Hiring production assistants

Many people delegate tasks to production assistants — including producers, directors, unit production managers, and even actors. Often these tasks overlap and come with a high degree of urgency. A skilled production assistant will take an organized and efficient approach to managing their many responsibilities, all while staying positive and composed under pressure.

This question will help gauge a candidate’s familiarity with production roles and departments. While the production assistant is an entry-level position, qualified candidates will demonstrate a knowledge of industry processes and an understanding of their significance to the overall artistic project. 

Production assistants must be ready to take on all sorts of responsibilities, from printing scripts and picking up coffee to more technical tasks like helping to set up lights and equipment. Much is required to create a successful film or performance, and production assistants who take initiative to identify and complete necessary tasks can prove themselves invaluable to the artistic team. 

Tight production budgets and long hours of rehearsal or filming sometimes lead to workplace tension. Production assistants might witness coworkers with frayed nerves or strong emotions — and experience such feelings themselves. Top candidates will have exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrate patience when dealing with workplace conflict. 

Collaboration is the backbone of creative teams. The famous acting teacher Konstantin Stanislavski once said, “There are no small roles, only small actors” — and the same idea applies to the crew. Production assistants must take their role and responsibilities seriously, while also valuing the time, input, and talent of each member of the creative team. Successful collaboration leads to successful productions.

Production assistants are often responsible for coordinating large numbers of extras and conducting crowd control. Candidates must demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to take charge when necessary. Ideal candidates also know how to capture the attention of a large, excitable audience.

Production and rehearsal hours can be long and exhausting. Candidates must have the physical stamina to stay focused, alert, and ready to work for the duration of a rehearsal, performance, or film shoot. Top candidates will be able to articulate what inspires them to do their best work, as well as how they stay motivated when a job becomes challenging.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a clear understanding of workplace discretion and its value. Production assistants will sometimes have to rely on their judgment to make decisions independently. Moreover, production details often must be kept under wraps for legal, financial, and personal reasons. For these reasons and more, it’s essential that candidates prioritize discretion in all workplace interactions.

Asking candidates to discuss their career interests and goals can illuminate their reasons for wanting the job, suggest how they’ll approach the work, and shed light on their personality and potential fit with the team. Candidates who express genuine interest in a role are more likely to show dedication to the work and stay motivated when the going gets tough.