When starting in the video production business, the best way to get experience is to be a production assistant. Production assistants or PA’s for short are one of the critical positions to make any job go smoothly! These jobs, although at the bottom of the totem pole, are some of the easiest jobs to get early in a film career. Whether it’s simply picking up lunch or making sure the talent finds the set, their role can play a big difference in a successful video production shoot. In this article, we’ll share a few tips to be an awesome production assistant.

What exactly does a production assistant do? Good question. First, it’s important to note that there are three different types of production assistants. 1. Set PA, 2. Office PA, and 3. Post Production PA. The names should summarize pretty well, but the most common type of PA is the set PA. In short, an office PA, generally stays in the office, making copies, printing schedules, helping with talent releases, and generally setting the pre-production up for success. A production PA generally helps organize media, keeps editing bays neat and tidy, and ensures editors have what they need. For more, check out, Duties of a PA. Below are our top tips on how to be an awesome production assistant.

Ask Questions

When you first get hired to be a production assistant, you might be a little nervous about exactly what you should be doing on set. That’s normal! And while production assistants typically have a fairly standard set of job duties, the list can be quite lengthy. It’s a good idea to check in with the producer BEFORE the job to ask them specifically what they’d like you to do. Perhaps you’ll be helping to get the cast parked and directed to set. Or you’ll be watching a production vehicle and keeping strangers off the set. Some of the tasks can be quite specific. Check in with your producer or production coordinator, depending on the job size will definitely set you up for success.

In many cases, you’ll be working independently, and so you’ll want to make sure to be on the right page before the shoot begins. The last thing you’d want is for the production to get hung up because of something you missed! Lastly, if it’s appropriate, offering water to the crew to keep them hydrated can go a long way! If you are wondering why you should be a production assistant, read this article for some insights.

Communicate

We touched on this above, but communication is one of the biggest tips to be an awesome production assistant. Producers have a lot on their plate, so just checking in periodically to see if they need anything or if they have any jobs for you will really help. Obviously, you don’t want to be annoying during a stressful time, but just letting the producer know that you are ready and available to help, can go a long way to reduce their stress level. This also goes for other departments as well. Let them know if you have any questions or if you need something from them.

Video production relies on collaboration between many individuals. Each of them has particular skills, so if you can help them operate seamlessly together, it would go a long way. Maybe the camera department needs a monitor stand from the grip and electric department. Perhaps you could help make that transaction happen. This way, the camera department can keep working on building cameras and they don’t physically have to go over to the grip truck and ask for a stand. Just saying hi and smiling can go a long way! Sure, some people might be grumpy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a positive light!

Be Curious

For most people, being a production assistant isn’t seen as their end goal, but moreover a great starting place into the industry. This is the time, where the pressure is pretty minimal and you are just there to help out where you can. That said, you’ll be exposed to listening to different departments on video production and how they operate. Whether that’s the Grip and electric department setting up lights or the camera team changing lenses, there is a lot to observe. That said, know your job and don’t bug the other departments, but you should try to let the departments know, that if they need anything at all, you are the person to call! Some insights from a production assistant. These moments not only show the other crew members that you care but are also great networking opportunities should you ever wish to try roles in those departments.

Think Ahead

One of the best ways to get hired again on video production is to think ahead. This means anticipating others’ needs and letting them know that you are there to help them. This could be as simple as reminding the producer of what he/she asked to be reminded about, or seeing that someone looks dehydrated. Maybe you see someone drop something and they need help picking it back up. Perhaps an actor looks confused about where to go on set. You are a critical resource to helping make the production go smoothly. More tips on how to become a production assistant.

Be Attentive

Lastly, you’ll want to be attentive. This means, stay off your phone. Don’t bug someone in another department and make sure to be respectful and mature at all times. There is often a lot riding on a video production set, so showing others that you are professional and attentive will be a great way to get yourself hired again. How to be a production assistant. This also means looking out for safety issues. See something, say something. It will never hurt to speak up about safety! It’s too often that people risk their own safety for the job and it doesn’t need to happen unnecessarily.

Be Positive

Last but not least, be positive! Video production can be stressful at times, but there are also many times that it can be a blast! The camaraderie is unbeatable! Coming together to make a shoot happen bonds people together quickly and it’s during these times that you’ll network the best. Thank people for their hard work and tell them that you’re looking forward to working with them next time! You never know if they might refer you! Maybe you could be a camera PA on the next job. Having a great attitude will be a sure way people want to be around you!

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