Why Production Assistants are Important

If you are interested in working in the television and film industry, chances are you’re first job in the industry will be as a Production Assistant, or PA. This is a stepping stone job and a great way to get your foot in the door. So, if you’re looking at studying broadcast, radio, or another form of entertainment, learning more about the role of a Production Assistant is important, and a great skill to add to your resume.

The Importance of a Production Assistant

When it gets down to brass tacks tax, without production assistants, nothing would get done. They are basically the glue that keeps everything together. They do the little things that are almost never noticed but required to keep the production on schedule. Production Assistants help keep the entertainment world running, and it takes someone who is detailed oriented, dependable, and creative to be successful in this role.

Broadcasting & Media Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a production assistant will vary. A PA may also be referred to as a runner, as they are going to spend much of their time running from one task to another. They are going to assist with any job and do any task they’re assigned. A PA’s task could be administrative, from arranging transportation, to appointment scheduling and schedule managing. Basically, if you become a production assistant, you become a jack of all trades. You may have some written responsibilities when you are hired on, but you will be needed and expected to do just about anything else. The role of a PA is also a great way to hone critical networking skills The more helpful you are on set and in the office, the faster you are going to be noticed, promoted, or considered for a future position on another project.

Skill Requirements

To be successful as a Production Assistant, there are some important skills you should have:

• The ability to be flexible

• Being able to think and act quickly in any situation

• Organized

• Dependable

• Enthusiastic

Technologically savvy

If you’d like to learn more about the role of a Production Assistant, and how to acquire the skills necessary to land your first job in the broadcasting industry, our admissions staff is ready to give you all the information you’ll need to get started.

Schedule a campus tour today, and enroll as early as our next class start!