Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your multi-faceted experience and relevant skills can be a significant challenge for a production assistant. Our comprehensive guide will provide you with tailored strategies and examples to elevate your CV, ensuring you present a compelling case to potential employers.
What information should you include in your production assistant CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche production assistant role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
How to ensure your profile stands out with your production assistant CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your production assistant CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your production assistant CV:- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your production assistant CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
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Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a production assistant CV
- Relevant production experience and why it's included: Demonstrates hands-on skills and past responsibilities in similar roles.
- Key skills in production assisting: Showcases specific abilities such as multitasking, communication, and technical knowledge.
- Education and training relevant to production: Reflects the academic background and any specialised courses or certifications.
- Credits in film, TV, or theatre production: Lists past projects to highlight practical industry involvement and experience.
- References from industry professionals: Provides credible testimonials regarding work ethic and professional competence.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight any experience with film, television, or stage productions, mentioning specific roles and responsibilities to demonstrate your understanding of set dynamics and production needs.
- Emphasise your ability to multi-task and prioritise under pressure, as production assistants often need to respond quickly to various requests from different departments.
- Showcase your communication skills by providing examples of liaising between crew members, cast, and production executives, as effective communication is critical for a production assistant.
- Include relevant technical proficiencies such as familiarity with production software, scheduling tools, or any equipment you might have operated, as these are practical skills valued in production environments.
- Express your passion for the industry by mentioning any projects or productions you have been a part of voluntarily, demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication beyond paid work.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your production assistant CV header
Right at the very top of your production assistant CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for production assistant:
- Production Assistant | TV Series Coordination | Script Supervision | BSc Media Production | 3 Years Experience
- Film Production Assistant | On-Set Efficiency Expert | Post-Production Oversight | Diploma in Film | 5+ Years Insight
- Entry-Level Production Assistant | Events and Studio Operations | Organisational Talent | BA Hons Film Studies
- Senior Production Assistant | Feature Film Logistics | Crew Management | 8 Years in Creative Media Production
- Junior Production Assistant | Broadcast Media Enthusiast | Content Preparation | Certificate in TV Production
- Experienced Production Assistant | Documentary and Reality TV Specialist | Scheduling Pro | MA in Media Production | 6 Years
Choosing your opening statement: a production assistant CV summary or objective
At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:
- Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements. Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
- Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for
CV summaries for a production assistant job:
- With over five years of dedicated experience in film production, I have honed a robust skill set that includes comprehensive script breakdown, swift setup of shooting locations, and effective management of on-set logistics. My career highlight involves orchestrating a seamless production schedule for a BAFTA-winning short film.
- Seasoned Theatre Production Manager transitioning into the film industry, bringing forth a deep understanding of creative collaboration from successfully managing over thirty stage productions. Expertise in budget allocation and talent coordination equipped me to contribute significantly to a dynamic production team.
- Accomplished Graphic Designer eyeing a shift towards film production assistance, eager to merge a keen visual sensibility with a passion for storytelling. I possess advanced knowledge in Adobe Creative Suite and demonstrate a history of leading visual campaigns that have amplified brand stories across various media platforms.
- My eight years in event production have instilled an innate ability to handle multiple project timelines simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail. Tracking complex event requirements has prepared me to embrace the fast-paced world of film production and contribute to successful project outcomes.
- As a recent Film Studies graduate, I am eager to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and am committed to mastering the intricacies of production support, including script supervision, crew coordination, and equipment management.
- Embarking on a production assistant career with a fresh approach, I am keen on embracing hands-on experience to develop vital industry skills while contributing to creating memorable visual narratives and ensuring smooth operational workflows on set.
How to meet job requirements with your production assistant CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Assisted in the coordination of on-set logistics, ensuring timely set-up and break-down of equipment for each day's filming schedule.
- Acted as a liaison between the director, cast, and crew, effectively communicating updates and changes to keep production running smoothly.
- Managed the distribution of scripts and call sheets, confirming all involved parties received updated information daily.
- Coordinated transportation of cast and crew, ensuring punctual arrivals to set locations and managing movement between sites.
- Monitored and maintained the inventory of production supplies, promptly addressing any shortages to avoid disruptions.
- Facilitated the setting up of craft services, catering to diverse dietary requirements and preferences of cast and crew.
- Documented daily shoot activities, compiling reports that contributed to the efficiency of production meetings.
- Aided technical departments in rigging and derigging of equipment, helping to meet the tight turnaround times for multiple setups.
- Provided administrative support by organising and archiving production paperwork, including release forms and contracts.
Work Experience
Assistant Production Coordinator
Pinewood Studios
03/2018-02/2021
- Coordinated daily production schedules to maintain optimal workflow, effectively prioritising tasks for a team of 15 crew members, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency.
- Managed inventory and procured supplies for over 250 shoots, maintaining strict budget constraints, and successfully reduced costs by 10% through vendor negotiations.
- Assisted in the post-production process by editing footage which led to a 35% faster turnaround time for final product delivery to clients.
Work Experience
Production Team Support Specialist
BBC Studios
06/2014-12/2018
- Implemented a comprehensive tracking system for production elements which increased on-set organisation and reduced misplacement incidents by 40%.
- Cooperated closely with directors to facilitate efficient scene setup, reducing average setup time by 25% without compromising on quality.
- Acted as a liaison between the production team and external stakeholders, ensuring all department needs were met and expectations were exceeded in terms of project delivery.
Work Experience
Assistant Production Manager
ITV Studios
01/2013-09/2016
- Oversaw the successful production of a high-profile documentary series, managing logistics and coordinating schedules for a crew of over 50 members.
- Initiated a digital asset management system that improved content organisation and accessibility for the editing team, contributing to a 30% reduction in edit time.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers which resulted in smoother operations and timely execution of production demands.
Work Experience
Senior Production Assistant
Working Title Films
11/2011-05/2015
- Spearheaded a new script breakdown process that contributed to the streamlining of pre-production planning, reducing preparation time by approximately 15 hours per project.
- Guided production assistants and delegated tasks, enhancing team productivity and morale as evidenced by a 25% increase in on-time project completions.
- Played a pivotal role in the setup and dismantling of sets and equipment, often leading to the seamless transition between scenes and minimising production downtime.
Work Experience
Film Production Assistant
Film4 Productions
09/2009-12/2012
- Enabled the production crew to meet tight deadlines by providing steadfast support and managing unforeseen scheduling conflicts with agility.
- Enhanced communication flow by initiating daily briefings between departments, which led to a marked improvement in cross-department collaboration.
- Actively involved in the scouting and securing of locations, negotiating terms that saved the production budget by upwards of £5,000 per location.
Work Experience
Digital Production Assistant
Sky UK Limited
07/2016-Ongoing
- Leveraged advanced knowledge of digital workflows to facilitate the transition from traditional to digital production methods, significantly reducing paper waste.
- Orchestrated the onboarding process for new production interns and ensured they were fully trained on software and procedures, boosting overall team capacity.
- Provided critical support during live broadcasts by monitoring feeds, resulting in a decreased error rate and increased success of live segments.
Work Experience
Production Assistant Supervisor
Channel 4 Television Corporation
05/2015-08/2019
- Supervised a team of runners and junior production staff, ensuring efficient logistical support during the filming of multiple seasons of a popular TV series.
- Managed the acquisition and maintenance of production equipment worth over £200k, resulting in no downtime due to equipment failure over a period of 4 years.
- Facilitated communication and scheduling for international shoots, including visa arrangements, transport, and accommodation, while staying 15% below budget.
Work Experience
Assistant to the Producer
Endemol Shine UK
02/2017-01/2024
- Played a key role in the digital archiving project for historical footage, which involved cataloguing over 10,000 hours of video content.
- Assisted the director and production designer in the visual conceptualization of sets, contributing significantly to the aesthetic quality of final scenes.
- Liaised with casting agencies to source talent for various productions, often resulting in cost savings and enhanced performance delivery.
What to add in your production assistant CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
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Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your production assistant CV:
HARD SKILLS
Script Breakdowns
Video Editing
Scheduling and Planning
Equipment Management
Production Paperwork
Basic Camera Operation
Continuity Logging
Set Design Assistance
Prop Acquisition
Technical Script Analysis
SOFT SKILLS
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Problem-Solving
Multitasking
Proactivity
Professionalism
Stress Management
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If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
CV education and certificates: your academic background as proof of your skill set
A common misconception about your production assistant CV education is that you only need it, if you have less professional experience. That is completely false. The CV education section serves to back up your technical (and sometimes personal) capabilities, fill in gaps in your work history, and show you have the initial industry background and know-how. When creating your education section:
- List your degrees in the reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent (and relevant) ones first;
- Include your degree and university names, start and graduation dates. It's optional to also denote you received a "First-Class Honours" for diplomas that are more relevant to the role;
- Curate your relevant university coursework, projects, or thesis work if you happen to have less professional expertise and need to integrate more job keywords and skills.
Your professional qualifications don't need to stop at your academic background. It's advisable to also select up to three of your most noteworthy (and relevant) industry certificates and feature them in a dedicated section. Once more, include the certificate name, the institution that issued it out, and the date you obtained it on. You could feature both hard skills and soft skills certificates, as in the examples below:
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
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Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your production assistant CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
