Production Coordinator

Careers as a production coordinator

Production coordinators work in film, in television and with theatrical companies across the nation and around the world. The production coordinator is responsible for making sure that a project stays on schedule and that all people, equipment and materials are in the right places at the right times. This includes everything from arranging meals and accommodations for cast and crew to resolving contract issues and communication breakdowns.

Work Your Way Up

A production coordinator is intimately involved in every detail of a film or stage project. As such, production coordinator jobs are a much-sought-after prize by many in the field. Some production coordinators start off as interns, sometimes with low pay or even unpaid. This kind of position is excellent for the young production coordinator who is looking to bypass the hassle of applying to a lot of different production coordinator jobs. Other production coordinators begin with regional theaters in cities like Chicago or Toronto and make their way to New York City where they become production coordinators for Broadway plays.

Often people work their way up to film production coordinator from other jobs, such as makeup artist, gaffer or even best boy (or girl) on a film. Showing interest in all aspects of film and genuinely working hard at the job you are assigned will let others on the set know that you want to move up in the filmmaking industry and are willing to start at the bottom.

Build a Network

Production coordinators can also land film production jobs in Hollywood through a combination of networking connections and applying to various jobs. There are often production coordinator jobs listed online at job search websites. Most of these are very entry level, but others require you to have at least some experience in order to land their film production coordinator gigs. This is an important way for those who are new to the production coordinator business to find at least some opening so they can then make friends, make connections and find better work more often.

Production coordinator jobs are often held by people who are experienced enough to sort out those who are faking their enthusiasm and those who are genuinely suited for the job. If you really want to be a production coordinator, you have to be honest about your motives; it’s okay to say that you don’t want to be a go-fer the rest of your Hollywood career, but don’t ignore your go-fer responsibilities in the meantime. Once you’ve established yourself as an interested candidate and that you are willing to work hard at any job you get, you are far more likely to find good production coordinator jobs in the future.