How to Land Production Assistant Jobs in Los Angeles: An Insider's Guide
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How to Land Production Assistant Jobs in Los Angeles: An Insider's Guide
Landing your first Production Assistant job in Los Angeles can feel like trying to crash the most exclusive party in Hollywood, but it is more doable than you think once you know how the system really works. In this guide, we will walk you through how PAs actually get hired in LA, from reading between the lines of job posts to networking with the right people on and off set. You will learn what hiring managers are really looking for, how to avoid rookie mistakes, and how to turn those first few gigs into steady work. Whether you are local or planning your big move, consider this your insider roadmap to getting your foot in the door and keeping it there.
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Why Los Angeles Is the Hub for PA Jobs
Los Angeles remains the heart of the entertainment industry. Aspiring production assistants flock here to kickstart their careers. The city continues to be the best place for PA jobs, thanks to its massive production volume, varied opportunities, and key industry advantages.
Film and TV production volume in LA
LA’s bustling production scene creates plenty of entry-level PA positions. Recent FilmLA data shows a 22.4% decline in on-location filming during 2025’s first quarter. Yet the numbers still beat other markets with 5,295 Shoot Days recorded. TV production dropped 30.5% to 1,670 Shoot Days this quarter. However, numerous shows still need PAs.
California’s entertainment setup is remarkable. The state has 5.2 million square feet of stage space, FilmLA reports. Most of this space sits in Los Angeles County. Fox Studios, Sony Pictures, Los Angeles Center Studios, and many independent production spaces need fresh talent to keep things running smoothly.
The scene keeps growing with new facilities popping up. Quixote Studios is building a five-stage complex that covers 75,000 square feet. LA North Studios has added five stages spanning 125,000 square feet. More projects are coming soon – Sunset Glenoaks Studios will open in late 2023 with seven soundstages, while Echelon Studios plans a $450 million facility with five stages for 2025. This growth shows LA’s strong position as a production powerhouse.
Opportunities across genres and platforms
LA stands out from other production hubs because of its amazing variety of PA opportunities. Right now, you can find work in:
Feature films: From major studio productions to independent projects
Television series: Dramas, comedies, reality shows, and variety programs
Commercials: Advertising projects that need PAs for short-term work
Digital content: Growing opportunities with streaming platforms and online producers
LinkedIn currently lists over 1,000 Production Assistant jobs in the LA area. These range from entry-level positions to specialized PA roles. This variety helps newcomers experience different production environments and find their sweet spot in the industry.
LA offers many types of PA positions. You could start as a Set PA on production floors, an Office PA handling paperwork, a Talent PA helping actors, or a Location PA managing on-site logistics. Each role provides unique experiences and connections that could lead to department-specific advancement.
Traditional production might be slowing, but one area keeps growing. The creator economy around YouTube and social media content is booming. L.A. County’s creator economy workforce grew by 5% from 2022 to 2024, reaching 70,012 professionals. Many digital creators now run professional studios and production companies in Southern California. They need PAs to support their expanding operations.
Why location matters in this industry
LA brings more than just job numbers to the table. The city’s concentration of industry professionals creates amazing networking chances. Each production connects you with potential mentors, employers, and colleagues who could help advance your career.
The California Production Coalition’s numbers tell an interesting story. A typical location shoot adds about $670,000 and 1,500 jobs daily to the local economy. These figures show how deeply entertainment runs through LA’s veins.
Georgia, New Mexico, and New York have become competitive with their tax breaks. Still, LA keeps its crown as the industry’s true home. Most major studios, production companies, and key decision-makers call this city home. This makes LA perfect for building relationships that lead to steady work.
LA gives aspiring PAs the fastest route to specialized experience. Thousands of experienced professionals work here across all departments. This creates a learning environment that other cities simply can’t match.
These factors make LA the top spot for starting an entertainment career as a production assistant. The city offers both immediate job opportunities and long-term growth potential that you won’t find anywhere else.
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Know the Different Types of PA Jobs
You need to understand the different production assistant roles to navigate the LA entertainment industry job market. PA jobs differ from other entry-level positions because they come in several types. Each type needs different skills and gives you unique ways to advance your career.
Set PA vs. Office PA vs. Post PA
The entertainment industry splits production assistants into three main categories. Each category serves different functions in the production pipeline:
Set PAs work directly on the physical production set, whether on location or on a sound stage. They report to the assistant director (AD) department. Their duties include calling out “rolls” and “cuts,” securing locations, managing background performers, helping departments communicate, distributing paperwork, and keeping set discipline. Set PAs typically work 12-16 hour days, and these hours can stretch beyond 20 hours near the end of a shoot.
Office PAs work in the production office. They handle clerical tasks like answering phones, coordinating deliveries, copying scripts, organizing lunch pickups, and helping the production manager and coordinator. These PAs usually have regular hours compared to set PAs. Production offices hire them earlier in pre-production and keep them through wrap, which gives them longer employment.
Post-Production PAs help with editing and finishing after filming ends. They organize footage, maintain edit bays, manage hard drives, log footage, and support post-production staff with administrative tasks. These PAs need technical knowledge of editing workflows and strong organizational skills to succeed.
The industry also has specialized roles within these categories. Truck PAs drive equipment vehicles, Location PAs help the locations department, and Talent PAs focus on supporting actors.
TV vs. film vs. commercial productions
The type of production changes a PA’s daily duties, schedule, and career path:
Television productions give more stable, longer-term jobs as episodes are produced one after another for months. TV PAs focus more on people management and set lockdowns rather than physical work. TV shows often have larger PA teams with specialized roles because multiple episodes are in production at once.
Film productions hire PAs for shorter periods but with packed schedules. Film sets have clearer department boundaries that limit what PAs can do outside their assigned area.
Commercial productions create a different environment. Commercial PAs take on duties that TV and film assign to other departments. One PA explained, “Commercial Set PAs share the same responsibilities as their Television and Feature Film counterparts, but also inherit additional responsibilities… from providing both critical and mundane production support equipment to standing in for talent”. Commercial work lasts 1-5 days but helps build connections quickly.
Union vs. non-union jobs
The biggest difference in PA work relates to union status:
Non-union PA jobs are common for beginners since PAs usually aren’t unionized in most areas. These positions are flexible but offer less protection. Department heads can ask non-union PAs to do almost any task, even duties that union productions restrict. This gives valuable experience across departments but might lead to excessive hours or unsafe conditions.
Union productions follow strict rules about PA duties. PAs have limited but clear responsibilities on union sets. Though PAs rarely join unions, working on union productions teaches professional standards and can lead to union membership in specific departments.
Union status affects earnings by a lot—union crew members earn about 30% more than non-union workers. About 92% of union members get job-related health coverage, while only 68% of non-union workers receive these benefits.
To sum up, knowing these differences helps you pursue PA jobs in Los Angeles. Your choice will shape your daily experience and long-term career path in the entertainment industry.
How to Break In Without Experience
Breaking into the entertainment industry as a production assistant in Los Angeles needs creativity and persistence, especially without professional experience. Here’s the good news – everyone starts somewhere. Many successful industry professionals started their careers from scratch without formal credentials.
Volunteering and student films
Landing production assistant jobs in Los Angeles starts with unpaid work that builds your resume and network. Student films are a great way to get on-set experience. You’ll connect with emerging filmmakers who might become your future employers.
“The best training ground is the set itself,” notes one industry expert. Working on student projects lets you develop vital skills and show your reliability, even without formal training. Many professionals build their production skills by helping friends with short films, student projects, independent films, commercials, or at college TV stations.
Film festivals and industry events need volunteers. These chances put you close to working professionals who might need help on future projects.
Local film schools like USC, UCLA, and AFI post crew opportunities on their job boards. Your volunteer work shows your steadfast dedication – something that matters more than technical knowledge for entry-level positions.
Internships and entry-level gigs
The industry opens up through formal internship programs that add legitimacy to your resume. Major studios like Sony Pictures run seasonal internship programs in Los Angeles. They post positions 1-4 months before start dates. These programs blend education with hands-on work experience.
PA workshops and boot camps teach newcomers what to expect on set. Programs like “Made in NY” PA Training Program (NYC) and P.A. Boot Camp (Los Angeles) focus specifically on production assistant skills.
Industry-specific job boards list PA internships and entry-level positions regularly. ProductionHUB, Mandy.com, and EntertainmentCareers.net are popular platforms in Los Angeles.
“If someone is interested in PA work, they should let their friends and family in the area know that they are looking for work,” says Kaitlin Cornell, a Production Assistant with Marvel Entertainment. Finding opportunities matters more than formal applications.
Cold emailing and referrals
This industry runs on relationships, and reaching out proactively can open unexpected doors. Cold emailing works when done respectfully and strategically.
Tips for cold emails:
Research the recipient before reaching out
Keep messages concise and professional
State what position you want
Show genuine interest in their work
Ask for a brief informational interview instead of a job
“A person doesn’t need to be union, just recommended by someone who has a connection to whoever is hiring,” Cornell explains. “Often when a post goes up on a hiring website, there are so many people that apply, it’s the people with connections who get interviewed and potentially hired first”.
Referrals remain the most powerful way to get in. Industry professionals pick recommended candidates first. Network at industry events, film screenings, workshops, and casual meetups to build valuable connections.
Breaking into Los Angeles production assistant jobs needs persistence. One successful PA shares: “There will be a lot of cases where people simply forget about your request… I would follow up with something as simple as this: ‘I wanted to follow up regarding an email I sent you last week about an informational interview'”.
Note that each production expands your network as crew members move to different projects and recommend you for future opportunities.
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Crafting a Standout Application
A polished resume and compelling cover letter can help you stand out in the competitive Los Angeles production assistant job market. Your application materials are your professional calling card. With hundreds of people applying for each position, these documents could make the difference between getting an interview or facing rejection.
Resume tips for first-timers
The reverse-chronological format is your best bet for production assistant roles in Los Angeles. This template is widely recognized in the industry. It puts your recent experience and achievements front and center while making it easy for busy hiring managers to scan.
Here’s what you need to do with your resume:
Keep it to one page only with clean, professional fonts and proper white space
Start with a compelling summary that explains your skills and enthusiasm
List education, relevant coursework, and any production experience
Include skills that match the job description (Adobe Premiere Pro, communication skills, etc.)
Save your resume as a PDF so formatting stays consistent
You can showcase transferable skills from other jobs or educational experiences if you’re new to the field. “You can still have transferable experience from other positions,” notes one industry expert. Skills like time management, organization, and problem-solving translate well to set environments.
The skills section needs more than generic lists. Match your abilities to the job posting’s specific requirements. To name just one example, if the ad mentions Adobe Premiere, list that exact software rather than alternatives that might not pass automated tracking systems.
Cover letter do's and don'ts
A cover letter is a chance to connect with hiring managers personally. Each letter should be customized to the specific position rather than using a template.
Do:
Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible
Limit length to 3-4 paragraphs (one page maximum)
Research the company really well and reference specific projects
Explain why you want to work for that particular production company
Check for spelling and grammar errors multiple times
Don’t:
Use generic openings like “To Whom It May Concern”
Just repeat your resume information
Focus only on what you want rather than what you offer
Include unnecessary personal information
Submit without careful proofreading
“Though not always required, including a cover letter in your application is beneficial in providing recruiters further insight into your professional capabilities and reasons for interest, beyond what can simply be listed in a resume,” explains one industry source.
How to show passion without experience
You need to balance showing enthusiasm without seeming desperate, especially for production assistant jobs in Los Angeles where passion often makes up for limited experience.
Here’s how to show your genuine interest:
Use power verbs in your resume and cover letter such as “led,” “created,” “developed,” and “implemented” to show drive and enthusiasm.
Research thoroughly before interviews and applications. Knowledge about a production company’s recent projects and values shows real interest beyond wanting “any” PA job.
Highlight relevant hobbies that connect to production work. A photography portfolio or edited YouTube videos show both interest and useful skills.
You’ll stand out from applicants who send similar materials to dozens of productions by showing real excitement through informed questions and company-specific knowledge. As one hiring manager puts it, “Enthusiasm is the secret to standing out” in the competitive Los Angeles production assistant market.
Where to Look for Set PA Jobs in LA
Getting a production assistant job in Los Angeles starts with knowing the right places to look. Many platforms focus on entertainment industry professionals and offer opportunities you won’t find on regular job sites. The right approach to these resources will boost your chances of landing your first PA position.
ProductionHUB and Mandy
ProductionHUB and Mandy are gold mines for aspiring production assistants in Los Angeles. ProductionHUB features over 2,261 profiles of production assistants in the Los Angeles area, which shows how competitive the market is. You can create a professional profile to showcase your skills and experience, making it easier for potential employers to find you.
ProductionHUB lets you search by location, category, and distance from Los Angeles to match your priorities. The “Crew & Vendor Leads” section is where production companies list their needs, including PA positions.
Mandy (formerly Mandy’s Film and TV Production Directory) works in a similar way but has a different layout. The platform posts PA positions in Los Angeles for productions of all types:
Short films and student productions
Feature films with different budget levels
Commercial and corporate video projects
Television productions including reality shows
Jobs on Mandy clearly state if they’re union or non-union productions, which makes a big difference for PA work. The platform shows payment terms ranging from paid positions to deferred payment or volunteer opportunities—helpful information for newcomers.
LinkedIn and Indeed
LinkedIn and other mainstream job platforms have become great resources for PA positions in Los Angeles. LinkedIn lists over 1,000 production assistant jobs in the Los Angeles area. You can filter by experience level, and many entry-level positions are clearly marked for beginners.
LinkedIn gives you the added benefit of networking alongside job listings. You can follow production companies, connect with industry professionals, and engage with content. This puts you on recruiters’ radar before jobs are even posted.
Major job boards like Indeed feature PA listings that might not show up on industry-specific sites. Larger studios and production companies with HR departments often use these platforms, which offer more structured ways to apply than smaller productions.
Local production companies and studios
Reaching out to studios and production companies directly is still one of the best ways to find PA work in Los Angeles. Big studios like Fox Sports, Netflix, and LiveNation regularly post PA openings on their websites.
Smaller production companies hire through word-of-mouth or direct applications. Entertainment Careers lists several companies that often need production assistants in Los Angeles:
Fox Sports
The Belasco
Netflix (for unscripted series)
Fox News Media
Audacy
These companies post positions 1-4 weeks before production starts, so check often and respond quickly. PA teams often come together just days before shooting begins.
Los Angeles offers many industry events where you can meet employers in person. Film festivals, industry panels, and networking mixers help you make connections that can lead to job offers outside the usual application process.
Mastering the Interview and Onboarding
The real preparation starts after you land that production assistant interview in Los Angeles. Your success depends on understanding employer expectations and showing them you’ll be a valuable team member.
Common interview questions for PAs
You should anticipate specific questions before the interview. Production coordinators and assistant directors want to know how well you handle pressure. This reveals your potential value on set. They’ll ask how you manage multiple urgent requests or deal with communication issues from past experiences.
Show genuine enthusiasm when discussing your interest in PA work, but avoid appearing desperate. Hiring managers want to know your career goals to see if you view the PA role as a stepping stone. They’ll test your knowledge of set terminology and simple production processes to assess your training needs.
What to wear and bring to set
First impressions matter at interviews and on set. Professional attire fits the entertainment industry context during interviews. Clean, neutral slacks or dark jeans with a professional shirt work well. Avoid extremely casual or formal clothing.
Practical clothing becomes essential on set. Production assistants need:
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes that last through 12+ hour shifts
Dark, neutral clothing (black or navy) that won’t show up on camera
Weather-appropriate layers for outdoor shoots
A watch to track time without phone checks
Bring a small notebook, several pens, a multi-tool, and phone charger. Women should skip skirts or dresses. If wearing shorts in hot weather, ensure leg hair stays covered.
Understanding call sheets and crew hierarchy
Call sheets work as daily blueprints for production teams. PAs must quickly read these documents, which include:
General crew call time and individual department call times
Scene numbers and script pages being shot
Location addresses and parking instructions
Weather forecasts and nearest hospital information
Contact information for the core team
Crew hierarchy knowledge helps you direct your first productions effectively. Set PAs report to the second assistant director, while office PAs answer to the production coordinator. This structure determines who assigns your tasks and whose requests take priority when conflicts arise.
First assistant directors create call sheets. Learning this vital document shows your dedication to becoming an effective PA in LA’s competitive entertainment world.
How to Be a Great PA on Set
A production assistant’s success on Los Angeles film sets takes more than just showing up. You need to become skilled at set etiquette, be proactive, and handle intense production demands to stand out as a valuable crew member.
Set etiquette and communication
Film productions run on unwritten rules that shape proper set etiquette. You must stay completely still and quiet until the director calls “Cut” to avoid ruining takes. Producers strictly prohibit bringing guests to set without explicit permission, as this breaks professional boundaries and security protocols.
Los Angeles production assistants must excel at communication. You should respond with “I understand” or “Copy” when given tasks, instead of making excuses or questioning directions. These responses show you got the message and accept responsibility. Your walkie communications should stay brief and clear—the channels need to stay open during critical moments.
Staying alert and proactive
The best PAs spot needs before they arise. “Think ahead. Be proactive,” industry experts emphasize. This means getting gear ready for company moves after lunch, restocking craft services, or checking walkie batteries.
Your kit should always include pens, markers, multi-tools, extra walkie batteries, and a small first aid kit. Production coordinators notice and rehire PAs who come prepared.
You must know your surroundings. Track each department’s work location, upcoming scenes, and the day’s schedule. A veteran PA puts it well: “Be present but make sure you are always aware of your surroundings”.
Handling stress and long hours
Production days run 12-13 hours or more. This intense schedule demands physical and mental toughness. Your feet need comfortable, closed-toe shoes, and your clothing should match weather conditions to keep your energy up during long shoots.
High-pressure moments require laser focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about results. Sports psychologist Simon Hartley states: “Concentrate on the job, ignore everything else”. This mindset helps you perform well under stress.
You can avoid burnout by setting clear boundaries. Daniel Scarpati, author of “Gofers: On the Front Lines of Film and Television,” advises: “From time to time, give yourself a break. Listen to your body and consider taking up exercises like stretching and core workouts… If you need more sleep, don’t be afraid to speak up to your supervisor”.
A positive attitude makes all the difference during tough times. PAs are “the behind the scenes heartbeat of a shoot,” and your energy flows through the entire production.
Turning One Job Into Many
The LA entertainment industry runs on relationships and reputation. Your journey from occasional PA work to steady employment depends on smart networking and managing your career path.
Getting asked back by the same crew
PAs who get called back for multiple projects share specific traits that make them stand out on LA film sets. They show up early, stay focused during long days, and finish tasks completely. The crew remembers PAs who can spot what’s needed before anyone asks.
Your attitude plays a huge role in whether you’ll get hired again. “Alex and Goran moved fast into their crafts because they worked their butts off and made it next to impossible to dislike them,” says one industry insider. People want to work with someone who stays positive, even when things get stressful.
Building connections with other PAs is just as valuable. “Make friends 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”. Key PAs often recommend reliable team members they trust for upcoming projects.
Asking for recommendations
References are “truly the lynch-pin in the staffing process” to land future PA jobs in LA. So, create a professional reference list that matches your resume’s style and keep it to one page.
To get solid recommendations:
Talk to references directly to confirm they’ll help
Go over your work together so they can give specific examples
Give them your current resume and tell them your career goals
Find out how they prefer to be contacted
The right timing makes a difference, reach out to potential references right after working together when your work is still fresh in their minds.
Tracking your work and building a portfolio
The competitive LA production scene makes tracking your work history significant, even though PAs don’t create tangible content themselves. List all your productions, roles, main responsibilities, and standout achievements for each job.
Regular portfolios showcase creative work, but PA portfolios focus on documentation. You can include call sheets from notable productions (with sensitive details removed), thank-you notes from supervisors, or crew member testimonials.
Keep your digital materials current by adding new experiences right away. A simple personal website that lists your productions, special skills, and professional references can paint a full picture of your growing career in film production.
Key Takeaways
Breaking into the competitive Los Angeles production assistant market requires strategic preparation, networking, and persistence to transform entry-level opportunities into sustainable entertainment careers.
- Start with unpaid work to build experience – Volunteer on student films, independent projects, and film festivals to develop skills and create industry connections before pursuing paid positions.
- Target industry-specific job platforms – Use ProductionHUB, Mandy, and LinkedIn rather than general job boards to find the 1,000+ PA positions available in Los Angeles.
- Master set etiquette and stay proactive – Anticipate needs, communicate clearly using “copy” responses, and maintain positive attitudes during 12+ hour production days to get rehired.
- Turn every job into networking opportunities – Build relationships with crew members, ask for recommendations immediately after projects, and maintain contact lists to secure repeat work.
- Understand the different PA roles available – Choose between Set PA (on-location work), Office PA (administrative tasks), or Post PA (editing support) based on your career goals and preferred work environment.
The entertainment industry in Los Angeles operates on relationships and reputation, making your first PA job a crucial stepping stone that can lead to consistent work across multiple productions when approached strategically.
FAQs
Production assistant salaries in Los Angeles can vary widely depending on the type of production and experience level. Entry-level PAs often start around minimum wage, while more experienced PAs on larger productions can earn $150-$250 per day.
While there are no strict educational requirements, most production assistants have a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree in film, media, or a related field. More important than formal education are skills like organization, communication, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn on the job.
Start by volunteering on student films or low-budget productions to gain experience. Network at industry events, join online film communities, and apply to internships at production companies. Create a professional resume highlighting relevant skills and be persistent in reaching out to potential employers.
There are several types of PA roles, including Set PAs who work on-location, Office PAs who handle administrative tasks, and Post-Production PAs who assist in editing. Other specialized roles include Talent PAs, Location PAs, and Department-specific PAs like Camera PAs or Art Department PAs.
To stand out, be proactive, reliable, and maintain a positive attitude even during long, stressful days. Anticipate needs before they arise, communicate clearly, and build relationships with crew members. Keep track of your work history and ask for recommendations to increase your chances of getting rehired on future productions.
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Ready to Become a PA in LA?
Getting a production assistant job in Los Angeles can be challenging. But with the right knowledge and approach, you can start your entertainment career trip successfully. The competition is tough, but your persistence and preparation will help you stand out from other candidates looking for similar chances.
A good grasp of different PA roles lets you target positions that match your strengths and career goals. Set work, office coordination, and post-production assistance each provide unique benefits and networking possibilities. Starting with student films, volunteer work, or low-budget productions shows hiring managers the passion and commitment they value most.
Your application materials should showcase both enthusiasm and professionalism. A clean, focused resume with a thoughtful, customized cover letter will substantially increase your chances of getting interviews. Finding the right opportunities comes next – industry platforms like ProductionHUB and Mandy often work better than general job boards. LinkedIn and company websites are also worth checking regularly.
Your attitude and work ethic on set will determine if this first job guides you toward a lasting career. Production coordinators and assistant directors value reliable, proactive PAs who anticipate needs and stay positive despite long hours and tough conditions. Each production becomes an audition for your next role.
Building strong relationships paves the way from aspiring PA to industry professional. Through solid performance, strategic collaborations, and real connections with crew members, one PA job can lead to steady work across multiple projects.
Note that everyone at the top of the entertainment industry started exactly where you are now. Your time as a production assistant in Los Angeles isn’t just an entry-level position – it’s the foundation for what could be an amazing career in film, television, or commercial production. Your success depends on mixing practical knowledge with determination, skills that will help you long after your PA days as you move toward your industry goals.
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