Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Video Production Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Video Production Assistant (VPA) is the versatile and indispensable backbone of the production team. Often described as the "swiss army knife" of a film set or studio, the VPA provides critical hands-on support across all phases of the video creation lifecycle—from the initial planning in pre-production, through the dynamic environment of the shoot, to the detailed work of post-production. This role is perfect for a proactive, detail-oriented, and resourceful individual who is passionate about bringing creative visions to life and is eager to learn the ins and outs of the industry from the ground up. You are the person who makes sure everything runs smoothly, allowing the creative leads to focus on their craft.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Intern or Runner
Media Studies or Film School Graduate
Freelance Videographer or Editor with limited experience

Advancement To:

Production Coordinator
Assistant Producer or Associate Producer
Junior Video Editor or Camera Operator

Lateral Moves:

Social Media Content Creator
Marketing Coordinator (with a video focus)
Digital Asset Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Provide comprehensive support on set by assisting with the setup, adjustment, and breakdown of cameras, lighting, and audio equipment for both studio and on-location shoots.
Operate a B-cam or C-cam during interviews and event coverage, capturing supplemental footage and different angles as directed by the Director or Director of Photography.
Execute meticulous media management duties, including ingesting footage from media cards, logging clips with relevant metadata, and creating redundant backups on servers and hard drives.
Act as a key support figure on set for the entire crew and talent, anticipating needs, managing craft services, and running essential errands to maintain production momentum.
Prepare and maintain all production gear, performing regular inventory checks, cleaning lenses, charging batteries, and troubleshooting minor technical issues to ensure equipment readiness.
Assist the post-production team by syncing audio and video clips, organizing project files and timelines, and assembling rough cuts for the lead editor's review.
Set up and operate the teleprompter during shoots, ensuring the script is loaded correctly and the pace is matched to the talent's delivery.
Conduct pre-production research to identify and vet potential shooting locations, source props and wardrobe, and assist in casting calls under the producer's guidance.
Handle critical production logistics, which includes coordinating crew travel, booking equipment rentals, and assisting with the application process for location permits and insurance.
Create, update, and distribute essential production documents such as call sheets, production reports, and release forms to all cast and crew members in a timely manner.
Serve as the primary on-set production runner, efficiently handling time-sensitive tasks like picking up lunch, delivering drives to the post-house, or acquiring last-minute supplies.
Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the production studio, gear cage, and prop storage areas to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
Collaborate with the director and DP during pre-production to help develop shot lists and storyboards, providing practical input on what's achievable on the day.
Take detailed and accurate notes during production meetings and on-set to track shot completion, director's feedback, and continuity details for the post-production team.

Secondary Functions

Source and manage the clearance of rights for stock footage, music tracks, and other third-party assets required for various video projects.
Transcribe interviews and scripted content, creating accurate text versions that assist editors and content writers in the post-production workflow.
Prepare final video exports, compressing and formatting files according to the specific technical requirements for various platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and internal web portals.
Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions, contributing fresh ideas for video concepts, narrative approaches, and visual styles.
Provide quality control (QC) on final video edits, meticulously checking for any audio-visual errors, spelling mistakes in graphics, or continuity issues before final delivery.
Assist in the setup and execution of live stream productions, which may include monitoring the stream's technical health, managing live comments, and switching between camera feeds.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Camera Operation: Hands-on proficiency with professional DSLR, mirrorless, and cinema cameras (e.g., Sony FX series, Canon EOS C-series, Blackmagic).
Video Editing Software: Strong working knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro is essential. Familiarity with the broader Adobe Creative Cloud, including After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder, is highly desirable.
Lighting Principles: A solid understanding of 3-point lighting setups and practical experience with various lighting instruments, including LED panels, fresnels, and softboxes.
Audio Recording: Experience with professional audio equipment, including setting up lavalier and boom microphones, and operating field recorders like a Zoom H6 or Tascam DR-series.
Media Management: Disciplined approach to data wrangling, including file naming conventions, folder structures, and redundant backup strategies (RAID, cloud, LTO).
Post-Production Workflow: Knowledge of the entire post-production pipeline, from ingest and proxy creation to basic color correction, audio mixing, and final export.
Collaboration Tools: Competency using production management and review platforms such as Frame.io, Asana, Slack, or Trello to track project progress and feedback.

Soft Skills

Proactive Problem-Solving: An innate ability to anticipate needs and independently find solutions to the unexpected challenges that arise on a dynamic production set.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for detail, whether it’s spotting a stray hair on talent, noticing an inconsistency in continuity, or ensuring file names are perfect.
Grace Under Pressure: The ability to remain calm, focused, and efficient in high-stress, fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
Team-Oriented Mindset: A genuine desire to collaborate and support fellow team members, coupled with the humility to take direction and learn from senior crew.
Adaptability and Flexibility: The willingness to pivot quickly when plans change, take on a wide variety of tasks, and work non-traditional hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
Exceptional Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills for effectively liaising with a diverse group of people, from executive clients to on-camera talent.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED. A demonstrable portfolio or showreel that showcases a strong passion and foundational skill in video production is heavily weighted.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film Production or Film Studies
Communications or Broadcasting
Media Arts or Digital Media

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of relevant experience. This can include a combination of internships, freelance projects, personal projects, or work in a university production environment.

Preferred:

Direct experience working as a Production Assistant or intern on professional video or film sets. A strong showreel that clearly demonstrates your technical and creative abilities is a significant advantage.