How to Be Television Production Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 24, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The production assistant is a vital role in television production. This position requires a great deal of multitasking and problem-solving, as they are responsible for a wide range of tasks. Some of these tasks include organizing cast and crew, scheduling shoots, and assisting with set design.

As a result of their hard work, production assistants help ensure the production runs smoothly and efficiently, and can make a significant impact on the quality of the final product. They are also responsible for overseeing safety protocols and ensuring that all crew members are following them. Without the production assistant, many of these tasks would be left undone, leading to a decrease in the quality of the show, delays in production, and potentially dangerous conditions for crew members.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Degree. A degree in television production, film production, business administration, communications or a related field is recommended to become a TV production assistant. Coursework should include topics like media production, editing, lighting, sound design and filmmaking.
Gain Experience. Participating in internships and other volunteer activities can give aspiring production assistants an idea of what the job entails and may be beneficial for finding employment.
Secure Employment. After gaining experience, job seekers can apply for production assistant positions directly with television stations or production companies. Job applicants may also search job boards such as Indeed. com or MediaBistro. com for available positions.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Most employers will provide additional on-the-job training for production assistants to ensure that they understand the company's protocols and procedures.
Learn the Necessary Skills. Production assistants must possess strong organizational and multitasking skills. They must also be comfortable with using various types of media production equipment.

Reliability and competence are two essential qualities of a Television Production Assistant. Becoming reliable and competent requires hard work and dedication. To be reliable, a Production Assistant must be punctual, organized, and prepared to handle any situation that may arise while on the job.

They must also be able to follow directions and work as part of a team. Competence is also key, as a Production Assistant must be able to understand the technical aspects of their job and be able to learn quickly. A Production Assistant must also possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, so that they can effectively communicate with the crew and editors.

Finally, a Production Assistant must have the ability to multi-task and adjust quickly to unexpected changes in the production schedule. By displaying these qualities, a Production Assistant will become a dependable and trustworthy member of the production team.

You may want to check Television Graphic Designer, Television Sound Technician, and Television Show Producer for alternative.

Job Description

Assist in setting up and breaking down of equipment for filming and editing
Assist camera operators with lighting and audio
Operate cameras, video switchers, sound boards and other equipment
Assist with the organization of props, sets and costumes
Assist with production paperwork, such as call sheets and scene breakdowns
Ensure that safety protocols are followed during filming
Troubleshoot technical problems
Maintain production equipment and supplies
Help coordinate shoot locations and schedule
Monitor audio and video quality during production
Assist with post-production tasks, such as logging, digitizing, editing, and archiving footage
Run errands as needed

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Knowledge of camera and audio equipment
Ability to work independently or in a team environment
Attention to detail
Ability to take direction
Problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Proficiency in video editing software
Knowledge of television production processes, techniques, and standards

Being a successful television production assistant requires a variety of different skills, such as the ability to think on your feet, stay organized, and communicate effectively. Having strong problem-solving skills is particularly important for this role, as production assistants are often tasked with resolving issues quickly and efficiently in order to keep the production running smoothly. the ability to work well with people is key, as television production involves collaboration with a range of individuals.

Production assistants must be able to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize their workloads, as they are often required to multitask while working on tight deadlines. Finally, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends is essential for success in this profession. By having these skills and attributes, a production assistant can ensure the highest quality of work and make successful contributions to the television production team.

Television Broadcast Technician, Television Reporter, and Television Network Executive are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in television production?
Do you have any experience with editing or post-production?
How would you handle a difficult situation with a cast or crew member?
What is your approach to ensuring the highest quality product is delivered?
How familiar are you with industry standard software and hardware?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem on set.
What strategies do you use to stay organized and on track when working on a project?
What do you believe are the most important qualities of a successful Production Assistant?
How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple tasks?
How do you handle working with different personalities on-set?

Common Tools in Industry

Video Editing Software. Software used to edit videos and create special effects. (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro)
Camera Equipment. Cameras, lenses, filters, and other equipment used to capture video. (eg: Canon 5D Mark III)
Lighting Equipment. Lighting stands, bulbs, and other equipment for lighting sets and shooting locations. (eg: Arri lighting kits)
Audio Recording Equipment. Microphones, mixers, and other equipment for sound recording. (eg: Shure SM58 microphone)
Set Design Materials. Props, furniture, and other items used to build and design sets. (eg: Foam core boards)
Graphics Software. Software used to create graphics for use in video production. (eg: Adobe After Effects)
Scriptwriting Software. Software used to write scripts for video production. (eg: Celtx)
Storyboarding Software. Software used to create storyboards for video production. (eg: Boords)
Production Schedules. Scheduling software used to keep track of production tasks and timelines. (eg: StudioBinder)
Teleprompter Software. Software used to display text on a teleprompter during filming. (eg: Autocue)

Professional Organizations to Know

Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Broadcast Education Association (BEA)
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)
International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (IATAS)
Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA)
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
The Producers Guild of America (PGA)
Writers Guild of America (WGA)
Directors Guild of America (DGA)

We also have Television Production Coordinator, Television Marketing Representative, and Television Script Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Clapperboard. A clapperboard is a device used in filmmaking and video production to assist in the synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded.
Cue Cards. Cue cards are small cards used in film and television production that contain lines of dialogue or direction. They are used as a prompt for actors so that they don't have to memorize their lines.
Production Slate. A production slate is a device used in film, television and video production that is used to accurately identify each take as it is recorded. It is typically composed of two hinged wooden boards with pieces of chalk or grease pencils on them.
Script Supervisor. A script supervisor is a member of the production team whose responsibility is to keep track of the shooting script and make sure that the continuity of the film is maintained from shot to shot.
Boom Operator. A boom operator is a technician who works with the sound crew on a film or television production. Their job is to position and operate the microphone boom, which is a long pole attached to a microphone that captures audio from actors and other sources on set.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main duties of a Television Production Assistant?

A Television Production Assistant is responsible for providing administrative and technical support to the production team. This can include tasks such as scheduling, managing equipment, coordinating travel and accommodations, and assisting with scriptwriting.

What qualifications are required to become a Television Production Assistant?

To become a Television Production Assistant, you will need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. It is also beneficial to have experience with video editing, writing, and managing production budgets.

What is the average salary of a Television Production Assistant?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Television Production Assistant is $38,661 per year.

What skills are important for a successful Television Production Assistant?

It is important for a successful Television Production Assistant to have strong organizational skills, be able to communicate effectively, have excellent attention to detail, have the ability to work well under pressure, and have knowledge of industry software.

What are some of the common challenges that Television Production Assistants face?

Some of the common challenges that Television Production Assistants face include tight deadlines, working long hours, managing multiple projects at once, and staying up-to-date on industry trends and technologies.