17 TV Production Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

TV production assistants are the unsung heroes of the small screen. From logging footage and organizing scripts to handling props and making coffee runs, these assistants keep the production process moving smoothly. If you’re looking to land a job as a TV production assistant, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some common interview questions.

In this guide, you’ll find several TV production assistant interview questions and answers, including questions about your experience, your knowledge of the production process, and your organizational skills. You’ll also learn how to highlight your passion for TV and film.

Are you comfortable working long hours and on your feet for long periods of time?

This question is designed to assess your work ethic and commitment. Employers want to know that you are willing to put in the extra effort when needed, especially if it’s a busy time of year for their company. In your answer, explain how you stay motivated during long hours or periods of intense work.

Example: “I am very comfortable working long hours and on my feet for extended periods of time. I find that having a positive attitude helps me get through these times. When I’m feeling tired, I take a short break to refresh myself so I can continue working at full capacity. I also make sure to take care of myself by getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals.”

What are some of your favorite hobbies or interests that you think would help you excel in this role?

Employers ask this question to see if you have any hobbies or interests that would help you succeed in the role. They want someone who is passionate about what they do and can bring their unique personality into the workplace. When answering this question, think of a hobby or interest that relates to television production.

Example: “I love watching movies and TV shows, so I am always looking for new content to watch. This passion led me to start my own blog where I review different shows and movies. I also write reviews on movie-ticketing websites, which has helped me gain experience with writing and editing.”

How would you handle a situation where you have multiple tasks to complete and limited time to do so?

This question can help the interviewer assess your time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous experience where you had multiple projects or assignments due at once, but still managed to complete them all on time.

Example: “In my last role as a TV production assistant, I was responsible for helping with both pre-production and post-production aspects of filming. One week, we were filming two different shows in two different locations. On one day, I helped set up equipment for one show while also setting up for the second show later that evening. After filming, I then assisted with editing footage for both shows before starting work again the next day.”

What is your experience with the film and television industry?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you a little better and understand your background. It’s important to highlight any experience you have that is relevant to this role, such as internships or volunteer work.

Example: “I’ve been working in film production for three years now. I started out as an intern at a local television station where I learned how to use all of the equipment and software needed to produce a show. After my internship ended, I was hired on as a full-time assistant producer. In this position, I worked with many different types of cameras and helped coordinate interviews.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult co-worker or client.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation and what steps you took to resolve the issue or improve your relationship with that person.

Example: “In my last role as an assistant producer, I worked with a client who was very demanding. They would often change their mind about things at the last minute, which made it difficult for us to plan our shoots. After working with them for several months, I learned they were just nervous about being on camera. I started asking them questions about their life to make them feel more comfortable during filming. This helped them become more confident in front of the camera, and we were able to complete all of their shoots without any issues.”

If hired, what would be your primary responsibilities?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a clear understanding of what your role would be if hired. It’s important to highlight any skills or experience you have that make you a good fit for this position, and it can also be helpful to mention how these skills will benefit the production team.

Example: “My primary responsibilities as a TV production assistant include helping with set-up and tear-down, ensuring all equipment is in working order and assisting the director during filming. I am very organized and detail-oriented, which makes me great at managing schedules and making sure everyone has everything they need when needed. My communication skills are also strong, so I’m able to relay information from the director to other members of the crew.”

What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard on set?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and the safety precautions that need to be taken on set. They want to know that you can identify potential hazards, report them and take action to fix them. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure the safety of everyone on set.

Example: “If I noticed a hazard, I would first alert my supervisor so they could address it. If it was something small like an extension cord that needed to be moved, I would do it myself. For larger issues, I would wait for my supervisor to arrive so they could handle it. Safety is always the most important thing, so I would never try to fix anything without permission.”

How well do you handle stress and pressure?

Working in television can be stressful, especially when you’re under a tight deadline. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to handle stress and pressure well. In your answer, explain how you manage stress and give an example of a time you faced a similar situation.

Example: “I find that I work best under pressure. When I’m working on a project with a tight deadline, I stay focused and do my best to meet all of the requirements. In my last job, we were filming a live show where the host was sick. I had to take over for her while also doing my regular assistant duties. It was quite stressful, but I managed it by focusing on one task at a time.”

Do you have any experience with production software?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with production software and how you might fit into their team. If you have previous experience using a specific type of production software, share what you know about it and explain why you’re qualified to use it. If you don’t have any experience with production software, you can talk about your computer skills and how they could be useful in this role.

Example: “I’ve used several different types of production software throughout my career as a TV production assistant. I’m most comfortable working with Final Cut Pro, which is one of the most popular editing programs for television shows. I also have some experience with Adobe Premiere Pro, which is another common program among professionals.”

When was the last time you took a class or seminar related to your field?

Employers ask this question to see if you are committed to your career and want to learn more about it. They also want to know how often you attend seminars or classes, which can show them how dedicated you are to your job. When answering this question, try to mention a class or seminar that is relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Example: “I took a course on lighting techniques last year when I was working as an intern at my current company. The instructor taught us different ways to light scenes and what equipment we could use to do so. It helped me understand how important lighting is in television production and gave me some valuable skills.”

We want to improve our diversity and inclusion efforts. How would you go about doing that?

This question is a great way to see how you can contribute to the company’s overall success. Your answer should show that you are passionate about diversity and inclusion, as well as how you would help make improvements in your department or throughout the company.

Example: “I think it’s important for everyone to feel welcome at work. I would start by asking my coworkers what they like and don’t like about our current policies. Then, I would create surveys to get feedback from all employees on ways we could improve. After collecting the data, I would present my findings to management so we could come up with solutions together.”

Describe your personal work ethic.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you approach a typical day at work. When answering, it can be helpful to describe what motivates you in the workplace and how you stay productive throughout the day.

Example: “I am motivated by deadlines and like to have a plan for my day so I know exactly what tasks I need to accomplish. In my previous role as an assistant producer, I would start each morning with a production meeting where we discussed our goals for the day and any changes that may occur during filming. After the meeting, I would create a daily schedule for myself so I could prioritize my tasks and ensure they were completed on time.”

What makes you the best candidate for this role?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and explaining why they are important for this position.

Example: “I am passionate about television production and have been working in this field for five years. I’ve gained valuable experience as a camera operator, audio technician and video editor. My diverse skill set makes me well-suited for this role because it allows me to work independently while also collaborating with others.”

Which production assistant roles have you previously held?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience level. They want someone who has worked in a production assistant role before, but they also want someone with enough experience to be able to start working right away. When answering this question, list the previous roles you’ve held and explain what you learned from each one.

Example: “I have previously been a TV production assistant for two years. I started as an intern on a local news station where I learned how to organize files and communicate with other crew members. After that internship, I was hired as a full-time production assistant at a national network. There, I learned how to work with larger crews and budgets. I am excited to use my skills and knowledge to help your team.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a production assistant to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities to be successful in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to identify a skill that is directly related to your job duties.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills for a production assistant is organization. This role requires me to keep track of many different details at once, so I need to be able to stay organized and prioritize my tasks. Another important skill is communication. Production assistants are often responsible for relaying information from producers or directors to other members of the crew. It’s important to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with others.”

How often have you been responsible for inventory management?

This question can help the interviewer understand your organizational skills and attention to detail. Use examples from previous work experience or school projects that highlight your ability to keep track of important information, such as deadlines, budgets and supplies.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for keeping track of all production equipment, including cameras, microphones and lighting. This included recording when each piece of equipment was used and making sure it was cleaned and ready for use again. I also had to make sure we always had enough equipment on hand so we could continue filming without any interruptions.”

There is a disagreement between two cast members on set. How would you handle it?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you would handle conflict in the workplace. It also helps them see if you have any experience with handling disagreements between cast members or other production staff. In your answer, try to describe a specific situation where you helped resolve a disagreement and what steps you took to do so.

Example: “In my last role as a TV production assistant, there was a disagreement between two cast members on set. One of the actors wanted to use a different prop than the one they had planned for that day’s shoot. The director disagreed because it would take more time to change props during filming. I spoke with both parties separately and asked each of them why they felt their idea was best. After hearing both sides, I suggested we compromise by using the original prop but changing its color to match the new scene.”