How do you become an assistant production manager?

1 Skills and qualifications

To become an assistant production manager, you need to have a combination of hard and soft skills to perform your duties effectively. Hard skills include knowledge of production processes, standards, and regulations, proficiency in using software and tools for budgeting, scheduling, and communication, ability to negotiate contracts and deals with vendors and suppliers, understanding of health and safety protocols and risk management, and familiarity with technical aspects of production. Soft skills include communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with different departments and stakeholders, organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines, problem-solving and decision-making skills to deal with unexpected issues and changes, leadership and teamwork skills to supervise and motivate the crew, as well as creativity and flexibility to adapt to different scenarios and demands.

2 Education and training

There is no formal education requirement to become an assistant production manager, but having a relevant degree or diploma can give you an edge over other candidates. Some of the common fields of study are film, media, theater, or arts management. These programs can provide you with the theoretical and practical knowledge of production, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships, projects, or workshops.

Alternatively, you can also enroll in short courses or workshops that focus on specific aspects of production, such as budgeting, scheduling, or health and safety. These can help you update your skills and learn new techniques and best practices.

4 Job description and salary

As an assistant production manager, your job description will be determined by the type, size, and scope of the project you manage. Generally, you will be expected to assist the production manager in developing and managing the production plan, budget, and schedule. This includes hiring, training, and supervising staff and crew, coordinating resources such as equipment and materials, communicating with other departments, monitoring and controlling quality and progress of the production, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards, resolving issues that arise during production, as well as preparing and maintaining records and reports. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an assistant production manager in the US is $50,032 per year as of June 2021; however this varies based on location, experience, education, and employer.

5 Job opportunities and networking

To find job opportunities as an assistant production manager, you need to be proactive and resourceful. You can use online platforms, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or ProductionHUB, to search for listings and apply for positions that match your qualifications and interests. You can also create a profile and upload your resume and portfolio to showcase your work and attract potential employers.

However, one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities is through networking. The production industry is highly competitive and relies heavily on referrals and recommendations. Therefore, you should build and maintain connections with people who work in the industry, such as production managers, directors, producers, or crew members. You can attend industry events, such as film festivals, conferences, or workshops, and exchange contacts and information with other professionals. You can also join online communities, such as forums, groups, or blogs, and participate in discussions and debates related to production. Networking can help you learn from others' experiences, gain insights and tips, and discover new opportunities and collaborations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?