TV or film assistant production co-ordinator
Assistant production co-ordinators support producers in making film and TV programmes.
What you'll do
As an assistant production co-ordinator in film, you could:
- help to run the production office
- hire studio facilities and equipment
- book accommodation and make travel arrangements for staff
- distribute filming schedules and scripts to cast and crew
- organise and manage production meetings
- get permission to use copyrighted music or film clips
- deal with accounts and expenses
In television, you could:
- monitor show timings 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
Working environment
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- the ability to use your initiative
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- business management skills
- maths skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a tV or film assistant production co-ordinator
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
You can take a degree at university though this is not essential. Useful subjects include:
- creative media production
- film and television production
- film and TV studies
Part of the job involves working with budgets, so a course in business management or finance can also be helpful.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a course at college to learn some of the skills needed to become a trainee, for example:
- film and television production
- creative media production and technology
- creative and digital media
- business administration
- accounting
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship with a media company, like:
- Production Assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Junior Production Co-ordinator Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 may also offer apprenticeship opportunities.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Work
You could start as a runner or junior assistant in the production office. You'll learn on the job from experienced staff. With further training, you could work your way up to become an assistant production co-ordinator.
Volunteering
It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and to develop a good understanding of the production process and the different roles.
For example, you can:
- work on student film or TV productions
- get involved with community film projects
- volunteer with community radio
- find work experience placements with production companies
The BBC , ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, and 'insight' and 'talent days'. Competition can be tough, but if you're successful, it will help you get a better understanding of the industry.
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge .
Direct application
You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will expect you to have relevant skills and experience. This might be from working in TV, advertising, hospitality or office management.
Other routes
You can take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. You can search for industry approved courses through ScreenSkills.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a production co-ordinator, production manager or producer.
You could work for a production company or go freelance.
Over time, you may wish to set up your own production company.
Career tips
You'll need to develop experience in both the creative and business sides of film and programme making. You'll also need to develop a network of contacts to get advice about the industry and potential opportunities for work experience or trainee positions.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Production Guild for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Guides for this industry
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