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Television production assistant: Salary and conditions

• Starting salaries for television production assistants (PAs) range from £14,000 - £18,000 per annum (salary data collected Oct 08).
• An experienced production assistant can expect to earn between £20,000 and £25,000 per annum (salary data collected Oct 08).
• A weekly freelance guideline rate of £481 has been outlined by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) and the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) , but top freelancers can negotiate their own salaries. Freelance rates also vary depending upon the area they specialise in and the amount of hours they work either per day or per week
• Work hours tend to be irregular, long, and include travel. Most PAs/PCs work shifts and weekends, depending on the production, and they often arrive first and leave last. The work is demanding, unpredictable, and largely contract based so it is often difficult to plan ahead, which can impact on lifestyle. Shoots take place in a range of settings including indoors in offices and studios as well as outdoors on location in all weathers. The work may involve waiting around for long periods of time.
• Freelance work is increasingly likely for experienced PAs with work based on short-term contracts for the duration of an assignment. To succeed doing freelance work, it is important to become multi-skilled and be able to work well in a range of environments. The extra skills increase the amount and range of work open to PAs. To secure freelance work, PAs should be highly organised and skilled in self-management and promotion. Career breaks are possible, but time away can often result in missed opportunities.
• Jobs with production companies are mainly in London and the South East. Although many BBC and Independent Television (ITV) jobs are also based in London, there are growing opportunities in the UK’s larger cities (e.g. Manchester) for BBC work.
• Travel within a working day is common. Outside broadcasts (OBs) and location shoots may involve working away regularly, or for fairly long periods of time, either in the UK or abroad.

AGCAS

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

Last updated:

November 2008

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