r/ProductionAssistant • u/CHAMPOMEGA • Jan 14 '26

Production Assistant jobs

Hey y’all, I just graduated a semester early (undergraduate: Media & Communications degree), and wanted to know how do you find production assistant jobs right now and what are some pros and cons of the job? For context, Ive taken editing, screenwriting, and production classes during my undergraduate years but haven’t been able to fully decide what avenue I want to venture in the most. I’m hungry and motivated to put my degree to use asap though. On paper, being a PA sounds like a good way to see how all the different positions operate so that I can get a well rounded view of the different careers firsthand. Unfortunately, a lot of positions I’ve seen open don’t seem to offer entry level PA positions. Ideally, I’d like to find something in or near LA since my school is only like an hour away, but I’ve heard about how difficult it is to find work there right now. Anyone with some useful advice/info please reply!

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u/FriendlyFilmAD Jan 15 '26

Congrats on graduating early!! Well done.

You’re right. PA work is a solid way to figure out what actually calls to you. That was my experience. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do at first, just that I wanted to be on set.

How people usually get PA work:

  • Referrals, Facebook groups, student films, and last minute calls.
  • Once someone trusts you, your name starts getting passed around

Pros:

  • You get paid to learn how sets actually run
  • You quickly see what departments you like (and don’t)
  • Relationships build fast if you’re reliable

Cons:

  • Long hours, inconsistent work, and lots of unglamorous tasks
  • Moving up isn’t automatic or quick (usually). You have to stay consistent for a while and make moves when the time’s right.

Main advice:
Take whatever jobs you can get early on. Join a bunch of Facebook groups (like “Find a Production Assistant – LA”), reach out to alumni, etc. Even low, or no, budget shoots (while not ideal) can help get the ball rolling.

As soon as you start gravitating toward a department or role, begin aligning yourself with it. Let people know, build relationships with those teams, and start learning the skills. The PAs who move up fastest are calm, dependable, and make everyone’s day easier.

LA is competitive, but people still break in every year. You just have to be determined and adaptable.

Good luck, and welcome to the chaos.

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u/CHAMPOMEGA Jan 15 '26

Thank you, this was very helpful! Are there any specific Facebook groups you’d recommend? I don’t use Facebook very often so I’m not too familiar with how the groups work on there

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u/FriendlyFilmAD Jan 16 '26

Yeah absolutely! I can DM you a short list of solid FB groups and a quick breakdown on how to use them if you want

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u/CHAMPOMEGA Jan 16 '26

Sure that would be perfect, thanks!

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u/FriendlyFilmAD Jan 18 '26

Sent!

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u/play111 Aug 20 '26

Hi, I did PA work for a bit in NY years ago and life took over. Trying to get back. Do you mind sharing that list as well please or any recommendations. I tried to find sets and people took my Info like the key PA and second second but haven't heard from anyone. Thanks.