Production Assistant

Production Assistant

This entry level position is a great resume builder for aspiring filmmakers because "P.A.s" - as they are commonly known in the industry - are involved in every aspect of production.

What a production assistant does: P.A.s work 12-to-20-hour days and are responsible for everything from wrangling talent to picking up lunch to distributing walkie talkies on set. There is no such thing as a “typical” day but becoming a production assistant is an invaluable way to make contacts to help launch a career in Hollywood.

Who relies on a production assistant: The entire crew relies on P.A.s to help facilitate communication between departments while stepping up to the plate to complete jobs nobody else on set has the time to complete.

How to become a production assistant: Study film or communications in college, intern at a local television station or enroll in a training program like P.A. Bootcamp.

How much is a production assistant paid: According to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, P.A.s earn an average of $13 an hour. While this pales in comparison to directors' salaries, almost every Hollywood hotshot put in time as a production assistant before landing their dream job.

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-Dana Meltzer Zepeda