Many people in this role are graduates, though having a degree is not essential. Degree subjects that may be useful include:

• creative media production
• film and television production
• film and TV studies

You might find it helpful to choose a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could take a course at college, for example:

• Level 3 Diploma in Media Techniques
• Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You may be able to do a broadcast production assistant advanced apprenticeship.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 may offer apprenticeship opportunities.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Your first paid job will usually be as a runner or junior assistant in the production office. You'll then work your way up as you get experience.

Get as much practical experience as you can. This will show employers that you're committed to learning more about the industry. You can build useful experience through activities like:

• student or community film/TV projects
• community or student radio

You'll also get the opportunity to meet people already working in TV and film. Building a network of contacts could help you when you start looking for work.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, and 'insight' and 'talent days'. Competition can be tough, but if you're successful, it will help you get a better understanding of the industry.

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

ScreenSkills also has information on finding work experience.

Employers will be interested in your relevant skills and experience. Some will expect you to be a graduate.

Generally they will value experience of working in TV, advertising or office management.

You could also take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In this role you could:

• hire studio facilities and equipment
• book hotels and make travel arrangements
• attend production meetings
• copy and distribute scripts
• type and circulate production schedules ('call sheets') and daily reports
• get permission to use copyrighted music or film clips
• deal with accounts and expenses

In television, you could:

• time the show in the studio gallery
• call camera shots
• cue pre-recorded material
• keep records or a log of shots taken
• make sure the shots look the same after breaks in filming

You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio, on a film set or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.