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Television production assistant: Career development

There is no structured route for career development within the industry. Networking is vital along with persistence and motivation even during periods of unemployment. Success often comes through seizing opportunities, making a positive impression, knowing the right people, and being in the right place at the right time. An application may be received positively one week (if a need has arisen within the company) after it had have been ignored the previous week. It is, therefore, important to contact companies on a regular basis to find out whether opportunities have arisen. Many companies will rarely advertise externally. Career development is linked to proactivity and balancing workload with development of new skills.

The traditional BBC route from secretary to programme-maker is less popular, with most new entrants starting their career with an independent company and progressing from there. Production assistants (PAs), sometimes known as script supervisors, can progress to roles such as senior production assistant or production manager, focusing on financial management and handling budgets. Other positions include production coordinator, assistant director, director, floor manager, unit manager, location manager and vision mixer.

Many PAs/PCs stay within their area of specialisation where their skills are suited to the type of production they are working on. However, it is possible to move from TV into film, radio, commercials and community television. With further training, specialisation is possible in areas such as music and continuity.

AGCAS

Written by Viki Chinn, London School of Economics and Political Science

Last updated:

November 2008

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