production assistant
Crew entry role
A production assistant, often abbreviated PA, is an entry-level position in film, television, or theater productions.
PAs handle a wide range of tasks that keep a set running smoothly, from distributing scripts and managing paperwork to fetching coffee and directing traffic.
The role requires flexibility and willingness to do whatever needs doing, making it the traditional starting point for careers in entertainment production.
She worked as a production assistant on three indie films before becoming an assistant director.
Theater's hidden area
- promptingGiving reminders to continue
- cueTrigger for action
- propsTheater accessories or praise
- wardrobeGarment storage furniture
makeup · soundcheck · headset · stagehand · technician · green room · dressing room · talent
Film scene marking device
- slateFissile metamorphic rock
- blockingImpeding forward progress
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- continuityUninterrupted progression or coherence
extras · wrangling · filming · scene · take · camera · lighting · boom
Film's chief electrician
- gripsHolds firmly onto
- key gripFilm lighting crew supervisor
- best boyChief assistant to gaffer
- electricianWiring installation specialist
rigging · propmaster · script supervisor · stunt coordinator · casting director · sound mixer · costumer · makeup artist
Assigning times to events
- organizingSystematically putting in order
- timelinesOrdered sequences of dates
- deadlinesSubmission cutoff times
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
liaison · delegation · prioritizing · tracking · multitasking · workflow · call sheets · coordinating
Catalog of held assets
- suppliesResources for a task
- transportationMoving people or goods
- equipmentTools for a task
- procurementObtaining goods externally
distribution · shipping · receiving · tracking · delivery · vendors · orders · purchasing
backstage
Theater's hidden area
wardrobe · makeup · soundcheck · headset · stagehand · technician · green room · dressing room · talent · standby
clapperboard
Film scene marking device
- slateFissile metamorphic rock
- blockingImpeding forward progress
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
continuity · extras · wrangling · filming · scene · take · camera · lighting · boom · dailies
gaffer
Film's chief electrician
electrician · rigging · propmaster · script supervisor · stunt coordinator · casting director · sound mixer · costumer · makeup artist · hair stylist
scheduling
Assigning times to events
- organizingSystematically putting in order
- timelinesOrdered sequences of dates
- deadlinesSubmission cutoff times
communication · liaison · delegation · prioritizing · tracking · multitasking · workflow · call sheets · coordinating · runners
inventory
Catalog of held assets
- suppliesResources for a task
- transportationMoving people or goods
- equipmentTools for a task
procurement · distribution · shipping · receiving · tracking · delivery · vendors · orders · purchasing · materials
- Film Productiondirector, editor, cameraman, crew, stunt double
- entry-level jobsintern, trainee, junior, associate, apprentice
- film crewcinematographer, director, gaffer, editor, grip
- theater jobsactor, director, playwright, choreographer, stage manager
- support roleshelper, aide, support staff, backup, second-in-command
- crewdirector, editor, cameraman, gaffer, grip
production assistantexecutive producer
Senior production decision-maker
director · showrunner · producer · studio head · film director
production assistantdirector
One who leads
showrunner · creative director · auteur · lead actor · star
produce, assistant, production, producer, produced, reproduce, reproduction, producers, productions