Jobs behind the scenes in television

1. Obtain a degree

While a particular degree is not always needed, most businesses prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree. If you want to work in a different position in the film business, you should consider majoring in something that will help you later in your career.

Depending on your preferences, you may major in cinema studies, business administration, or mass communication. If you have a degree in accounting, design, or another specialised profession, your company will almost certainly let you to put your abilities to use by working in a related department.

2. Accumulate appropriate experience

You will need appropriate work experience to be a more appealing job applicant. Because production assistants do so many diverse duties, this may take many different shapes. You may work as a movie or television extra, help a buddy shoot an independent film, or join a local film production group. These activities will appear excellent on your CV since they will acquaint you with how a movie set operates.

Other sorts of experience, such as past leadership positions or extracurricular activities, might also be included on resumes. These experiences might help you come across as focused, hardworking, and dedicated. Production assistants must have a variety of professional and interpersonal abilities. While the most of them are not relevant to the film business, PAs might benefit from specialized training. The three most popular PA training programs are:

PA Training

This program in Los Angeles comprises of two-day training sessions held once a month on a Saturday and Sunday. The organizers place an emphasis on teaching trainees practical skills like as preparing call sheets, film vocabulary, and set direction. The objective is for all participants to be able to work on a movie set immediately following the session. The training fee is $230.

PA Training Program "Made in New York"

This five-week program is one of the greatest ways to get started in New York City's television business. The organizers educate students in a typical classroom for the first four weeks. The fifth week includes a one-week internship where participants may put their abilities to the test. The program provides up to two years of job placement support after graduation.

Film Academy Workshops at Open Rivers Pictures

This program is based in Atlanta, one of the busiest filmmaking hubs in the United States. All of the teachers are industry pros who teach students the essentials of working on a television or film set.

Following the conclusion of the courses, students are permitted to join a Facebook group that discusses information about potential job vacancies and employment possibilities. The program is held once a month over two days and costs $150 (or $135 for early enrollment).

3. Make use of your network

One of the most crucial tools for a television production assistant is their professional network. The majority of PAs are hired via personal ties, such as professors, colleagues, family, or friends. If you are serious about becoming a PA, one of your greatest alternatives is to contact your network and inform them that you are searching for employment in the film business.

You could already know someone in the television business via a contact. A suggestion or even a reference might help you stand out from the crowd and get entrance to a studio.

4. Look for work

In many respects, applying for a job as a television production assistant is comparable to applying for other positions. You must create a well-written résumé, get letters of reference, and begin your job hunt online or in person. The key distinction, though, is location. The majority of PAs work in Los Angeles, New York City, or Atlanta.

If you are reluctant or unable to move for employment, you may need to look for work with local indie filmmakers. If you are willing to relocate, your job search alternatives include scanning internet job boards, contacting film industry recruiting agencies, or submitting your résumé in person to a television studio. Persistence and patience will be essential no matter which path you choose.