All Job Categories
TV or film assistant production co-ordinator
Assistant production co-ordinators support producers in making film or TV programmes.
Average salary (a year)
£0
Starter
£0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
University
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
BBC apprenticeships|https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships
Channel 4 apprenticeships|https://careers.channel4.com/4talent/apprenticeships
ITV apprenticeships|https://careers.itv.com/teams/early-careers/apprenticeships
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
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.
Volunteering
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.
Direct Application
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.
Other Routes
You could also take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
More Information
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 becoming a TV or film assistant production co-ordinator from ScreenSkills and Discover Creative Careers.
You can also find out more about entry level opportunities in television from the Royal Television Society.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
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 & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could progress to production co-ordinator and production manager, or become a researcher or producer.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
Powered by
Claim your school or college profile