How to Become a Production Assistant in New York: A Beginner's Guide (2026)
Filmmaking is the ultimate team sport.
-Michael Keaton
How to Become a Production Assistant in New York: A Beginner's Guide (2026)
Breaking into the New York film industry can feel impossible when you are just starting out, but becoming a Production Assistant is the best first step onto set. In this beginner friendly guide, we will walk you through exactly what a PA does, how much you can expect to earn in 2026, where to find real jobs in NYC, and how to stand out from a crowded crew list. Whether you are a student, a career switcher, or just obsessed with movies, this guide will show you how to turn that interest into your first on set opportunity.
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Why Start Your PA Career in New York City
New York City ranks among the best places to start your production assistant career. The city offers amazing opportunities in a thriving industry. Let me explain why NYC creates the perfect environment for aspiring PAs, especially with the “Made in NY” initiative supporting local talent.
High volume of productions in NYC
NYC’s production industry, bolstered by the “Made in NY” program, creates plenty of opportunities for entry-level production assistants. The film and television industry supported about 185,000 jobs and generated $81.60 billion in total economic output in 2019. The sector has grown faster than the city’s overall job market. It added around 35,000 direct jobs over 15 years, with a 3% annual growth rate compared to the city’s 2%.
The city has built an impressive physical infrastructure to support these productions. About 60 qualified production facilities exist across the five boroughs, many of which participate in the “Made in NY” initiative. These facilities cover almost 2 million square feet of production space, and this number could double soon. You’ll find everything from large multi-stage complexes to smaller, specialized studios.
The production scene has recovered well from the pandemic. Production levels matched pre-pandemic numbers by August 2021, with 34 or more projects filming throughout the five boroughs, many of which are part of the “Made in NY” program.
Opportunities in film, TV, and commercials
NYC stands out because you can work on many different types of productions, all supported by the “Made in NY” initiative. Independent films make up 85% of filmmaking in New York City. This creates great starting points for PAs who want to learn outside the studio system. TV productions bring in substantial money and jobs. Shows that receive tax credits in NYC spend around $34 million locally, while film productions spend about $4.50 million.
The city also helps new PAs get started. The “Made in NY PA Training Program” helps unemployed and low-income NYC residents. This production assistant training initiative, run by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations, trains people and places them in entry-level positions, providing valuable on-set experience.
Networking potential in a major media hub
NYC excels at networking opportunities, many of which are facilitated by the “Made in NY” program. The city serves as a global media center and hosts many industry events. These include the NAB Leadership Foundation Career Fair and networking events by groups like 212NYC, which connects over 5,000 digital media, marketing, and advertising professionals.
The city houses the “Big Five” book publishers and offices of the top 10 advertising firms in the nation. This creates a rich environment where media professionals work together across different sectors. PAs get exposed to various parts of the entertainment industry, gaining diverse on-set experience.
The high concentration of talent makes NYC perfect for building relationships that will help your career grow beyond your first PA role, opening up numerous media industry opportunities.
Steps to Get Your First PA Job
Getting your first production assistant job in NYC needs a smart strategy instead of randomly sending applications. You’ll boost your chances of breaking into this competitive industry by doing this, especially if you leverage the “Made in NY” resources.
Build a simple resume with any relevant experience
Your PA resume should follow a reverse-chronological format that puts your most recent experience first. This template is accessible to more people in the industry and lets busy hiring managers quickly scan your qualifications. The resume should start with a compelling summary that shows your skills and enthusiasm for production work.
You can highlight transferable skills from other jobs or educational experiences even without direct film experience. Skills like organization, time management, and problem-solving work well in set environments. Strong action verbs like “coordinated,” “managed,” or “aided” demonstrate your capabilities effectively. If you’ve participated in any “Made in NY” initiatives or gained on-set experience, be sure to highlight this.
Apply through NYC-specific job boards
Your next step after preparing your resume should focus on industry-specific platforms rather than general job sites. EntertainmentCareers.net lists production assistant positions in New York City frequently, with opportunities at companies like Fox News Media, Audacy, and New York Yankees. On top of that, platforms like StaffMeUp, ProductionHUB, Mandy.com, and FilmLocal(!) feature many PA openings in the NYC area. Don’t forget to check for “Made in NY” affiliated productions, as they often prioritize local talent.
Volunteer on indie sets to gain experience
Volunteering offers a great way to get experience when you lack professional credits. The New York City Independent Film Festival and Bushwick Film Festival need volunteers who get festival passes plus networking opportunities with filmmakers. These experiences give you practical knowledge and connections that often lead to paid work. Many of these indie productions are part of the “Made in NY” initiative, providing valuable on-set experience for aspiring PAs.
A production assistant suggests, “If you have no set experience, list your student films so they at least know you have SOME kind of experience, even if it’s very small compared to an actual PA gig on a real set.”
Follow up and stay in touch with crew members
You should follow up within 24-48 hours after applying or meeting industry contacts, especially those involved with “Made in NY” productions. Send personalized thank-you notes to each person you met. Mention why you’d be a good fit for the role beyond simple appreciation, but stick to three key points.
Keep in touch without being pushy afterward. One successful PA recommends: “Build relationships with your fellow Set PAs! Make friends, exchange info and help each other out in the industry. This is one of the first ways your name gets to other Key PAs looking to hire.”
What to Expect on the Job
Life as a production assistant brings daily challenges and rewards in the ever-changing world of film and television production in New York City. You should know what to expect on set to excel in this exciting yet demanding role, especially when working on “Made in NY” productions.
Long hours and physical tasks
Get ready for tough schedules. Production assistants usually work 12-13 hour days. Some intense production periods can stretch to 20 hours. You should be able to stand for long periods and lift equipment up to 50 lbs. Your physical stamina matters since you’ll rarely sit down and spend most of your day on your feet. This is typical for most productions, including those part of the “Made in NY” program.
Working with different departments
PAs connect various production departments together. You might distribute scripts for the production office one minute and help wardrobe with costume racks the next. Camera crews might need your assistance too. This exposure to different departments shows you various career paths and teaches you to adapt as priorities change throughout the day. The diverse nature of “Made in NY” productions offers a wide range of on-set experiences.
Handling unexpected challenges
Problem-solving becomes your core skill. You’ll face everything from difficult personalities to logistical hurdles. Some PAs have dealt with cleaning up vomit, dodged lit firecrackers, or handled uncomfortable talks with demanding directors and temperamental crew members. These situations test your grace under pressure and shape your reputation and future opportunities.
How to stay professional under pressure
Exceptional PAs keep their cool under pressure. High-tension moments affect everyone on set. Stand during work hours, keep a positive attitude, and stay busy. Listen carefully to walkie-talkie communications. Ask questions if you’re unsure instead of guessing. A seasoned PA puts it best: “Take it one hour at a time. With each hour, you learn more and gain confidence.” This advice applies to all productions, whether they’re part of the “Made in NY” initiative or not.
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How Much Can You Make as a PA in NYC
Money matters when you’re starting a PA career in the Big Apple. Let’s get into what you can expect to earn as you grow in this field, including opportunities through the “Made in NY” program.
Entry-level production assistant salary NYC
Starting salaries for PAs in New York can swing quite a bit. Recent data shows the average hourly pay for a Production Assistant in New York sits at $20.64. This works out to about $42,923 per year. “Made in NY” productions often offer competitive rates to attract local talent.
Hourly vs daily pay structures
PA positions usually pay by day rate, not hourly wages. A standard union gig in NYC breaks down like this for a 12-hour day:
First 8 hours at $15/hour = $120
Plus 4 overtime hours at $22.50/hour = $90
Total daily rate: $210
NBCUniversal has set their minimum wage at $17.25/hour for PAs, which means better daily earnings. Many “Made in NY” productions follow similar or better pay structures.
Other roles that pay more over time
PAs have plenty of room to grow their income. Many PAs want to rack up enough hours on union productions to join the Director’s Guild of America. The “Made in NY” initiative often provides pathways to these higher-paying roles within the local industry.
Key Takeaways
Breaking into NYC’s film industry as a production assistant requires strategic planning, but the city’s massive production volume creates abundant opportunities for newcomers willing to work hard and build relationships.
- NYC supports 185,000 film/TV jobs with 85% being independent productions, creating diverse entry points for aspiring PAs
- Build your resume with transferable skills, apply through industry-specific job boards, and volunteer on indie sets to gain experience
- Expect demanding 12+ hour days with physical tasks across departments, requiring stamina and problem-solving under pressure
- Entry-level PAs earn $20.64/hour ($42,923 annually) with significant growth potential as experience increases
- Maintain professional relationships with crew members, networking often leads to your next job opportunity
- The “Made in NY” initiative provides valuable resources, including production assistant training and on-set experience opportunities
Success as a PA in NYC depends on persistence, adaptability, and treating every production as a chance to learn and connect with industry professionals who can advance your career.
FAQs
To become a production assistant in NYC, you need excellent communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, basic knowledge of office equipment, and strong organizational skills. While formal qualifications aren’t always necessary, having relevant experience or training can be beneficial. The “Made in NY PA Training Program” offers valuable production assistant training for those looking to enter the field.
Entry-level production assistants in New York City typically earn around $20.64 per hour, which translates to an average annual salary of about $42,923. However, salaries can range from $35,000 to $45,400, depending on the production and your experience level. “Made in NY” productions often offer competitive rates for local talent.
The “Made in NY” PA Training Program is a free, intensive training initiative designed to prepare New Yorkers for entry-level roles in film and television production. It’s a five-week full-time program that teaches everything you need to know about being a PA and helps with job placement upon completion. This program is an excellent way to gain production assistant training and on-set experience.
As a production assistant, you can expect to work long hours (often 12-13 hour days) performing various tasks such as distributing scripts, assisting different departments, handling equipment, and solving unexpected problems on set. The role requires physical stamina and the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations. Working on “Made in NY” productions can provide diverse on-set experiences across various types of projects.
Networking is crucial for production assistants in New York City. Building relationships with crew members, exchanging contact information, and maintaining professional connections often lead to future job opportunities. Many PAs find their next gig through the contacts they make while working on sets. The “Made in NY” initiative often facilitates networking events and opportunities, helping to create valuable connections within the local media industry.
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Ready to Become a PA in New York?
Starting as a production assistant in New York City can be tough but rewarding if you want to break into film and television. NYC offers an exceptional number of productions in film, TV, and commercials, which creates plenty of opportunities for aspiring PAs to get their foot in the door, especially through the “Made in NY” program.
Your first step is to create a strong resume that shows off your transferable skills. You’ll need to submit applications through industry job boards. Getting experience through volunteer work on independent sets helps you build your professional network. Building and keeping good relationships with crew members is a vital part of finding your next gig.
The work itself is demanding. You’ll face 12+ hour days filled with physical tasks and responsibilities across departments. Your reputation in this ever-changing environment depends on knowing how to solve problems under pressure. Entry-level positions typically pay around $20.64 per hour or $42,923 annually, but your earnings can grow substantially with experience.
It’s worth mentioning that your PA role can lead to better-paying positions like Box Office Supervisor or Assistant Director. The connections you build early on, especially through “Made in NY” productions, often reveal career opportunities you might not have seen at first.
Success in this competitive field comes down to patience and determination. Each production adds to your experience and grows your network. Soon enough, you’ll move from rookie to seasoned professional with specialized skills that the industry recognizes.
Your trip as a PA in New York City might start with coffee runs and walkie-talkie duties, but it could lead to directing, producing, or specialized department roles. The work might seem intense at first, but the career possibilities make every challenging day count. With the support of initiatives like “Made in NY,” you’ll find numerous media industry opportunities to kickstart your career in the exciting world of film and television production.
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