TV Production Assistant Jobs: How to Launch Your Career
Television production is a highly competitive industry, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. Working as a production assistant (PA) is a great way to get your foot in the door and start building your career. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about TV production assistant jobs, including what a PA does, how to become one, and what to expect on the job.
What Does a TV Production Assistant Do?
A production assistant is an entry-level position in the television industry. PAs are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:
- Assisting the producer and director with pre-production tasks, such as scheduling and location scouting
- Setting up equipment and props on set
- Helping with lighting and sound
- Running errands, such as picking up lunch or coffee for the crew
- Coordinating with talent and extras
- Assisting with post-production tasks, such as editing and sound mixing
As a PA, you’ll be working long hours and performing a lot of manual labor. However, it’s also a great opportunity to learn about all aspects of television production and start building your network.
How to Become a TV Production Assistant
Becoming a production assistant requires a combination of education, training, and networking. Here are the steps you can take to launch your career:
Get a degree in film or television production.
While it’s not strictly necessary to have a degree in order to become a production assistant, having a formal education in film or television production can give you a leg up on the competition. Look for programs at reputable schools like New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Parsons School of Design, or The New School.
Gain experience through internships.
Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience in the television industry. Look for internships at production companies, television studios, or even local news stations. You can also find opportunities through online job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor.
Build your network.
Networking is key in the television industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations like the National Association of Television Production Executives (NATPE), and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might be able to help you land your first job.
Apply for PA positions.
Once you’ve gained some experience and built your network, start applying for production assistant positions. You can find job listings on industry job boards like ProductionHUB or Staff Me Up.
What to Expect on the Job
Working as a production assistant can be both exciting and challenging. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You’ll be working long hours, often on weekends and holidays.
- You’ll be performing a lot of manual labor, such as carrying heavy equipment and setting up props.
- You’ll need to be flexible and able to adapt to changing situations on set.
- You’ll be working with a lot of different people, so good communication skills are essential.
Conclusion
A TV production assistant is an entry-level position in the television industry. PAs are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from assisting with pre-production to helping with post-production. To become a production assistant, you should get a degree in film or television production, gain experience through internships, build your network, and apply for PA positions. Working as a production assistant can be both rewarding and challenging, but it’s a great way to start building your career in television production.
Becoming a TV production assistant is a great way to launch your career in the television industry. While it can be challenging, it’s also a great opportunity to learn about all aspects of production and start building your network. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in television production, take the steps outlined in this article and consider taking the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. Good luck!
