Case studies: Production assistant: Olivia

Olivia graduated with a degree in commercial music. She has been working as a production assistant, responsible for research, for a film production company for the last five months.

She had a diverse range of jobs and experiences prior to this post which equipped her for entry into this work. This is her first full-time professional employment since graduating in June 2007. Although her job title is production assistant, the nature of the work, particularly in a small to medium-sized production company necessitates research work.

When asked about entering this industry, Olivia said she has an energy and enthusiasm for film production, initiative and a willingness to work on diverse projects and stated that she had always had a desire to work in a creative job. While studying, she interned at Sony BMG in Toronto, Canada, and returned home to complete a dissertation on karaoke culture in Glasgow. This dissertation spawned a short film, which she wrote and produced on her own initiative, building up a portfolio of experience in this field. Although inexperienced in film making, Olivia loved the process of filming and it inspired her to explore this as a career path. She got the opportunity to work as a wardrobe assistant on a music video and worked for a media company in Glasgow the summer after graduating. A job advert appeared on for a production assistant. She applied and was successful out of a field of 200 candidates.

Olivia described the interview, 'we were asked to complete an in-tray priority exercise and then I had a ten-minute informal interview. After this, I was invited for an additional interview on location at a film shoot and then offered the job'. She puts her success down to her willingness to work voluntarily in the industry, being persistent, showing initiative, drive and enthusiasm and being really adaptable. Networking was also a part of breaking into this industry, using contacts from family and friends to approach people and companies.

'My degree in commercial music was very useful. It enabled me to develop many transferable skills such as strong research and communication skills, the ability to prioritise and work under pressure, as well as presentation and IT skills. The BA also taught courses in copyright law, marketing and advertising. The course was useful, but it was my experience and persistence in getting into this industry that helped me to get into this job.'

Olivia’s role has developed considerably in the five-month period. 'At the start, I had to be willing to adapt to any job that I was given and feel comfortable starting at the bottom rung of the ladder.' Olivia started off with simple research, making the tea when necessary and carrying out basic administration. She is now researching issues on fees and royalties and organising casting sessions. However, she does still do basic tasks. She is asked to research a diverse range of topics and issues, which can include investigating copyright law on songs for adverts and researching the implications of a location for a film shoot.

Olivia appreciates the diverse nature of the job. It has offered her different experiences, travel and she enjoys being part of a creative process where you can see the finished product on your television. Like every job, it has its less exciting aspects such as daily administration and data input. She would like to progress in this career by training as a junior producer and then working as a producer and executive producer in the film industry.

'The advice I would give to a graduate wishing to enter this type of work is to be willing to give your time freely to get work experience, make contacts, be persistent, pursue production companies to get research experience and be willing to start at the bottom. Do jobs like making the tea and be really flexible and adaptable. Look at useful sites such as Film Bang and Mandy's International Film and TV Production Resources. Maximise your experience while at university, join relevant film societies or student media clubs, volunteer and get experience.'