Job description Production Assistant in the West Coast–Northern Peninsula–Labrador Region

Find out what work is like for a production assistant in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts (NOC 53111).

Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators

Description

Assistants and operators in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts perform duties related to these fields. They are employed by television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies and by theatre and stage companies.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Camera crane operators
  • Set up, assemble, adjust, maintain and replace reels and projector equipment; detect and repair mechanical and electrical problems; and change and install an electronic control panel using automated equipment.
  • Motion picture projectionists
  • Check the condition of the copy; set up and load film reels on movie theatre projection systems, adjust focus, sound levels and other projector and theatre settings; and maintain projection equipment.
  • Props persons and set builders
  • Assemble, repair, place, build and oversee props.
  • Script assistants
  • Distribute scripts to actors; keep detailed notes of all actions, positions and camera angles; and photograph and date scenes.
  • Grips and riggers
  • Rig, place, move and dismantle sets, backdrops, scenery and other stage equipment.
  • Dressers
  • Clean, maintain, transport and store costumes, and assist performers to dress in costumes.
  • Production assistants
  • Provide support to the director and producer, and are responsible for various aspects of production such as preparing schedules, setting up equipment, and making travel arrangements to various shooting locations.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 53111), and a list of similar occupations:

  • boom grip
  • camera crane operator
  • dresser - motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
  • lighting assistant
  • production assistant
  • prompter
  • props person
  • script assistant
  • set builder
  • special effects assistant
  • spotlight operator
  • stagehand

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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