How to Become a Production Assistant: A Beginner's Guide to Your First Film Job In 2025
Filmmaking is just a very luxurious and efficient way of expressing yourself.
–Gaspar Noé
How to Become a Production Assistant: A Beginner's Guide to Your First Film Job In 2025
Many successful directors and producers started their careers making just $200 per 12-hour day as production assistants. While a production assistant’s job might not sound glamorous, it’s a vital first step into the film industry that can lead to amazing places. But what does a production assistant do, and how can you become one? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about landing your first film job and building a successful career in the industry.
🎬 Land More Film Jobs—We’ll Show You How
Get exclusive job leads, industry insights, and expert career advice—plus access to hiring professionals who can help you break into the industry.
By signing up, you agree to receive emails from FilmLocal. You may also receive relevant offers from trusted partners. Opt-out anytime. Privacy Policy
What Is a Production Assistant in Film?
Before diving into how to become a production assistant, let’s answer the question: what is a PA in entertainment? Production assistants, often called PAs, work at entry-level positions in film, television, and digital media. They handle tasks in multiple departments – from costuming to lighting and craft services. The average annual salary for a production assistant ranges from $31,000 to $43,000. However, the experience and connections you’ll build as a PA are invaluable, providing industry knowledge and networking opportunities with professionals while learning production basics.
Film production assistant job description
A production assistant’s job includes many responsibilities that change based on production needs and budget. Your main job as a film PA is to keep things running smoothly on and off set. The life of a production assistant isn’t easy – you’ll often be the first to arrive and last to leave.
Your typical duties as a PA on set might include:
Preparing sets and organizing equipment
Distributing scripts and production-related paperwork
Running essential errands for various departments
Answering phones and performing administrative tasks
Coordinating with fellow production staff
Escorting actors around film sets
Supporting all areas of production before, during, and after shoots
To succeed as a production assistant, you’ll need specific qualifications. These include the ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and having a valid driver’s license. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are just as important for production assistant requirements.
Production assistants usually work 12-16 hour days. During these long hours, you must stay professional and ready to help with any task that comes up.
How PAs support different departments
PAs are versatile and work in many specialized roles. Each position is a chance to learn and build a career path in the industry. Here’s how different types of production assistants contribute to a production:
Set production assistants work under Assistant Directors. They help coordinate talent, crew, and equipment movements. Their critical tasks include distributing call sheets, managing walkie-talkie communication, and keeping the set organized. They bring together all the moving parts during filming.
Office PAs handle administrative work from the production office. They manage paperwork, filing systems, phone calls, and supplies. Their work keeps everything off-set running naturally as the production’s logistical support.
On top of that, many PAs focus on specific departments:
Art Department PAs handle office work, set decoration, prop management, and keep visual continuity during filming
Wardrobe PAs help costumers label, organize, and collect costumes
Camera PAs set up equipment, manage technical aspects, and protect valuable camera gear
Location PAs help the location manager with permits, parking, crowd control, and site maintenance
Postproduction assistants organize footage, manage media libraries, and help with editing
Your time as a PA teaches you about all aspects of filmmaking. This broad exposure makes the job valuable because it helps you find which department matches your career goals.
Skills and Traits You Need to Succeed
Success as a production assistant goes beyond knowing what the job entails. Every thriving PA has specific skills and the stamina needed to handle film production’s demanding nature.
Top soft skills for PAs
Clear communication is the life-blood of any production assistant’s role. Knowing how to relay messages clearly between departments saves precious time and stops misunderstandings during shoots that move at lightning speed. Your listening and speaking skills become equally important when you’re dealing with directors, crew members, and talent.
You’ll need to be great at solving problems to succeed in the ever-changing world of film production. Things don’t always go as planned, and you’ll have to think on your feet to come up with quick solutions that keep everything moving. Knowing how to adapt and tackle obstacles can make the difference between staying on schedule and falling behind.
Here are more vital soft skills:
Organizational abilities: Strong organizational skills help you manage schedules, coordinate resources, and keep order in chaotic environments
Team collaboration: As a PA, you’ll work with people from all walks of life while contributing to a shared vision
Detail orientation: Small mistakes can affect the entire project in film production, so being detail-oriented is crucial
Time management: Good task prioritization will keep production on schedule
A positive attitude affects your success by a lot. PAs who bring negativity to work don’t last long in the industry. Those who tackle tasks with enthusiasm – even the boring ones – get more opportunities and build stronger professional relationships.
Physical and mental demands of the job
The physical side of being a production assistant is no joke. You’ll stand for extended periods, lift equipment up to 50 pounds, and stay active throughout long workdays. Good health and stamina are must-haves to keep up the energy throughout production.
The job is tough on your mind too. Work days usually run 12-16 hours, and sometimes they stretch past 20 hours for a single shoot. This can go on for months during major productions, leading to physical and mental exhaustion that leaves little time for personal life.
There’s another reason for stress – the high-pressure environment. Productions run on tight schedules, and delays can lead to serious money problems. You need to stay cool under pressure while fixing problems quickly – a skill that becomes more valuable as you move up in your career.
The unpredictable nature of the work adds to the challenge. Most production assistants work project by project instead of having stable, full-time positions. This creates financial uncertainty, and you’ll need mental toughness to handle not knowing when your next job will come.
Building these skills and developing the needed stamina won’t just help you succeed as a PA – it’ll prepare you for film industry entry into more specialized roles as your career grows.
Training and Certification Options
Natural talent helps in the film industry, but proper production training will give you an edge when competing for production assistant positions. You have several ways to prepare yourself for this vital entry-level role.
Popular PA bootcamps and workshops
Major film hubs now offer structured training programs designed for aspiring production assistants. The “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program in New York City gives qualifying residents a complete free option. Students get four weeks of in-classroom training that covers set etiquette, freelance work strategies, and general PA duties. The program started in 2006 to promote diversity within the entertainment production workforce. It trains courteous PAs who can work well with local communities during shoots.
Los Angeles has PA Boot Camp, a two-day intensive course priced at $250 ($200 for students). The course covers both set and office PA responsibilities. Remote learners can check out the Film Crew Institute’s “SET READY™” program. This 30-day video training series costs $497 and teaches everything from script breakdowns to walkie-talkie protocols. The program splits training into four weeks:
Week 1: Script analysis, industry jargon, and crew hierarchy
Week 2: On-set clothing requirements, equipment knowledge, and talent interactions
Week 3: Base camp operations and specialized PA positions
Week 4: Job hunting, paperwork management, and resume development
Regional programs include Atlanta’s PA Academy at $180 for a two-day course and Toronto’s Directors Guild of Canada training at $30 for two days. Most graduates land work within eight weeks after finishing these PA training programs.
Free and low-cost ways to learn on your own
You don’t need a formal education degree or certification to become a production assistant. The film set teaches you more than any classroom can.
Student films, independent productions, and local film festivals are great ways to get hands-on experience without spending money. These opportunities help you build practical skills and your professional network—often leading to paid work. College TV stations and industry internships make excellent starting points for aspiring PAs.
Free online resources like ScreenSkills’ e-learning modules teach vital topics including diversity and inclusion in the film industry. If you have some budget, specialized online courses like the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials certificate program teach you about industry insights and production processes.
New PAs should keep a personal journal to document their observations and ideas from set. This habit reinforces learning and builds knowledge for future projects.
The best preparation mixes structured learning with practical experience. This combination gives you the confidence and skills to excel in your first production assistant role, whether as a TV production assistant or a film PA.
More Filmmaking Articles
How to Get a Job as a Production Assistant
Landing your first production assistant job takes persistence and smart strategy. The film industry is competitive, but you can break in and start your journey with the right approach. Here’s how to get production assistant jobs:
Using job boards and social media
Your search should begin on general and industry-specific job websites. General platforms let you filter PA positions in your area. Industry-specific boards like Entertainment Careers and Staff Me Up usually post positions first. These sites also let you save applications and quickly apply to new postings.
Social media has become crucial for PA job hunting. Studios often advertise openings on their social media before job boards. LinkedIn data shows about 86% of job seekers use social media to find work. Facebook groups like “Film Production & Jobs” and “Paid Film/TV Production Jobs” have helped many PAs land their roles.
Notable job resources include:
Production company websites (often post jobs first)
LinkedIn (77% of job hunters use this platform)
Facebook groups dedicated to film jobs
Entertainment Careers (free industry-specific board)
Networking tips that actually work
Personal connections lead to more production assistant opportunities than formal applications in the film world. Building relationships with industry professionals will boost your chances of referrals for future productions. Let friends and family know you want PA work—chances often come from unexpected places.
Film festivals and industry events make perfect networking spots for PAs. Create genuine relationships instead of just networking for gain. Meeting new contacts should focus on what you can offer them. You might volunteer on their projects or help them find resources they need. This approach helps you build valuable social capital in the industry.
How to follow up after applying
Give employers one to two weeks to review materials before you follow up. Send a quick, professional email to show you’re still interested in the position.
No response to your email? Wait another week before making a phone call. Tell them who you are, mention the position, and ask about your application status. Stay professional and thank them for their time, whatever their response.
Note that following up shows your enthusiasm and makes sure nobody overlooked your application. Hiring professionals say proper follow-up can make you stand out and show your commitment to getting the role.
Plan Your Career Path Beyond PA
A production assistant job can be your stepping stone to a successful filmmaking career. This entry-level position gives you unique access to watch and connect with professionals in a variety of departments.
How to move into your desired department
Relationships are the life-blood of moving beyond your PA role. Show real interest in the department you want to join. “Build relationships in those departments, and be as knowledgeable as possible. No better advice; no better way,” advises industry professionals. Make lasting connections by taking department members to lunch and asking them about their craft.
Technical departments like camera, sound, and lighting need hands-on experience with equipment. You can get this by volunteering at rental houses. Creative roles need a different approach – work on your own projects, even simple ones with your phone, to develop your style and vision.
Many successful PAs ask to work in specific departments before making the switch. This lets them learn directly from professionals. The timing should feel right – industry experts suggest you should be “fully confident and have already been hired in that department a few times” before making your move.
From PA to producer: common career ladders
The industry offers several paths to advance beyond the production assistant role:
AD Department Track: You need approximately 600 union Set PA days (about 2.5 years) to qualify for the Director’s Guild of America. Progress through Staff PA positions (Key PA, Walkie PA, Paperwork PA)
Production Management Track: Start as Office PA, move to Production Coordinator, then become Production Manager/Line Producer
Creative Track: Use your PA experience while developing directing/writing skills through personal projects
Hollywood’s successful directors weren’t quick climbers. They “were the ones who starved and PA’d for too long but they were busy being creative on the side”. The industry rarely follows a straight path. Your success depends on staying committed to both your day job and creative projects.
🎥 Your Next Film Gig Starts Here
Whether you’re looking for crew work or acting roles, we’ll connect you with job openings, hiring managers, and expert tips to get hired faster.
By signing up, you agree to receive emails from FilmLocal. You may also receive relevant offers from trusted partners. Opt-out anytime. Privacy Policy
Ready to Become a PA?
A production assistant’s role needs hard work, grit, and the ability to adapt quickly. The job starts with long days and modest pay, but your PA experience builds the foundation for a rewarding career in filmmaking. The connections you make and what you learn while running errands, handling production paperwork, and helping different departments will be a great way to get ahead as you move up the industry ladder.
Successful film professionals see the PA position as more than just a job – it’s a chance to learn and grow. Your attitude and work ethic during these early days will shape your professional reputation. Many successful directors and producers look back at their PA days as the time they built the resilience and understanding they needed to succeed.
The film industry rewards people who mix hands-on experience with new skills. Make the most of your time on set, whether you’re working with department heads or watching how productions run. You should also build your portfolio through personal projects that show off your creative vision and technical skills.
Stay patient and keep pushing forward. The path from PA to your dream role takes time, but each day brings you closer to your filmmaking goals. Be willing to learn, adapt, and contribute – doors will open to chances that match your passion and talents in this ever-changing, creative industry.
While you’re at it, you should check out more of FilmLocal! We have plenty of resources, and cast and crew. Not to mention a ton more useful articles. Create your FilmLocal account today and give your career the boost it deserves!
FAQs
Q1. What qualifications do I need to become a production assistant? While no formal degree is required, having a film or theater background can be helpful. The most important qualifications are a strong work ethic, ability to multitask, and willingness to learn. Many aspiring PAs gain experience through internships, student films, or industry training programs.
Q2. How much does a production assistant typically earn? Production assistant salaries can vary widely depending on the project and location. On average, PAs in the United States earn around $18-$20 per hour. However, keep in mind that many PA positions are project-based rather than full-time, so annual income can fluctuate.
Q3. What are the typical duties of a production assistant? PAs perform a wide range of tasks to support the production team. This can include distributing scripts and schedules, running errands, managing equipment, assisting various departments, and maintaining communication on set using walkie-talkies. The specific duties can vary depending on the production’s needs and the PA’s assigned area.
Q4. How can I stand out as a production assistant? To excel as a PA, focus on being reliable, proactive, and maintaining a positive attitude. Arrive early, pay attention to details, and always be willing to help. Building good relationships with crew members and demonstrating a strong work ethic can lead to more opportunities and recommendations for future projects.
Q5. What career paths can I pursue after working as a production assistant? Working as a PA provides exposure to various aspects of film production, opening doors to many career paths. You could advance into roles like assistant director, production coordinator, or department-specific positions in areas such as camera, sound, or art. Some PAs also use their experience as a stepping stone towards producing or directing.