NSIM

Stories you may like

• Environment Artist

• Texturing artist

• Film Colorist

• Sound design

• Multimedia Specialists

Television production assistants are responsible for providing administrative and organisational support to senior production staff prior to, during and after production of a programme.

Responsibilities of the job include:

• clearing copyrights

• booking studios, production equipment, performance and production staff

• liaising with a wide range of people

• organising meetings and interviews

• preparing and distributing briefing notes and scripts

• organising schedules and contracts

• overseeing cues, timings and continuity during recording

• budgeting.

Travel, long hours and tight deadlines can make the work tiring and stressful. Job security may be an issue as the work is frequently dominated by short-term contracts.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into this profession for both university graduates and school leavers.

Any degree discipline is acceptable, although a relevant qualification in journalism, communications or media studies, humanities, English or business studies may be preferred.

The ability to demonstrate knowledge, experience or a genuine interest in television and radio is essential, and often more important than academic qualifications.

Key skills for production assistants

• Excellent communication skills

• Adaptability

• Enthusiasm

• Determination

• Perseverance

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Organisational skills

• Administrative skills

• Budgeting skills

• IT skills

Typical employers of production assistants

• Independent production companies

• Television companies

• BBC

• Channel 4

Experienced assistants may also work on a self-employed or freelance basis, particularly within the independent sector.