Film and television producer's assistants provide technical and other assistance for the production, recording and/or broadcasting of artistic performances, news, sports and special events. Production Assistants (Film, Television, Radio or Stage) provide technical, administrative and organisational support to producers or directors for film, television, radio or stage productions.
   
This is an entry-level position, which makes it a great choice for anyone breaking into the film or television industry. Because the work is so diverse, it is one of the best ways for industry newbies to learn more about film and television production. Most film departments have their own production assistants, such as art department production assistants and costume production assistants.

    
ANZSCO ID: 599912
  
Alternative names: Production Assistant, Production Assistants (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Television & Film Producer's Assistant,  Set Assistant, PA, Set PA,
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

Since this is an entry-level role, production assistants rely on their natural qualities more than technical skills. Some of the qualities production assistants usually have include:

• organisational and administrative skills

• attention to detail

• interested in film and/or television

• agreeable and enthusiastic natures, which drive them to complete all delegated tasks without complaints

• creative thinking for finding innovative solutions to problems on set

• responsibility and accountability for completing important delegated tasks

• punctuality and efficiency on the job

• willingness to learn every aspect of the job

• patience when tasks seem menial or senior crew members are demanding

• physically fit, including the ability to lift 23K

• able to work as part of a team

While a production assistant relies on their natural abilities, they should also have some basic hard and soft skills. Important skills for the job include:

• understanding of how to operate office equipment, including photocopiers and fax machines

• good phone manners and speaking skills for answering calls

• competent driving abilities for cast, crew, and equipment transport

• basic meal preparation and serving skills

• active listening for understanding instructions

• walkie-talkie lingo and etiquette

• knowledge of occupational health and safety procedures

• navigational skills for efficiently running errands

What Is a Production Assistant and What to Expect
https://youtu.be/qbkjY_DsVvE

 

Duties and Tasks
  
Film and television producers' assistants may perform the following tasks:

• provide clerical assistance, compile details of programme requirements and arrange artists' rehearsal times

• making coffee for cast and crew

• faxing documents

• answering telephones

• helping catering crews prepare and serve meals

• completes administrative, publicity and research work

• works out shooting and rehearsal schedules

• arranges production meetings

• hires and books vehicles, accommodation, equipment and flights

• sorts out any legal requirements in relation to venues

• photocopies scripts, arranges voice-overs

• organises contracts

• deals with production enquiries from the public

• labels and categorises tapes and sends them to the director and other relevant staff

• carries out general administration tasks

• assist with the preparation of music, written material and photography to be included in the production of the programme

• advise studio floor personnel of camera cues

• keep records of filmed sequences for visual and narrative flow

Working conditions

Production assistants can work on film or television sets or in production offices. Some production assistants work in both environments. This is typically an entry-level role, but previous, relevant work experience or special interests can determine where production assistants work.

All production assistants work long hours, and night shifts and weekend work are common. Production assistants based on film sets usually work the longest and most inconsistent hours because their schedules correspond to the shooting schedule. However, even production assistants based in film offices often work between 10 and 12 hours each day. This is typically the same number of hours as production assistants working on TV sets.


Education and training/entrance requirements
   
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 VOC qualification in broadcast technology, creative industries (media) or screen and media. 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 HSC/ACT Year 12 with English. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work.

Additional Information
   
Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Screen and Media Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Employment Opportunities

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.

 

  

An Executive Producer, or EP, is responsible for supervising the creation of a theatre performance, commercial, web series, television show or film. Their duties include coming up with a concept and writing the script, setting budget expectations and assuring production quality on a film set.
   
An Executive Producer makes financial and business decisions for stage productions, commercials, TV shows or motion pictures. They raise capital for the project and hire Directors and crew including Choreographers, Musical Directors, film and video Editors and Set and Costume Designers.
   
Executive producers are the chief orchestrators of film, television, music, broadcast journalism and radio programming. Their primary duties include securing funds for production, hiring staff and outlining a long-term working schedule.

Executive producers are responsible for recruiting and interviewing the appropriate staff, managing the daily affairs of cast and crew and cultivating a working environment that meets the needs of a long-term, collaborative project, among other duties.

(Source: How I Got Job)

ANZSCO ID: 212112
   
Alternative names: EP
   
Specialisations:

• Film
• Radio
• Television
• Theatre
• Music

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A good Executive Producer is creative enough to think of a compelling story and practical enough to acquire and manage resources to share the story with an audience. Because Executive Producers play an important role in hiring the film crew and selecting a creative team, they should be a good judge of character and open to collaboration. Successful Executive Producers are skilled in time management and coordinating several different activities to align with a centralized schedule. They are budget-conscious and fiscally responsible, considering how various expenses could impact the production as a whole.
  
Executive producers will be skilled negotiators and should possess strong business and marketing skills to manage a production's commercial elements.

A job description for an Executive Producer may contain the following skills and qualifications:

• Degree in film, television or related field preferable.
• Communication skills for coordinating the work of various people to finish a project within budget and on-time.
• Creativity in deciding how a script will be interpreted and representing the script’s ideas on the stage or screen.
• Leadership skills for instructing Actors and helping them portray characters in a believable manner. They also need these skills for supervising the crew which is responsible for completing behind-the-scenes work.
• Comfortable with delegation.
• Maintains professional demeanor.
• Time-management skills in finding and hiring the best crew and Director for the project while making sure that everyone involved effectively do their jobs and keep the project on schedule and within budget.
• Good multitasking ability.
• Excellent verbal communication.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Business and marketing mindset.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current media market trends.
• Exhibits ability to think both creatively and analytically.

 

(Source: Careers in Film)

Duties and Tasks

An Executive Producer works with a film, video or theatre production company to plan filming schedules, distribute project funds and coordinate resources on set. They usually own the intellectual property of the project they are working on and plan the strategy of the entire film from fundraising to release. Executive Producers give instruction to other Producers on their staff who manage the small details and technical aspects of a project. Larger productions usually have several Producers who share various responsibilities. An Executive Producer supervises the entire production while a Line Producer runs the day-to-day operations. They manage staff schedules and approve promotional materials to generate excitement for a project’s release and contribute to its creative brand.

Executive Producers spend most of their time meeting with business partners, film crews and creative talent to delegate filming tasks and coordinate the different stages of film production. Executive Producers supervise different parts of a film crew at each stage of the production process. 

During pre-production, Executive Producers write and edit scripts in their office and secure funding sources to sponsor their project. When preparing the script, they work with screenwriters and script editors to produce a polished product that can translate to film or stage performance. They meet with Set Designers and ensure that the shooting location is prepared when the Actors and Directors arrive to begin filming.

Through the course of the film, Advertising Specialists, Brand Managers, Accountants, Publicists, Video Editors, Production Managers and Development Executives all report to the Executive Producer.

During post-production, Executive Producers lead advertising for the project, schedule interviews and generate press for its release.

• Introducing new ideas and concepts that might align with a project’s brand initiatives
• Ensuring production projects the intended brand image and meets competitive goals
• Supervising other Producers and making sure they and the rest of the production team are working within union regulations
• Overseeing and approving the hiring of marquee talent
• Provides a percentage of the funds necessary to start the project.
• Securing funding for production
• Recruiting the appropriate staff
• Works with the legal department to draw up contracts for artists and crew members.
• Outlining a long-term working timeline
• Managing the daily affairs of cast and crew
• Approves or denies all requests for materials, props, additional time, and additional crew.
• Seeing the production through from conception to final cut
• Complying with industry and union regulations
• Ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality
• Approving all decisions on props, sets, scheduling changes, etc
• Resolving internal conflict during production
• Assisting in the marketing and promotion of the product
• Maintaining the budget and approving schedules

In 2016 it was announced that Daniel Dae Kim would become EP for 3 new shows.
(Source: NBC News)

Working conditions
    
Executive producers sometimes visit film sets, though they do most of their work from an office where they can perform administrative tasks, like conducting financial meetings and speaking to shareholders.
 
Some working hours will be spent in an office setting, holding meetings and processing paperwork.
Time will also be spent on the production set or in the studio overseeing daily activity. Some travel for meetings, releases, and events may be required.


Education and training/entrance requirements
   
The Executive Producer position typically requires a bachelor’s degree and advance coursework in cinema or film where individuals gain knowledge of film history, the filmmaking process, cinematography, screenwriting and editing. Some Executive Producers pursue degrees in nonprofit management, arts management, communications, acting, writing or journalism.
   
Several years of experience in the industry (film, TV, music, etc.) is required.

Employment Opportunities

Executive Producers often begin their careers working in theatrical management offices as company or business Managers. In film or television, they may start out in low-profile studio jobs or as Assistant Producers or Producers. As an Executive Producer’s reputation grows they may work on more expensive and larger projects that attract more publicity or attention.

Did You Know? What is the difference between an Executive Producer and a Director? Executive Producers are in charge of the general strategy and business involved with creating and releasing a film project, while Directors oversee the creative decisions made on set. Executive Producers and Directors collaborate to decide on the artistic vision at the start of a project, with the Executive Producer then handling the logistics and the Director guiding actor performances and capturing the right shots for a film. The Executive Producer prepares the filming schedule and selects filming locations and the Director uses the time and resources allotted to tell a visual story. (Source: Indeed)

  

Film and video editors assemble audio, graphics, video and text into a finished product for films, television programs, video productions or commercials.
  
Film and television (TV) editors edit and assemble films, videos and digital files from raw, unedited footage ('dailies' or 'rushes'), taking into account the mood, pace and climax of films or television productions.

ANZSCO ID: 212314
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes
  
Suits creative people who have a strong visual imagination and the ability to interpret scripts and the directions of producers and directors. Skills in teamwork, communication and organisation are important, as is technical knowledge of production processes, video editing software and equipment.

To become a film, video or TV editor, you would need:

• artistic flair and an interest in visual media
• an eye for detail
• good organisational skills
• the ability to produce detailed and accurate work, often to tight deadlines
• good management and leadership skills
• an aptitude for using computers and digital editing software

 

(Source: Re-thinking the Future)

Duties and Tasks

As a film, video or TV editor, you would:

• assemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect
• review assembled films, edited videotapes or digital files on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary
• enter footage into the system for editing; create folders to store and archive video and audio files
• determine scenes that need to be re-shot
• pair footage with corresponding sound files - determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films
• work on the soundtrack and add any music or sound effects
• add titles, text or animation if required
• supervise the final mix of images with sound - set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product
• plan and organise the preparation and presentation of programs.

Working conditions
  
Work is in editing suites, TV and film studios, libraries, film archives, or government or private production company offices.
  
Work hours vary with the type of operator or editor, although most work full time. Those who work in broadcasting may put in long hours to meet a deadline. Those who work in the motion picture industry may have long, irregular hours while filming, but go through a period of unemployment after their work on the film is complete and before they are hired for their next job.

   
Tools and technologies
  
Film, Video or TV editors use computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units.

   
Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Film, Video or TV Editor without formal qualifications, however, a university or Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in film and video editing may be useful. You may like to consider a VET qualification in media or screen and media.

Alternatively, you can become a film, video and TV editor by completing a degree in creative arts, media or screen production, or film and television. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent with English. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work.

   
Employment Opportunities

Employment of film, video and TV editors is projected to decline, mainly due to advances in digital technology.

Production companies are working within new content delivery methods, such as mobile and online TV, which may lead to more work for editors.

Although there is continued strong demand for new movies and TV shows, less local content is being produced. In broadcasting, the consolidation of roles, such as field reporters who can edit their own work, may lead to fewer jobs for editors at TV stations.

(Source: Your Career)

 

 

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Materials sourced from
JobOutlook
Jobs & Skills WA [ Film &Video Producer; ]
Nashville Film Institute [Production Assistant; ]
Careers Online [Film & TV Producer's Assistant; ]
CareerHQ [Producer - Film, TV, Radio & Stage; Editor - Film & TV; ]
Indeed [Executive Producer; What does an EP do; ]
BetterTeam [Executive Producer; ]
Great Sampler Resume [Executive Producer; ]
 Your Career [ Video Producer; Production Assistants (Film, Television, Radio or Stage); Film & Video Editor; ]

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