Free production assistant job description templates: film and TV, manufacturing, broadcast, event, and post-production. Download 6 variations as one DOCX.
6 free templates by industry. Download as DOCX or copy-paste.
The production assistant job description is one of the trickiest to write well, because the same title means six different jobs. On a film set it is an entry-level runner; in a factory it is a floor hand; at a TV station it is a control-room helper; at an events company it is load-in and load-out crew. Most templates online assume film and TV, which leaves every other kind of employer with a posting that does not match the work or attract the right people.
At FirstHR, we build for small businesses that hire without an HR department, and a small manufacturer, station, events company, or studio hiring a production assistant is a textbook case: the role starts fast, the work is often physical, and the onboarding has real safety steps that a generic template ignores. The six templates below cover the role by industry: standard, film and TV, manufacturing, broadcast, event, and post-production. Fill in the brackets and post.
TL;DR
Six free production assistant job description templates: Standard, Film / TV, Manufacturing, Broadcast / News, Event / Live, and Post-Production / Creative. Download all six as one DOCX. A production assistant is an entry-level support role, but the duties change completely by industry, so the most important step is to write for the specific kind of production you run.
What Does a Production Assistant Do?
A production assistant supports a production team with the setup, logistics, and coordination that keep work running, in an entry-level role built around reliability and the willingness to take direction. Beyond that core, the day-to-day depends entirely on the industry, which is why one generic description rarely fits. The role even maps to two different federal occupations: in manufacturing it falls under production, planning, and expediting clerks, which lists Production Assistant as a sample job title, while in film and TV it maps to media and communication workers.
For the employer writing the posting, the takeaway is simple: define the role by your industry first, then list the real tasks. A film PA distributing call sheets and a factory PA staging materials share a title and almost nothing else. The six templates on this page split by industry so the summary and duties match the actual job.
The Role Changes Completely by Industry
The single most important fact about this title is that it means different work in every industry. Naming the right one in your posting is what separates a description that attracts qualified candidates from one that wastes everyone's time. Here is how the role differs across the main settings.
Industry
What the PA does
Setting
Film / TV
Set and office runner, call sheets, logistics
Sets and production offices
Manufacturing
Stages materials, supports the line, packaging
Plants and shops
Broadcast / News
Script and graphics prep, control-room support
Stations and studios
Event / Live
Load-in, setup, teardown, on-site logistics
Event venues
Post / Creative
Media and file organization, creative support
Studios and agencies
This is why a single all-purpose template falls short.
Production Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
Production assistant duties and responsibilities center on setup and logistics, coordination and support, safety and order, and team communication. The specialization shifts the emphasis, materials and the line for manufacturing, call sheets and set logistics for film, but these four categories hold across nearly every production assistant role. These are the duties grouped the way the templates use them.
Setup and logistics
Prepare, stage, and move materials and equipment
Set up and break down work areas
Run errands, pickups, and deliveries
Coordination and support
Support the production team and crew
Help coordinate schedules and communication
Track supplies and flag issues
Safety and order
Keep work areas clean and safe
Follow all safety procedures
Maintain organized records and files
Team and communication
Take direction and adapt quickly
Communicate clearly with the team
Handle ad hoc support tasks
A strong posting grounds these in your specifics: the industry, the tasks, the hours, and who the role reports to.
Which Template Should You Use?
Pick the template by your industry. All six share the same skeleton, but each one emphasizes the duties, hours, and requirements that fit a specific kind of production assistant. Use this guide to choose.
Standard
Any production team
The universal, all-purpose version for any business hiring a production assistant. Setup, logistics, scheduling support, and hands-on tasks. Start here if your role does not fit a specialized industry below.
Film / TV
Film, TV, commercial
The film and TV version: an entry-level set and office role. Call sheets, set logistics, talent wrangling, and runner work, under the AD and production team.
Manufacturing
Plants and shops
The manufacturing version: support on the production floor. Staging materials, assisting assembly and packaging, and meeting output goals under a production supervisor, with OSHA safety built in.
Broadcast / News
Stations and studios
The broadcast version: support for live and recorded segments. Scripts, graphics, control-room and studio help, and tight deadline logistics for a news or broadcast operation.
Event / Live
Events and staging
The event version: support for live events and staging. Load-in and load-out, setup and teardown, vendor coordination, and on-site logistics, often on evenings and weekends.
Post / Creative
Studios and agencies
The post-production version: support for editors, designers, and creative teams. Media and file organization, deliverable tracking, and project coordination.
Start With Your Industry
The fastest way to choose is by industry. Factory or shop floor? Use Manufacturing. Film, TV, or commercial set? Film / TV. News or broadcast station? Broadcast. Live events or staging? Event / Live. Editing or creative studio? Post-Production. Not a clear fit for any of these, or a general production support role? Use Standard. Once you pick, fill in the real hours, physical demands, and pay range for your specific role.
6 Free Production Assistant Job Description Templates
Download all six as a single Word document or copy individual templates. Each follows the same structure: job summary, key responsibilities, required and preferred qualifications, and compensation and how to apply. Fill in the brackets before you post.
Download All 6 Job Description Templates
Standard, film and TV, manufacturing, broadcast, event, and post-production. All in one DOCX.
Template 1: Standard Production Assistant
The universal, all-purpose version for any business hiring a production assistant. Setup, logistics, scheduling support, and hands-on tasks. Start here if your role does not fit a specialized industry below.
Production Assistant Job Description (Standard)
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __ ([City, State])
Department: Production / Operations
Reports to: [Production Manager / Supervisor / Owner]
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
ABOUT [COMPANY NAME]
[One or two sentences: what your company produces, the kind of work the role
supports, and the team this person will join.]
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Production Assistant to support our production team
and keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. You will handle setup,
logistics, scheduling support, and the hands-on tasks that keep a production
on track, working under the direction of a production manager or supervisor.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Support the production team with daily setup and tasks
•Prepare, organize, and move materials and equipment
•Help coordinate schedules, logistics, and communication
•Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area
•Track supplies and flag low stock or issues
•Run errands and handle ad hoc support tasks
•Follow all safety and company procedures
•Keep accurate records and notes as needed
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent
•Strong organization and communication skills
•Reliable, punctual, and able to multitask
•Ability to meet the physical demands of the role
•Willingness to learn and take direction
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Prior production, operations, or support experience
•Valid driver's license
•Familiarity with the tools and software your team uses
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $____ to $____ per hour [+ benefits]
To apply, email __ with your resume.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 2: Film and TV Production Assistant
The film and TV version: an entry-level set and office role. Call sheets, set logistics, talent wrangling, and runner work, under the AD and production team.
Film and TV Production Assistant Job Description
FILM / TV PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __ ([City, State])
Production: [Project / Show name, if applicable]
Reports to: [Production Coordinator / 1st AD / Producer]
The manufacturing version: support on the production floor. Staging materials, assisting assembly and packaging, and meeting output goals under a production supervisor, with OSHA safety built in.
Manufacturing Production Assistant Job Description
MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __ ([City, State])
Department: Production / Manufacturing
Reports to: [Production Supervisor / Plant Manager]
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time
Shift: [ ] Day [ ] Evening [ ] Night
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Production Assistant to support our manufacturing
floor. You will help operators and the production line by staging materials,
assisting with assembly and packaging, keeping the area clean, and supporting
output goals, all while following safety procedures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Support production line operators and assemblers
•Stage, move, and prepare materials and components
•Assist with assembly, packaging, and labeling
•Keep the work area clean, organized, and safe
•Track materials and report shortages or issues
•Help meet daily production and quality targets
•Follow all OSHA and plant safety procedures
•Record production data as required
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent
•Ability to meet the physical demands, including lifting
•Reliable, safety-minded, and able to work a set shift
•Basic math and recordkeeping skills
•Willingness to learn equipment and processes
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Prior manufacturing, warehouse, or production experience
•Forklift or equipment certification
•OSHA safety training
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $____ to $____ per hour [+ benefits]
To apply, email __ with your resume.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 4: Broadcast and News Production Assistant
The broadcast version: support for live and recorded segments. Scripts, graphics, control-room and studio help, and tight deadline logistics for a news or broadcast operation.
Broadcast / News Production Assistant Job Description
BROADCAST / NEWS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __ ([City, State])
Department: News / Broadcast Production
Reports to: [Producer / News Director / Production Manager]
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Production Assistant to support our broadcast or
news operation. You will help produce live and recorded segments by preparing
scripts and graphics, supporting the control room and studio, and handling the
logistics that keep broadcasts on schedule.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Support producers with show prep and segment logistics
•Prepare and load scripts, graphics, and rundowns
•Assist in the control room and studio during shows
•Operate teleprompter and basic studio equipment
•Coordinate guests, talent, and on-set logistics
•Help capture, log, and organize footage and files
•Meet tight, time-sensitive broadcast deadlines
•Follow station and broadcast procedures
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent (degree a plus)
•Strong organization and ability to work under deadline
•Clear communication and attention to detail
•Comfortable with technology and studio equipment
•Flexible with early, late, or weekend shifts
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Coursework or experience in broadcast, media, or journalism
•Familiarity with production and editing software
•Prior internship or studio experience
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $____ to $____ per hour
To apply, email __ with your resume.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 5: Event and Live Production Assistant
The event version: support for live events and staging. Load-in and load-out, setup and teardown, vendor coordination, and on-site logistics, often on evenings and weekends.
[Company Name] is hiring a Production Assistant to support our live events and
staging. You will help with load-in and load-out, setup and teardown, vendor
and crew coordination, and the on-site logistics that make events run, often on
evenings and weekends.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Assist with event load-in, setup, teardown, and load-out
•Move, stage, and set up equipment, staging, and supplies
•Support audio, lighting, and staging crews as directed
•Coordinate with vendors, crew, and venue staff
•Help manage timelines and on-site logistics
•Keep work and event areas clean and safe
•Handle errands, pickups, and runner tasks
•Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent
•Ability to meet the physical demands, including lifting
•Reliable, flexible, and comfortable with long event days
•Strong teamwork and communication
•Valid driver's license
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Prior event, staging, AV, or production experience
•Familiarity with staging, audio, or lighting equipment
•Availability on evenings and weekends
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $____ to $____ per hour
To apply, email __ with your resume.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 6: Post-Production and Creative Production Assistant
The post-production version: support for editors, designers, and creative teams. Media and file organization, deliverable tracking, and project coordination.
Post-Production / Creative Production Assistant Job Description
POST-PRODUCTION / CREATIVE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __ ([City, State])
Department: Post-Production / Creative
Reports to: [Post Supervisor / Creative Director / Producer]
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Production Assistant to support our post-production
or creative team. You will organize media and project files, support editors
and designers, track deliverables and deadlines, and handle the coordination
that keeps creative projects moving.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Organize, log, and back up media and project files
•Support editors, designers, and the creative team
•Track project deadlines, deliverables, and revisions
•Prepare and export files in required formats
•Coordinate assets, feedback, and client communication
•Maintain organized digital libraries and archives
•Handle administrative and scheduling support
•Follow studio workflows and file-naming standards
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent
•Strong organization and digital file management
•Attention to detail and ability to juggle deadlines
•Comfortable with creative software and tools
•Clear communication and a collaborative attitude
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Coursework or experience in media, design, or production
•Familiarity with editing or Adobe Creative Suite tools
•Prior post-production or agency experience
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $____ to $____ per hour
To apply, email __ with your resume.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
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What to Include in a Production Assistant Job Description
Every strong production assistant job description shares the same core sections, with concrete duties rather than generic ones. The templates above are built around them, but it helps to see the difference between vague and specific wording.
Weak bullet
Strong bullet
Help out the team
Support production line operators and stage materials
Move stuff around
Prepare, organize, and move materials and equipment
Keep things clean
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area
Be flexible
Work scheduled shifts, including evenings and weekends
Handle paperwork
Distribute call sheets, scripts, and production paperwork
Specific, concrete duties attract candidates who understand the work and signal a serious employer. Keep the language neutral and inclusive too, since the EEOC prohibits job advertisements that show a preference based on protected characteristics. For a fuller framework, the SHRM guide to writing a job description covers the standard sections.
How to Write a Production Assistant Job Description
A strong production assistant posting takes about fifteen minutes once you settle the industry, the responsibilities, the hours, and the pay. Here is the process the templates are built around.
1
Pick the industry variation
Standard, film and TV, manufacturing, broadcast, event, or post-production, matched to the real work you are hiring for.
2
Write the actual responsibilities
List the concrete setup, logistics, support, and coordination duties for your specific production, not generic filler.
3
State hours, physical demands, and pay
Be honest about shifts, lifting and standing, and set an hourly range for your market and industry.
4
Keep requirements job-related
List only the real qualifications, keep the language neutral and inclusive, and add an equal opportunity statement.
5
Add a simple way to apply
Give one clear application step, and plan the offer and onboarding so you can move fast once you find the right person.
Production Assistant Pay and Outlook
Production assistants are paid hourly, and the rate varies by industry, region, and experience. For the manufacturing and production side of the role, federal data is a useful anchor; film, broadcast, event, and creative roles fall into a similar entry-level hourly range that depends on the market.
Production Pay Anchor (BLS)
Production occupations as a group had a median annual wage of $45,960 in May 2024, below the all-occupation median of $49,500. The group is large, with about 963,400 openings projected each year on average, largely from the need to replace workers who move on (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
An entry-level production assistant typically sits below the median for the broader production group, and film or TV PA pay is usually structured as an hourly or daily rate. These are the most recent confirmed federal estimates for the broader occupation group.
Industry
Typical pay structure
Notes
Manufacturing
Hourly
Anchored to production occupations
Film / TV
Hourly or day rate
Entry-level, often project-based
Broadcast / News
Hourly
Varies by market and station
Event / Live
Hourly
Often includes overtime and weekends
Post / Creative
Hourly
Varies by studio and market
For setting pay, anchor on your industry and local market, set an honest hourly range, and state it in the posting, since several states require it and entry-level candidates compare rates closely.
Hiring a Production Assistant as a Small Business
A large studio or plant hires production assistants through a recruiting team and a pay grid. A small manufacturer, station, events company, or studio makes the same hire directly, usually the owner or a production manager, and usually more than once given steady turnover in entry-level roles. Here is how to do it well.
Name the industry, because the title means six different jobs
More than almost any other role, production assistant means completely different work depending on the industry. On a film or TV set it is an entry-level runner handling call sheets and set logistics; in a factory it is a floor hand staging materials and supporting the line; at a TV station it is a control-room and script helper; at an events company it is load-in and load-out labor; in a post house it is media and file organization. A generic template that does not say which one you mean attracts the wrong applicants and wastes everyone's time. The fastest fix is to pick the variation that matches your business, so the title, the summary, and the duties all point at the same real job. Each template here is written for a specific industry, and the Standard version covers a general production support role when none of the specialized versions fit.
Be honest about hours, physical demands, and pay structure
Production work is often physical, scheduled around production needs rather than nine-to-five, and paid hourly. A template that hides this attracts people who quit in week one. State the real hours up front, whether that is shift work in a plant, long irregular days on a set, or evenings and weekends for events. Be clear about physical demands like lifting, standing, and being on your feet, since these are bona fide job requirements when they are truly part of the work. Set an honest hourly range for your market, since production assistant roles are paid hourly and non-exempt, and several states now require a pay range in the posting. Candidates who know what they are signing up for are the ones who stay.
Plan the onboarding before you post, since the hire starts fast
Production assistants tend to start quickly and jump straight into hands-on work, often in environments with real safety requirements. That makes the onboarding more important than the title suggests. Before you post, know how you will handle the offer and the first-day basics: the offer letter, the I-9 and tax forms, state new-hire reporting, and any safety acknowledgment or equipment agreement. For manufacturing and event roles especially, a safety orientation on day one is not optional. A small business without an HR department needs a simple, repeatable system to move from accepted offer to a productive, safely onboarded hire, rather than reinventing the process each time you backfill a role that sees steady turnover.
After You Hire: Onboarding a Production Assistant
Production assistant onboarding tends to move fast and, for manufacturing and event roles, includes real safety steps, so a structured start protects both the new hire and the company. The basics come first: the offer with the hourly rate stated, the I-9, tax forms, and state new-hire reporting, plus any safety acknowledgment or equipment agreement. For floor and event roles, a first-day safety orientation and any required training come before the new hire is on the line or on site.
FirstHR fits this directly: e-signature for the offer and safety acknowledgments, document management for I-9s, safety records, and any certifications, training assignments with completion records for safety orientation, and an HRIS with an org chart and employee profiles for your team, all built for businesses without an HR department, which helps when you rehire for the same entry-level role often. Applicant tracking is coming soon to FirstHR; today the platform handles onboarding and document tracking once the candidate signs.
Key Takeaways
A production assistant is an entry-level support role, but the work changes completely by industry: film and TV, manufacturing, broadcast, event, and post-production.
The most important step is naming your industry in the posting, so the title, summary, and duties all point at the same real job.
Be honest about hours, physical demands, and pay, since production work is often physical, scheduled around production, and paid hourly.
In manufacturing the role maps to production, planning, and expediting clerks; in film and TV it maps to media and communication workers.
Production occupations had a median wage of about $45,960 in May 2024, with entry-level production assistants typically below that median.
The role starts fast and often has safety steps, so plan the offer and onboarding, including a day-one safety orientation, before you post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a production assistant do?
A production assistant supports a production team with the hands-on tasks, logistics, and coordination that keep work running. The exact duties depend heavily on the industry. In film and TV, a production assistant is an entry-level set and office role handling call sheets, runner tasks, and set logistics. In manufacturing, the role supports the production floor by staging materials, assisting assembly and packaging, and meeting output goals. In broadcast, it means script and graphics prep and control-room support. At an events company, it is load-in, setup, teardown, and on-site logistics. In post-production, it is media organization and creative support. Across all of them, a production assistant is an entry-level role built around reliability, organization, and the willingness to take direction and do whatever keeps the production moving.
What should a production assistant job description include?
A strong production assistant job description includes a clear job summary, key responsibilities, required and preferred qualifications, the pay range, and how to apply, all written for a specific industry. Because the title means very different things across film, manufacturing, broadcast, events, and post-production, the single most important thing is to be specific about which kind of production assistant you need. State the real hours and any physical demands like lifting or standing, since production roles are often physical and scheduled around production needs. Include an hourly pay range, an equal opportunity statement, and a simple way to apply. The templates on this page are each written for a specific industry so the summary, duties, and requirements all match the actual job.
Is a production assistant only a film and TV job?
No. While film and TV is the most well-known use of the title, production assistant is a common role across several industries. Manufacturers hire production assistants to support the floor, broadcast and news stations hire them for studio and control-room support, event and staging companies hire them for live events, and creative studios and agencies hire them for post-production and project coordination. The federal occupational data reflects this split: a production assistant in manufacturing maps to the production, planning, and expediting clerks occupation, where Production Assistant is listed as a sample job title, while a film or TV production assistant maps to media and communication workers. When you write the posting, name your industry so candidates know which version of the role you mean.
Is a production assistant an entry-level job?
Yes, in almost every industry a production assistant is an entry-level role. It is one of the most common ways people break into film, TV, broadcast, and live production, and in manufacturing it is a common starting point on the production floor. Because it is entry-level, most postings do not require prior experience or a specific degree, though a high school diploma or equivalent is standard. What employers screen for instead is reliability, a strong work ethic, organization, the ability to take direction, and the physical stamina the role requires. This makes the production assistant role a good fit for hiring people early in their careers and training them up, which is also why these roles see steady turnover as people advance into more specialized positions.
How much should I pay a production assistant?
Production assistants are paid hourly, and the rate varies by industry, region, and experience. For manufacturing and production roles, federal data offers a useful anchor: production occupations as a group had a median annual wage of about $45,960 in May 2024, though an entry-level production assistant typically sits below the median for the broader group. Film and TV production assistant pay is usually structured as an hourly or daily rate and tends to be entry-level, while broadcast, event, and post-production roles fall into a similar hourly range that depends on the market. The practical approach is to anchor on your industry and local market, set an honest hourly range, and state it in the posting, since several states now require a pay range and entry-level candidates compare rates closely.
What is the difference between a production assistant and a production worker?
The two titles overlap in manufacturing but are not identical. A production worker, sometimes called a production associate or assembler, usually has a defined spot on the production line and focuses on a specific operation like assembly, machine tending, or packaging. A production assistant tends to be a more flexible support role: staging materials, helping multiple operators, running tasks across the floor, and filling gaps wherever the production needs it. Outside manufacturing, production assistant carries its film, TV, broadcast, and event meanings, while production worker stays a manufacturing term. If your role is a fixed line position, production worker or the specific job title may attract more relevant candidates; if it is a flexible support role, production assistant fits. When in doubt, describe the actual day-to-day work clearly rather than relying on the title alone.
What happens after I hire a production assistant?
Once the candidate accepts, the hire moves into onboarding, and for a production role that often happens fast and includes real safety requirements. The first steps are the offer and paperwork: the offer letter with the hourly rate stated, the I-9, tax forms, and state new-hire reporting, plus any safety acknowledgment or equipment agreement. For manufacturing and event roles in particular, a first-day safety orientation and any required training come next, before the new hire is on the floor or on site. FirstHR fits this directly: e-signature for the offer and safety acknowledgments, document management for I-9s, safety records, and any certifications, training assignments with completion tracking for safety orientation, and an HRIS with an org chart and employee profiles for your team. Applicant tracking is coming soon to FirstHR; today the platform handles onboarding and document tracking once the candidate signs, which helps when you rehire for the same role often.
