Become a Production Assistant: Education and Career Roadmap
Learn how to become a production assistant. Research the education requirements and learn about the experience you need to advance your career as a production assistant.
Production Assistant Requirements
Production assistants (PA) work on television, news and film sets assisting production staff. They may review rough cuts, arrange schedules, track invoices and provide basic administrative support. Some PAs may assist sound and lighting technicians. A production assistant position is an entry-level job and a starting point for individuals who want to advance in the field. There is no specific education, licensure or certification required to work as a PA, but those who want to advance in their career and obtain directing, lighting or sound jobs may need formal training. The table below contains the requirements to become a PA based on job postings found on CareerBuilder.com in September, 2012:
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Bachelor's |
| Degree Fields_ | Film and television production, film studies |
| _Experience | Previous experience through a formal training program may be preferred by some employers |
| _Key Skills | Must be detail oriented and able to follow directions, work well under pressure and multi-task |
| _Computer Skills | Familiarity with Final Cut Pro and DVD production programs |
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Employers may prefer graduates with a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate degree programs in film and television production or film studies are available, and often include hands-on or cooperative work experiences. Courses in these programs teach students about the equipment used in production and the different aspects of pre-production, production and post-production techniques and processes. Students in these programs also study film writing, directing, lighting, sound, acting and editing.
Success Tips
- Learn how to use post-production computer software programs. Some employers prefer assistants who can use editing software programs. Learning how to use these programs, such as Final Cut Pro, may be beneficial when seeking a position.
- Complete an internship. An internship with a film, television or production company can be a good way to gain hands-on experience. Internships are a starting point for building a resume, can also provide networking opportunities and may lead to full-time employment after graduation.
Step 2: Complete a Training Program
Some organizations offer 4-6 week production assistant training programs. In these programs, in addition to production courses, students complete hands-on learning opportunities. These programs may also assist students in finding jobs after completion, and some may even provide two years of employment to program graduates.
Step 3: Begin Working in the Field
Employment for production assistants is often available in major cities; however, New York and Los Angeles usually offer the majority of work opportunities. While relocation to one of these cities may need to be considered, film and television shows are filmed throughout the country, making it possible to find a local position. Production assistants usually must be willing to work flexible schedules.
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8 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Illinois (1 campus)
- Nevada (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Georgia (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (4)
- Georgia (2)
- Illinois (2)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (5)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- Master in Film
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
- Bachelor in Film & Digital Production
- BS in Digital Cinema & Video Production
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- Bachelor in Sound & Motion Picture Technical Arts
- Bachelor in Entertainment Design
- Bachelor in Photography
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Associate
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- Associate in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
- Associate of Arts in Photographic Imaging
- Associate of Science - Video Production
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- Associate in Digital Photography
- Associate in Photographic Imaging
- Associate in Audio Production
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Audio Production
- Certificate in Photography
- Certificate in Digital Workflow
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- Certificate in Portrait Photography
- Certificate in Studio Photography
- Diploma in Commercial Photography
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-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MA in English and Creative Writing - Screenwriting
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Syracuse University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Cinematography and Film Production
- Photography
-
School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Iowa include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Cinematography and Film Production
- Film and Cinema Studies
