The Production Assistant is an entry-level job within the film industry. As the name suggests, a Production Assistant is responsible for assisting the production in whatever form that requires, from going on supply runs to transporting equipment, and everything in between.

“If a person is a PA then they’re doing everything that no one wants to do. When someone calls ‘all hands on deck!’ those are the hands that arrive. It can be cleaning up for the Art Department, doing paperwork for Accounting, setting up Craft Services, answering the phone, or just running around making sure that everyone has coffee the way they like it.

“Personally, I’ve had a wide variety of odd jobs, from office work to making sure that shipments go out on time to just plain old sweeping,” says Kaitlin Cornell, a Production Assistant with Marvel Entertainment.

Working as a Production Assistant is an excellent way to get to know all the various departments on a film set and figure out what a person wants to do. It can also be a good way to get hired in each of those individual departments.

Often, a department will try to grab their own PAs so if someone has an interest, like working in the Costume Department, then they should let the Key PA or Production Coordinator/Post Production Coordinator know and generally they’ll be moved to work there. It really depends on the size of the shoot and what needs to get done. It is well known that there is little glory or appreciation for being a Production Assistant.

The average annual salary for a Production Assistant is approximately $34,300. The salary range for a Production Assistant runs from $31,000 to $43,000.

“Working as a Production Assistant is still freelance work, even if it’s for a studio. Technically, I work for the Disney Corporation and get a W-2, but it’s still project-by-project,” says Cornell.

PAs are usually paid on a weekly basis. They make between $150 to $250 per day, depending on the job and level of experience. It’s an entry-level position so don’t expect any raises or benefits. Keep in mind when landing a job, it can be tough to negotiate a good rate because there is always another person waiting to get their foot in the door.

Many people looking to build a career in filmmaking begin as a Production Assistant. That can mean demand outweighs supply.

However, persistence can pay off in terms of not letting a few initial setbacks dissuade you from trying to get that Production Assistant position. Even if you don’t get hired off your first few attempts, keeping sending out resumes, networking with others in the industry, and hustling for those PA gigs.

Working as a Production Assistant is where many people cut their teeth and earn their stripes. Due to the nature of the role, Production Assistants are advised to wear comfortable, utilitarian clothing that makes sense for hours on set, standing on your feet, and running around as a gofer. Cornell also recommends wearing a pouch to keep petty cash, receipts, pens, and an extra power pack or phone charger to make it easier to navigate the tumultuous days on set.

“The work lifestyle and schedule for a Production Assistant depend on what kind of show they’re working on. I’m hired on the Avengers and have been on it for eighteen months. I usually work ten to twelve-hour days, Monday through Friday. Sometimes they will call us into work on Saturday if something needs to happen.”

“It can also happen that if a specific department needs a lot of Production Assistants for a task, they’ll pull PAs from other departments. If a Production Assistant is working on small jobs like television there are longer days but the duration of the job is less. Usually, the PA is the first one to set and the last one off it,” says Cornell.

The Production Assistants work with the Production Coordinator and the Production Supervisor of the specific department where they are assigned. While it’s possible to make a living as a Production Assistant alone, most aim to learn from these mentors and rise in ranks over time. Some even end up becoming a Director, Producer, or Cinematographer.

Cornell states, “If you start as a Production Assistant then that’s the baseline for breaking in as a crew person. No matter what department, they all need PAs. If you like sets and decorating then become an Art Department PA. If you like costuming then become a Costume PA. Some unions, like the costuming one, will count PA hours as a way of getting into the union.

Each department has their own trajectory after becoming a Production Assistant. For example, if someone is interested in the production side of things then they would start as a PA, move into becoming a Key PA, Production Coordinator, Assistant Production Coordinator, Unit Production Manager and then Line Producer or Creative Producer. They could also become a 2nd Assistant Director and move up that track, as well.”

Every department in film needs PAs and it can be a good entry point. The most effective way to advance from being a Production Assistant is for someone to have a clear vision of where they want to go. That way they can work with that department and develop those specialized skill sets.

To become a Production Assistant a person first needs to live in an area where movies are being made. Their focus for getting a job should be on expanding their network of contacts. “If someone is interested in PA work they should let their friends and family in the area know that they are looking for work.

“Opportunities often come from odd connections. I was looking for a solid Production Assistant job for about six months when my old roommate’s boyfriend mentioned that the production company he worked for was looking to hire a PA. A person doesn’t need to be union, just recommended by someone who has a connection to whoever is hiring.”

“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,” says Cornell.

There is an element of being in the right place at the right time to getting hired as a PA. However, a person can greatly increase their chances by moving to an area like Atlanta where a lot of movie production is taking place and letting people know that they are looking for work.

• Figure out what position you’d like to work in as a Production Assistant and network with people who work in that department.
• Talk with working PAs. They are often the first ones to know when a job opportunity pops up.
• Join PA Facebook groups to learn about career opportunities.
• Work on friends’ independent films to gain experience and build a resume.

Production Assistants need the following skills:

• Organizational skills
• Ability to read a call sheet
• Ability to understand a budget
• Clear communication
• Patience
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills
• Flexibility

“Developing strong organizational skills, how to read a call sheet, how to examine a budget, and how to effectively communicate via email are very important,” says Cornell.

Much of the job is being a messenger for someone else. Giving clear communication about what is needed and being able to evaluate the assets will make a PA successful. Their boss will trust them and give more responsibility through delegation thus allowing the PA to learn more and progress in their career.

Other necessary skills will be specific to whichever department the Production Assistant is trying to move into or work for. That could be sewing for costumes, running a slate for the camera or crunching numbers for Accounting.

“Good attitude, especially when getting pulled in multiple directions, is crucial,” says Cornell.

“People are always giving a list of tasks to PAs and they don’t always do it in the nicest way. A person should be outspoken enough to feel comfortable asking questions like where vendors are or what the protocol is. Production Assistants with bad attitudes don’t last long.”

“The people in charge prefer those who ask questions to get things done correctly and smile a lot. Being a know-it-all is bad, too.”

Much of a Production Assistant’s job is to do tasks that other people don’t want to do. If they’re able to perform them without giving off negative energy then people will not only rehire them but try to keep them in their department and share their craft. The best weapon a Production Assistant has is a good attitude.

Because of this, it’s possible to land a PA job without any experience. However, that doesn’t mean applying for a Production Assistant opening with a blank resume. Rather, provide any documentation possible that points to you being an asset on a film or television project. That means having a resume that details any work experience at all, as well as being an enthusiastic interviewee.

“Being a Production Assistant is interesting because there is no training required. People may act like and assume that a PA should know a particular task but it’s within a PA’s right to ask for instruction. This is the beginning of someone’s career so they can’t be expected to have experience. However, having experience as a PA will help get future PA work. People will assume that there is less to teach,” says Cornell.

Some people may attend film school before working as a Production Assistant, however many of the PA jobs are less about technical craft and more about doing odd support jobs. The most important thing for a person to know or figure out is what career path they’d like to pursue. Use the learning opportunities that come with being a Production Assistant to gather the skill sets needed to work in that specialized field.

1. Plug into your local film scene. You don’t have to move to Hollywood right away, but you do need to be where productions are happening. Check if your city or state has a film office, local indie shoots, or student film projects. If nothing’s filming nearby, consider the nearest production hub (think Atlanta, New York, Albuquerque) or even a weekend trip to volunteer on a set. To land a Production Assistant job, you need to physically be on film sets – so start showing up wherever cameras are rolling.
   
   
2. Tell everyone you want to be a Production Assistant. In this industry, who you know often gets you your first break. Let friends, family, teachers, and former co-workers know you’re looking for PA gigs. Attend local film meetups or workshops and mention you’re available. Don’t be shy about posting on social media that you’ll PA on projects. Many gigs aren’t advertised; they’re filled by word-of-mouth. All it takes is one person remembering “Oh, you want to work on set?” to connect you with a shoot. Carry a simple business card or have your resume ready – you never know when someone might ask for it.
   
   
3. Network online like it’s your job hunt (because it is). Beyond personal contacts, join the online communities where filmmakers gather. Facebook groups for film and TV production in your area are gold mines for entry-level opportunities. Hop into Discord servers or subreddits (try r/filmmakers or r/FilmIndustry) and introduce yourself as an eager PA. Sites like Staff Me Up list freelance crew jobs – set up alerts for “Production Assistant” in your region and apply quickly when something pops up. The idea is to get your name in front of as many industry people as possible, both IRL and online.
   
   
4. Jump on any set you can, even if it’s unpaid. Nothing beats real on-set experience. Volunteer on student films, no-budget indie movies, local commercials – whatever is shooting. Sure, the projects might be small (or a little chaotic), but you’ll learn set etiquette, lingo, and the rhythm of production life. Show up with a can-do attitude and treat even a free gig like it’s a big Hollywood production. Every time you wrangle cables, lock up a set, or run for coffee on a tiny shoot, you’re building know-how and a reputation as someone who helps get things done. Those same indie directors or Producers might hire you – or recommend you – on a bigger project next time.
   
   
5. Be the PA everyone wants to rehire. On set, reliability and a great attitude are your secret weapons. Be the first to arrive, the last to leave, and stay busy in between. Keep your phone tucked away, your ears open, and a notepad handy for instructions. Take initiative: if you notice the trash overflowing or the crew’s water running low, handle it without being asked. Most importantly, stay positive – even when you’re doing grunt work or getting yelled at for something minor. Filmmaking can be stressful, and a PA who stays upbeat, learns quickly, and asks smart questions will stand out. Do this, and people will want you on their next shoot.
   
   
6. Turn small gigs into a paid PA job. Leverage that volunteer experience and network to snag your first paying gig. Update your resume with any production work (no matter how small) and keep in touch with folks you impressed on those indie sets. Let them know you’re ready for hire. When you see a call for a paid Production Assistant – whether through a Facebook post, a film commission hotline, or a text from someone you met – jump on it. Early in your career, say “yes” to as many paid shoots as you can handle, from a one-day commercial to a week-long web series. Treat every project professionally: word travels fast if you’re a rockstar PA.
   
   
7. Stay persistent and hustle. Breaking in as a Production Assistant can take time – so keep at it. You might send out 50 resumes before one sticks or go to lots of networking events before you get a call. That’s normal. The film industry runs on persistence. Follow up (politely) with contacts you haven’t heard back from, continue meeting new people, and consider picking up related skills (like editing or gear rental experience) to make yourself even more hireable. Most of all, don’t get discouraged by the competition or the occasional dry spell. The ones who make it are the ones who keep showing up.

Cornell says, “There’s no PA union but there are unions for pretty much every other department in the film industry. There are different classifications in each union and all of them require different hours. The PA is the first step to getting in. It’s a way of gaining experience and moving up.”

There isn’t any specific Production Assistant professional association. However, there are Facebook groups where people can find work. The best thing to do is to look at a specific field that is interesting and join the groups in your area. Doing so will eventually help a person get a PA Job, then move up to the next tier.