Production assistant, film, TV

What does a production assistant, film, TV, do? – Tasks and work environment

A production assistant in film and TV is responsible for facilitating the daily operations of production by coordinating practical tasks and supporting various team members. Tasks include scheduling, equipment management, interdepartmental communication, and ensuring the production runs smoothly according to plan. The work environment is often dynamic and can vary between office work and on-location shoots with high tempo and changing working conditions.

Salary development over time

The salary of a production assistant has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,200 kronor per month, increasing to 36 200 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the salary continued to rise and reached an average of 39 300 kronor, representing a total increase of approximately 15 percent over three years. This positive salary development can be explained by increased demand for qualified personnel in film and TV production, as well as a greater focus on efficient production and project management. At the same time, industry growth and competition for skilled workers also influence salary levels.

Production assistant, film, TV salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 300 kr/month
• Lowest/highest salary: Data not available for exact range
• Hourly wage: 236 kr (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn an average of 38 800 kr/month, no specific data for men
• Regional differences: No detailed data available

Education and qualifications

The educational path to becoming a production assistant in film and TV is often flexible and can include both formal training and practical experience. Many combine shorter courses in production with internships and trainee programs to build relevant skills.

• Formal degrees: Vocational college programs in film and TV production, often 1–2 years
• Certifications/courses: Courses in project management, production logistics, and technical tools
• Internships/trainee: Common for gaining industry experience
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of production and good organizational skills
• Self-study/online: Using digital resources to learn production tools and workflows
• Tips for choosing: Combine theoretical studies with practical experience for the best preparation

Common benefits and compensations

Production assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, collective agreement-based holiday pay, and sometimes travel allowances for work at different filming locations. Since many are hourly employees, overtime and unsociable hours compensations may apply depending on the production and agreements.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a production assistant in film and TV is competitive, with many applicants for few positions, especially in larger production environments. Challenges include managing stressful situations with tight deadlines and working under varying conditions. Flexibility, patience, and problem-solving skills are important to meet industry demands. At the same time, the project-based nature of the industry can lead to job insecurity.

Tips for those who want to become a production assistant in film and TV

To succeed as a production assistant in film and TV, it is beneficial to develop strong organizational skills and be meticulous in planning and documentation. Good communication facilitates collaboration with different teams and enables quick problem resolution. High stress tolerance is important since workdays are often intense and unpredictable. Gaining practical experience through internships or trainee programs provides insight into industry workflows and helps build a network. Finally, a flexible attitude and willingness to work in diverse environments are crucial for thriving and developing in the role.

Key facts about production assistant, film, TV

• Education level: Vocational college or equivalent practical experience
• Salary range: Approximately 38 800–39 300 kr/month
• Work environment: Combination of office and on-location shoots with high tempo
• Employment type: Project-based employment, often hourly
• Demand: Limited assessment but about 620 available jobs in the profession, including assistant directors and script supervisors

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a production assistant, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as production manager, assistant director, or other coordinating functions in film and TV. The Employment Service's forecasts lack specific assessments for this profession due to limited data, but the industry shows steady interest in skilled personnel. There are about 620 available jobs in the broader profession, indicating some job availability. Continued development in digital production and streaming services may positively influence future demand.

Common questions about production assistant, film, TV

• What does a production assistant, film, TV, earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 39 300 kronor per month, with an hourly wage of around 236 kronor.
• What education is required to become a production assistant?
  - Vocational college programs in film and TV or equivalent practical experience are common.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn an average of 38 800 kronor, but exact data for men is unavailable.
• What is the work environment like for production assistants?
  - The work environment is often varied, including office work and on-location shoots.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Flexibility, stress resilience, and good communication skills are central qualities.
• What are the future prospects?
  - There are about 620 available jobs in the profession, but no specific forecast due to limited data.