TV or film assistant production co-ordinator
Assistant production co-ordinators support producers in making film or TV programmes.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
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.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to production co-ordinator and production manager, or become a researcher or producer.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of English language
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
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
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.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You could take a course at college, for example:
- Level 3 Diploma in Media Techniques
- Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You may be able to do a broadcast production assistant advanced apprenticeship.
The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 may offer apprenticeship opportunities.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
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.
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.
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.
ScreenSkills also has information on finding work experience.
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.
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.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Production Guild for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in film or TV from:
You can also find out more about entry level opportunities in television from the Royal Television Society.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.