The Assistant Production Co-ordinator acts as a general assistant to the Production Co-ordinator, performing duties relating to the preparation, distribution and filing of paperwork, both within the production office and on set. Assistant Production Co-ordinators are almost always self-employed, and must be prepared to work long hours, particularly during the final week of pre-production. Most UK films employ one Assistant Production Co-ordinator; however, larger productions may employ two or more.

Responsibilities

Assistant Production Co-ordinators work under the direct supervision of a Production Co-ordinator. Their duties vary according to the production phase, and the daily requirements of the production office. Responsibilities may be spread across a number of related areas, including:
· Production Office - setting up, maintaining and closing down the Production Office, for example, ordering furniture, equipment and supplies.
· Travel & Accommodation - helping to co-ordinate travel, accommodation, work permits, visas, medical examinations and any immunisations for principal crew and cast to conform with insurance and foreign travel requirements.
· General production duties - including typing, filing, answering the telephone, and other related office duties.
· Transportation - helping to organise the pick-up and delivery of equipment and personnel by the Unit Drivers.
· Production paperwork - assisting the Production Co-ordinator to prepare and distribute shooting schedules, crew and cast lists, call sheets, production reports, movement orders, scripts and script revisions.

Skills

Assistant Production Co-ordinators must have strong multi-tasking abilities, be enthusiastic team players, and be able to work calmly under pressure. They need to be hardworking, efficient, and to have strong organisational and communication skills. They should have an understanding of the film making process, and of the different phases of production. They must be highly computer literate, with excellent secretarial, typing, word processing and e-mail skills. They should also be aware of health and safety issues, and ensure that their actions do not constitute a risk to themselves or to others. Assistant Production Co-ordinators must also know how to manage and market themselves as freelancers.

Qualifications/Experience

There are currently no specific degree courses in Production Co-ordination; however, a BA degree, as well significant industry experience, is usually required. Assistant Production Co-ordinators on film productions usually progress to this role from working as Production Runners. Equivalent experience in TV, advertising or general office management may also be sufficient. Valuable work experience can also be gained by working on short film productions. A full clean EU driver's license is usually required for this role.