensuring the production runs smoothly.
• Communication Skills: Being a PA is like liaising between numerous departments and employees. You have to communicate effectively and efficiently, ensuring that schedules are in order, information is distributed, and everyone is kept in the loop.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Production is a fast-paced field where things don’t always go to plan. A PA needs to be able to think on their feet and solve problems under pressure.
• Attention to detail: This is important both on-set and off when it comes to ensuring that props are set up in the correct location or that various administrative tasks are taken care of.
• Team/Work: As a PA, you’ll work with the director, producers, crew, and cast, and you must know how to communicate and collaborate. It’s a team/work effort, no matter what kind of show.
• Physical endurance: Most productions are long days and often require physical labour – setting up equipment, moving props and furniture, running errands, etc. PAs need to be ready to do physical work.
• Adaptability and resilience: Production environments can be chaotic, with last-minute changes and short deadlines. You need to keep your cool and roll with the punches.

Steps to Become a Production Assistant in the UK

Here’s how you can become a Production Assistant in the UK:

1. Pursue Relevant Education (Optional): While a formal education isn’t always required to become a Production Assistant, having a background in film, media production, or a related field can help you stand out. Many aspiring PAs choose to study for a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Media Production, Broadcasting, or Communication. These courses provide a strong foundation in the technical and creative aspects of production.
   Additionally, some universities and colleges offer specialized production courses that focus on practical, hands-on learning in areas like camera work, editing, and set design, which can give you a head start in understanding the production process.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience: Experience is key in the film and television industry. One of the best ways to gain hands-on experience is by working on student films, independent projects, or volunteering on small productions. This will give you the chance to develop essential skills, network with industry professionals, and learn how sets operate. Many successful PAs start by working as runners or assisting on smaller productions before moving to larger projects.
   Look for opportunities to intern or work as a runner on local productions, either in film, TV, or even commercials and music videos. These experiences allow you to build connections and get your foot in the door.
3. Build a Strong Network: Networking is critical in the entertainment industry, and many Production Assistant jobs are found through word-of-mouth or industry contacts. Attend industry events, join professional organizations such as BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union), and connect with professionals working in film and television. Building relationships with producers, directors, and crew members can help you find job opportunities and advance your career.
4. Create a Strong Portfolio: While PAs may not have extensive portfolios compared to more creative roles, showcasing any relevant experience can be helpful. Keep a record of the productions you’ve worked on, highlighting your role and contributions. This could include photos, references, or even written testimonials from those you’ve worked with. A strong portfolio helps demonstrate your experience and commitment to the industry.
5. Apply for Production Assistant Roles: Once you’ve gained some experience and built your network, start applying for Production Assistant roles. Job opportunities can be found on websites such as Mandy, The Talent Manager, and Indeed, as well as through production companies’ own websites.
   Be sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to each production, emphasizing your relevant skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the industry. Demonstrating flexibility, willingness to work hard, and a proactive attitude will make you stand out to potential employers.
6. Learn on the Job and Continue to Grow: Production Assistant roles provide a valuable learning experience. As you work on different sets, take the opportunity to observe and learn from the crew, cast, and production team. Absorb as much information as possible, ask questions, and develop your skills. Over time, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to advance to more specialized or senior positions, such as Assistant Director (AD), Production Coordinator, or Producer.

Tips for Aspiring Production Assistants

• Expect Long Days: Most productions work long days, and PAs are expected to be first on set and the last to leave at the end of the day. Get ready, physically and time-wise, for the demands of the job.
• Always Take the Initiative: On set, always be the first to find something to do. Search for problems that need help – you might be asked to lift some equipment or locate something needed on set. Your supervisors always appreciate taking the initiative.
• Stay Positive: The production environment can be stressful, but keeping a positive and ‘can do’ attitude will make others want to work with you and prove that you’re someone others can count on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Production Assistant?

If you’re looking to break into the film, TV and media production industries, being a Production Assistant is a fantastic opportunity to learn how a production works, gain on-the-job experience and build industry contacts. If you’re interested in media production, like to work hard and are comfortable working under pressure, this could be your ideal starting point.

Is a Career as a Production Assistant Right for You?

Being extremely organised, adaptable, and a ‘behind-the-scenes’ person are all prerequisites for a career as a Production Assistant. If you don’t mind working hard, doing multiple jobs at once and making yourself indispensable to the production while learning all there is to know about film and TV, maybe PA work is your career.

What Are the Salary Prospects for Production Assistants in the UK?

Entry-level Production Assistants can earn between £18,000 and £23,000 per year, with more experienced salaries reaching £25,000 to £30,000. Freelance PAs can be paid daily, sometimes interchangeably with runners, and typically between £80 and £150 per day, depending on the production. While the pay may be modest, there are many opportunities to move into higher-paid roles once you build up experience.

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Production Assistant?

No formal qualifications are needed to become a PA. However, having a degree in film studies, media production, or a similar field can help. More important than formal education is getting experience through internships, volunteering, or starting as a runner on smaller productions. Gaining experience, learning relevant skills, demonstrating a strong work ethic, and building a network will be more important than formal qualifications in finding your first PA role.

Do You Need Work Experience to Start a Career as a Production Assistant?

While previous experience is not necessarily required when applying for entry-level Production Assistant positions, having gained some exposure to the production process via internships, running or working on student or independent films can give you an edge. Experience in other industries that require good organisational and communication skills, such as event management or administration, can be useful, too.

What Is the Career Outlook for Production Assistants?

That’s because film, TV and media will never die. The prospects for Production Assistants will always be strong. The more digital content created, the more PAs needed to make it happen – from streaming services to new media platforms. PAs who develop a strong network, prove themselves reliable, and build a strong knowledge of the production process can advance to become production coordinators, assistant directors, or even producers.

What Are the Career Progression Options for Production Assistants?

Most good PAs can use experience and connections to move up and become Production Coordinators, Script Supervisors, Assistant Directors or Location Managers. Eventually, many become Producers or Directors, running entire productions and directing creative projects from start to finish.

What Are the Exit Options and Opportunities Beyond Production Assistant Work?

These skills are also highly transferrable – from time management to organisation to problem-solving – while the experience of a Production Assistant can be leveraged toward a career in event management, project coordination or logistics management. Many established PAs also use their experience to pursue jobs in talent management, script development or casting.