ScreenSkills & Media Career Advice - Production Assistant Training Programme for Unscripted TV - Q&A Session

Links shared in chat box:

Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV overview - https://www.mediacareeradvice.co.uk/blog-news/production-coordinator-training-programme-for-unscripted-tv

Production Assistant Training Programme for Unscripted TV - https://www.mediacareeradvice.co.uk/production-assistant-training-programme-for-unscripted-tv

Production Assistant role - https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/unscripted-tv/production-managment/production-assistant/

Production Management job map - https://www.screenskills.com/media/6695/unscripted-editorial-and-production-2-web.pdf

Production Co-ordination for Unscripted TV case studies - https://www.mediacareeradvice.co.uk/pcutv-case-studies

Questions & Answers:

Just to check, are the placements full time?

Yes, full-time. That's a stipulation from the placement companies. Often you can turn part-time from the Production Manager role onwards, but the more junior roles are required to be full-time.

Do we get training for using Silvermouse?

Yes, lots of training and practice in Silvermouse and post production paperwork.

Do we have to be members of BECTU?

No - it's a personal preference if you want to join BECTU. BECTU are the union for the TV & Film industry. They offer lower membership rates for new entrants to the industry during their first year of TV work.

How many placements are available? Is there a lot of competition for places? How many applications do you normally receive?

Each person taken on will get a 3 month placement. The only restriction could be a slight delay to the start of the programme. Applications are high at the moment and we have 20 places available across the UK for our first cohort, and 20 places for our second cohort where applications open at the start of January

Is there any control over a start date from our end? - Conscious of notice periods with current jobs and so on may need some lead time.

Yes, we could potentially be flexible dependent on when placements are available. Please note any notice period/restrictions on your application form.

If we are not successful in this programme, what other routes would you recommend for getting into the production assistant role. I am really struggling to get any opportunities to even start as a runner.

Runner is the route in for all roles in the industry. You can get a role specifically as an Office Runner or Office Assistant which is a direct path to the Production Assistant role, however starting as a regular Runner is also the common path to Production Assistant. A lot of jobs aren’t advertised in the industry, so email companies directly and demonstrate your passion, skills and that you’d like to work in production management.

In terms of full time, is there fixed hours ? 40-50 hours?

General hours tend to be 9.30am - 6pm with an hour for lunch. However, if you are needed on location then you could be required to work over those hours and be on call if the team are on a shoot in case of any issues arising. I've given a bit more information on this in the Q&A section of the PA programme page on our website, so do check that out.

Is there a maximum number of trainees you can take on during this first cohort?

20 for this cohort, and 20 for our second cohort which opens for application in January

And can that part of the job [post production paperwork] be done remotely from home?

Certain things, including post production paperwork could potentially be done from home, although you'd have to check this with your placement company. Long-term if you get more experience in this you can actually specialise in that and work freelance for companies just completing that paperwork.

Is there an age limit to apply for the programme?

No age limit, but the minimum age is 18+

If you're unsuccessful this time round, can you apply again for the chance to be a part of the 2nd cohort in January?

Yes, you can :-)

Where will the interview take place?

Online via Zoom

How long would typical progression from Prod Sec to Prod Coord take?

Approx 2 years, but it will depend on your experience, the production company and where you’re based. Typically you move faster up the ladder working outside of London.

I understand that all the training sessions are important. However, I have a driving test booked on the 1st November, which is an online training day. Does this disqualify me from applying?

Mark this in your application and we can see how we can accommodate this

What percentage of time would you say is spent on set as a production assistant?

Not always a massive amount to be honest, but it depends on the production you're working on. If it's a big shoot you'll be on location the whole time, e.g The Great British Bake Off where when filming is taking place you will be based there the whole time.

For a non EU, there is any restrictions/visa, I am Brazilian Film and TV producer, but I have IRP (Irish permit resident).

You need to have the right to work in the UK and we'll need to see proof of that before confirming you on the programme.

How late can we delay our placement start time? Or would it just be easier to apply next year as I'm a few months out?

Pop it in your application and we'll see how it could potentially work. The placements for the next cohort will take place in March.

Thank you to all of you for your time and for the very informative session. For any further questions would it be possible to contact you via an email address?

Any further questions - please email - production@mediacareeradvice.co.uk