How to become a Film and Television Producer's Assistant
Film and television producers' assistants provide technical and other assistance for the production, recording and/or broadcasting of artistic performances, news, sports and special events.
Personal requirements for a Film and Television Producer's Assistant
- Organisational and administrative skills
- Attention to detail
- Interested in film and/or television
- Able to work as part of a team
Education & Training for a Film and Television Producer's Assistant
You can work as a film and television producer's assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a film and television producer's assistant through a traineeship in Broadcast Technology, Creative Industries (Media) or Screen and Media. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. Alternatively, you can become a film and television producer's assistant by completing a degree in creative arts, media, film production or media arts and production, with a major in film and television. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work. A number of institutions in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Duties & Tasks of a Film and Television Producer's Assistant
Film and television producers' assistants:
- Provide clerical assistance, compile details of program requirements and arrange artists' rehearsal times
- Assist with the preparation of music, written material and photography to be included in the production of the program
- Advise studio floor personnel of camera cues
- Keep records of filmed sequences for visual and narrative flow.
Tasks
- Completes administrative, publicity and research work.
- Photocopies scripts, arranges voice-overs.
- Works out shooting and rehearsal schedules.
- Carries out general administration tasks.
- Organises contracts.
- Sorts out any legal requirements in relation to venues.
- Labels and categorises tapes and sends them to the director and other relevant staff.
- Hires and books vehicles, accommodation, equipment and flights.
- Arranges production meetings.
- Deals with production enquiries from the public.
Employment Opportunities for a Film and Television Producer's Assistant
Film and television producers' assistants are employed by film companies, television stations, video production houses and theatre companies. Competition is very high for available positions, and patience and persistence are necessary to succeed.
Specializations
Film and Television Producer
A film and television producer plans and manages the technical and artistic resources required in the production of television programmes or films. They oversee the budget, recruitment of staff, script development and coordination of sets, locations and equipment. They often have extensive industry experience, proven entrepreneurial ability and sometimes also work as directors.
Film and Television Producer
A film and television producer plans and manages the technical and artistic resources required in the production of television programmes or films. They oversee the budget, recruitment of staff, script development and coordination of sets, locations and equipment. They often have extensive industry experience, proven entrepreneurial ability and sometimes also work as directors.
Film and Television Producer's Assistant
Film and television producers' assistants provide technical and other assistance for the production, recording and/or broadcasting of artistic performances, news, sports and special events.
Average age
29
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
59% female
Average full-time
46 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
74%
Employment Size
1,400
Employment by state
ACT: 0.8%
NSW: 51.8%
NT: 0.7%
QLD: 10.6%
SA: 3.9%
TAS: 1.0%
VIC: 26.4%
WA: 4.8%
Age brackets
15-19: 3%
20-24: 20.6%
25-34: 42.4%
35-44: 18.4%
45-54: 9.7%
55-59: 3.3%
60-64: 1.5%
65 and Over: 1%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 13.8%
Bachelor degree: 47.1%
Certificate III/IV: 7.3%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 6.7%
Year 10 and below: 3.2%
Year 11: 1.9%
Year 12: 19.9%
