How to become a Production Assistant

Official title: Production Assistant (Audio, Screen or Live Performance)

Also called: Production Runner

Provides administrative support, message and script delivery, catering services, and assistance with transportation, equipment and scheduling for film, television, radio or live performance productions.

Main tasks

• Assists with the coordination and scheduling of production, animation or post-production activities
• Acts as a messenger or liaison person for production crew and directors
• Obtains refreshments and catering for cast and crew
• Notifies crew of changes in script, production, post-production or animation arrangements
• Assists in the setting up and dismantling of film and television sets and other workspaces
• Compiles files and records, such as stills, personnel worksheets and talent releases
• Organises, distributes and maintains production files, documents and records
• Maintains production calendars and other administrative documents

Ways in

• University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events (CUA30220); Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA30420); Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020); Certificate II in Creative Industries (CUA20220); Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services (CUA60220); Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA60620); Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA40420); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $82,680 a year
• About 21,900 people work in this job group now, and about 24,200 are projected by 2035. (+10.6%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Production Assistant?

Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events; Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services.

How much does a Production Assistant earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $82,680 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Production Assistant a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 21,900 to about 24,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Production Assistant?

Not always. 58% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events; Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services.

Will AI change the work of a Production Assistant?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04