Working Life

The Production Trainee assists with daily tasks, errands, and paperwork, liaises with various departments, and supports senior staff while adapting to the dynamic needs of a film production.

Role and Responsibilities 

• Performs daily routine tasks for the production and other departments, as directed by more senior production department staff. 

• Responsible for running errands, providing daily paperwork as required, and liaising with various departments according to the fluid, changing requirements of a film production. Requirements can vary greatly depending on the individual production or where the trainee is assigned.

• Communicate information between various departments and to contractors and suppliers, under clear direction.

• Problem solve and assist as required.

Works with

• Assistant Production Coordinator
• Production Coordinator
• Production Manager
• All of the Production Department

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Education Route: This is an entry level role. A qualification in Film Studies or Business Studies can be useful.

Career Path to  Production Trainee: Experience in any office or organisational capacity is beneficial.

Career Path from Production Trainee: Production Assistant, Assistant Production Coordinator, Production Coordinator.