Production Assistant Resume Example, Templates, & Tips

As a production assistant, you're the behind-the-scenes magician who makes movie magic happen. But when it comes to your resume, you need a spellbinding script.

Our guide will help you create a blockbuster production assistant resume that'll have hiring managers shouting "Encore!" Get ready to steal the spotlight and land those dream film jobs.

This production assistant resume guide will show you:

• Production assistant resume examples better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a TV or film resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a PA resume.
• How to describe your film or TV experience to get any production assistant job you want.

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If you want to see more sample resumes for creative jobs, check out our dedicated guides:

• Acting Resume Sample
• Animator Resume Sample
• Artist Resume Sample
• Art Director Resume Sample
• Audio Engineer Resume Sample
• Production Coordinator Resume Sample
• Creative Director Resume Sample
• Film Resume Sample
• Video Producer Resume Sample
• Best Resume Examples

1. Production Assistant Resume Example

2. What’s the Best Format for a Production Assistant Resume?

Production support is expected to grow by 13% between 2016–2026.

Competition is getting fierce, and senior film producers will demand a lot from applicants.

It starts now—

Their first demand is a perfectly-formatted resume, one with Law & Order instead of Tarantino-level chaos.

How to make one?

Use the reverse-chronological format.

This is the most-recognized production assistant resume template out there, like a primetime sitcom.

It gives prominence to your experience and achievements, plus—

It’s easily scannable.

For each entry, such as work history or education, give the most recent first and go backward from there.

Here’s what to put in a production assistant resume:

• Write a compelling resume summary or objective.
• Add your work experience, starting with the most recent job.
• List your education and any relevant coursework you have.
• Use skills which match the film production job description.
• Add other sections to stand out from the others.

The more important the info is to getting a production assistant job, place it higher on your PA resume.

For example, if applying for entry-level film jobs, put your less relevant work history below your education section.

Remember to make good use of white space and stick to resume-friendly fonts. And to successfully guide the recruiter’s eyes give each section a proper heading.

Pro Tip: Save your production assistant resume as a PDF. The PDF resume format ensures it renders correctly—which will be your job, after all.

Think a resume format other than reverse-chron for a film resume is right for you? See our guide: Best Resume Format & How to Choose It [Guide with Examples]

3. Production Assistant Resume Summary or Resume Objective?

Movie producers won't look at your resume longer than a few glances, at first.

What’s that mean for you?

Like a catchy pilot episode, write an intriguing heading statement to grab their attention from the get-go.

For your PA resume, choose either a resume summary or resume objective, depending on your experience. Write a 3- or 4-line paragraph, 2–4 sentences in length in all.

Got experience in film industry jobs?

Use a resume summary.

A summary statement sums up the film experience and skills you have, and it highlights accomplishments with numbers to prove it.

Here are two PA resume samples of summary statements:

Film Production Assistant Resume Summary

In the wrong example, you just listed some regular production assistant duties, but it doesn’t tell the film or television producer how great you carried those tasks out.

It will get a 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

In the right example, you don’t even need to list many tasks—your quantifiable achievement proves you were a star.

Don’t have film or TV production experience?

Then write a resume objective.

Back up any relevant claims with numbers, just as you did in your summary. Instead of listing experience, mention your career goals and show the recruiter why you’re the production assistant they’ve been auditioning for.

Here are two production assistant objective examples:

Film Production Assistant Resume Summary

The right example doesn’t have any experience, but the producer will happily overlook that. You gave them a relevant accomplishment and education to compel them to read on.

A great opening scene!

The wrong example, on the other hand, screams only: “Give me a job!”

Pro Tip: The film or TV producer will read your resume summary or objective first, since it’s at the top of your script. However, write it at the end so you have the rest of your resume to guide you along.

Want more advice on writing a career summary or career objective for film production jobs? Check out our guides: Professional Resume Summary Examples [20+ Resume Summary Statement Examples] and 20+ Resume Objective Examples for Any Career [+General Proven Tips]

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4. How to Describe Your Film Industry Experience

Like a positive film review, you want the senior producer to be thrilled at what they’re reading.

In this case, it’s a work experience section which will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Here’s how to do it.

Look at these two sample PA resumes:

Production Assistant Job Description for a Resume

That right example shows you’re almost as accomplished as Steven Spielberg. You’ve added relevant tasks and some proud achievements to show off.

The wrong one has no accomplishments to demonstrate. On top of that, it’s not tailored to television production jobs; it uses generic duties—anonymous as an Alan Smithee film.

Got no experience in pre-production, post-production, or anything in between?

No problem! You can still have transferable experience from other positions.

Check out this sample:

Film Production Assistant Resume Sample—No Experience

If you want to list experience on a film resume, it needs to include relevant achievements and transferable duties.

Also—

Got a production assistant internship under your belt? Add it as another entry in your work history to get your foot in the door of this foot-in-the-door job.

Pro Tip: Keep the production assistant job ad out in front of you as you write your work history. This will help you add responsibilities and achievements they prize, instead of writing a resume full of plot holes.

5. Is Your Education Section Underperforming? It Might Be.

You’re applying for a supporting role, but your PA resume must still seek the limelight.

To outshine other candidates, your education section can’t jump the shark.

Here’s how to add a finished degree:

Education on Film Coordinator Resume

If still completing your degree—

Here’s how to add it on a film student resume:

Since production is in the film industry, relevant coursework (such as our examples above) make your case solid. Add those classes most relevant to film production at the bottom of your education entry.

If you’ve only fully finished high school—

Add it like this:

If you have no work experience, the education section goes below the resume objective. Otherwise, put it after your work history.

Also, skip the high school if you’ve completed a degree.

Got a certificate from the New York Film Academy?

Don’t worry—we’ll talk about certifications in moment.

What if you have a GED? Or haven’t completed high school? Check out: Education Resume Section: How to List High School & College Education.

6. How to List Production Skills on Film Resumes?

Film producers expect only top results.

To be the candidate they go with, you must have a show-stopping skills section.

But, which production assistant skills to add?

Create a list of general PA hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills are able to be measured and learned (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro), and soft skills you learn as you grow (e.g., communication skills).

Here are example production assistant skills:

Skills for a Production Assistant Resume

However—

Don’t just list all the skills and abilities related to the film industry.

That resume is sure to bomb.

Instead, choose the best few by using the job ad.

Here’s an example of production assistant duties and requirements from a job ad:

That’s a sample ad, now let’s personalize some skills just for them:

Production Assistant Resume Skills Section—Sample

How about that?

See, this job ad specifically wants someone skilled with Adobe Premiere. If you didn’t use the job ad to guide you, you might have skipped it, added irrelevant software, or worded it differently—not a good way to keep the producer on the edge of their seat!

Finally, tailor your resume for the ATS.

An applicant tracking system is a program larger studios and agencies use to manage applications they receive.

Use resume keywords just as the job description calls for to guarantee you beat these robots.

Want more tips for listing the perfect film production worker skills on a resume? See our guide: 99 Key Skills for a Resume (Best List of Examples for All Types of Jobs).

Pro Tip: Skills are hard to prove on a film crew resume, but don’t lie. When you’re called in for the interview, you might be asked to demonstrate any proficiency in video editing software you put down!

7. How to Add Other Sections for an Assistant Production Coordinator Resume

You’ve finished the core portion of your PA resume.

Here’s the thing—

Other candidates have the same sections.

To make yours stand out, add some special effects in the form of additional resume sections.

Here are options to make yours the feel-good production assistant resume of the year:

PA Resume Sample: Extra Sections

1. Certifications—Formal education is great, especially if you have coursework or a major related to production. If you don’t, adding a relevant film certificate or program works wonders.

Here are the best certificates for film industry jobs:

• “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program (NYC Mayor’s Office)
• Production Assistant Training Program (MXCC)
• 1-Year Hands-on Conservatory Producing Program (NYFA)

2. Volunteer Work—Don’t have paid work experience yet? Volunteer work is a saintly alternative. Add only those most relevant to production work—your summer volunteering as a park ranger takes up space you can use for something better.

3. Languages—Knowing a second language is a useful skill to have on a film crew, especially those in global cities where movie crews hail from all over.

Volunteer work is work experience, certificates are similar to education diplomas, and another language is another skill. However, they have differences, so make these separate sections on your resume.

4. Hobbies & Interests—Hobbies and interests on a film or TV production resume is a skillful way to show more skills and personal traits while also showing you’re human.

Other sections to consider on a video editor resume include awards, licenses, memberships, and conferences. We’ve got a great tutorial on the things to put on a resume, as well as a complete guide on resume sections and categories.

8. How About a Production Assistant Cover Letter?

Always include a cover letter.

A cover letter is like a great film treatment—short, engaging, and sets up your resume for success.

Here are tips for writing production assistant cover letters that get Emmys:

• Tailor each film cover letter to one specific production assistant job application.
• Use a business letter structure, but open up in the cover letter style.
• Write a compelling introduction similar to your resume summary or objective.
• Drop the film producer’s name and the name of the studio to personalize it.
• Show you’re a blockbuster candidate by identifying how you’ll help the production company meet their upcoming filming goals.
• Finish your PA cover letter with a powerful call to action.

Pro Tip: A cover letter for production assistants gives them their first impression of you, like the most intriguing movie trailers. Begin the cover letter right so they’ll move on to your resume. Also, don’t write your cover letter too long—a blooper, indeed!

Learn how to write a production assistant cover letter. See: Production Assistant Cover Letter Example and Guide

Did you know our resume builder will also help you write a professional cover letter for film jobs? See these articles: 35+ Successful Cover Letter Tips, Advice & Guidelines (With Examples) and How to Write a Cover Letter in 8 Simple Steps (12+ Examples)

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Well, that’s a wrap!

Here’s a brief summary of how to write the best production assistant resume:

• Format it in reverse-chronological order so they read through your PA resume easily.
• Write a compelling production assistant resume summary or objective.
• Use quantifiable accomplishments in your production assistant job description to prove how capable you are.
• Choose relevant film or tv production skills and keep the production assistant job ad out while creating it to guide your writing.
• Add any film certifications and other useful resume sections you have.
• Attach a captivating film cover letter to your job application email before sending it off.

With your optimized PA resume, you’ll definitely be on their call sheet.

Now, get ready to break a leg at that interview!

We've got some more resumes you might find interesting:

• Filmmaker Resume Sample
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• Performing Arts Resume Sample
• Stage Manager Resume Sample
• Theater Resume Sample
• Video Editor Resume Sample
• Videographer Resume Sample
• Fashion Designer Resume Sample
• Graphic Design Resume Sample
• Game Designer Resume Sample

Got any questions on how to become a production assistant? Not sure how to talk up your film skills or video achievements on production assistant resumes? Get at us in the comments below, and thanks for reading!

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm
• https://bwiny.org/made-in-ny-pa-training-program/overview/
• https://mxcc.edu/cnm/pa/
• https://www.nyfa.edu/producing-school/1year-producing.php