TV or film assistant production co-ordinator

You can take a degree at university though this is not essential. Useful subjects include:

• creative media production
• film and television production
• film and TV studies

Part of the job involves working with budgets, so a course in business management or finance can also be helpful.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a course at college to learn some of the skills needed to become a trainee, for example:

• film and television production
• creative media production and technology
• creative and digital media
• business administration
• accounting
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship with a media company, like:

• Production Assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Junior Production Co-ordinator Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 may also offer apprenticeship opportunities.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could start as a runner or junior assistant in the production office. You'll learn on the job from experienced staff. With further training, you could work your way up to become an assistant production co-ordinator.

It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and to develop a good understanding of the production process and the different roles.

For example, you can:

• work on student film or TV productions
• get involved with community film projects
• volunteer with community radio
• find work experience placements with production companies

The BBC , ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, and 'insight' and 'talent days'. Competition can be tough, but if you're successful, it will help you get a better understanding of the industry.

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge .

You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will expect you to have relevant skills and experience. This might be from working in TV, advertising, hospitality or office management.

You can take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. You can search for industry approved courses through ScreenSkills.

Career Tips

You'll need to develop experience in both the creative and business sides of film and programme making. You'll also need to develop a network of contacts to get advice about the industry and potential opportunities for work experience or trainee positions.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join The Production Guild for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You'll find more details about directing in film and TV through ScreenSkills .

You can get more information about careers in the film industry from My First Job in Film and Get Into Film .

You can also find out more about entry level opportunities in television from the Royal Television Society .

As an assistant production co-ordinator in film, you could:

• help to run the production office
• hire studio facilities and equipment
• book accommodation and make travel arrangements for staff
• distribute filming schedules and scripts to cast and crew
• organise and manage production meetings
• get permission to use copyrighted music or film clips
• deal with accounts and expenses

In television, you could:

• monitor show timings in the studio gallery
• call camera shots
• cue pre-recorded material
• keep records or a log of shots taken
• make sure the shots look the same after breaks in filming

You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio, on a film set or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.