Assignment Desk

Production Assistants — Professional Video Production Services

Essential on-set support for every production

At a Glance

Assignment Desk provides professional production assistants in 24+ US cities. All crew are W2 employees with full equipment packages, workers' compensation coverage, and same-day availability. Book production assistants for corporate, broadcast, documentary, sports, and commercial video productions nationwide.

About This Service

Production Assistants (PAs) are the backbone of any well-run video production. They handle the logistical and support tasks that keep shoots running on schedule — loading and unloading equipment, managing talent flow, coordinating parking and location access, handling craft services, distributing call sheets, and solving problems before they become delays.

Assignment Desk PAs are experienced production professionals who understand the pace and demands of professional video shoots. They anticipate crew needs, manage gear, wrangle talent, handle paperwork, and serve as the go-to problem solver on set. Whether your production is a single-camera interview or a multi-day event, a good PA makes everything run smoother.

Our Production Assistants are available in all 24 markets and can be booked as standalone crew or added to any existing crew package. All PAs are W2 employees covered by workers' compensation insurance, which means you get reliable, insured support without the overhead of hiring freelancers directly.

Production Assistants — Assignment Desk

Equipment & Tools

Two-way radios and earpieces
Gaffer tape and expendables kit
Equipment carts and dollies
Craft services supplies
Traffic cones and signage
Clipboards and production paperwork
Smartphone for communication and coordination
Personal vehicle for runs and errands

Common Use Cases

Equipment loading, setup, and breakdown
Talent wrangling and scheduling
Location management and access control
Craft services coordination
Paperwork distribution and talent releases
Parking coordination for crew and talent
Multi-camera event crew support
Production errands and supply runs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Production Assistant do on a video shoot?

A PA handles all on-set support tasks including loading and unloading equipment, managing talent flow, coordinating parking and access, distributing paperwork, handling craft services, assisting with lighting and grip setup, and running production errands. They are the essential support role that keeps everything organized.

When should I add a Production Assistant to my crew?

Add a PA whenever your shoot involves complex logistics — multiple interview subjects, location changes, heavy equipment loads, client or talent management needs, or multi-day scheduling. PAs are especially valuable for event coverage, multi-setup corporate shoots, and any production with 3+ crew members.

Can a Production Assistant also help with equipment?

Yes. Our PAs are trained in handling professional production equipment safely. They assist with loading, setup, cable management, lighting stands, and breakdown. While they do not operate cameras or audio equipment, they support the technical crew with physical setup and logistics.

Do Production Assistants have their own transportation?

Yes. Assignment Desk PAs typically have their own vehicles and can handle production errands, supply runs, and transportation between locations. If specific vehicle requirements are needed (cargo van, SUV), please mention this when booking.

What is the day rate for a Production Assistant?

PA day rates vary by market and production requirements. Contact Assignment Desk at 312-464-8600 or submit a booking request for a custom quote. Rates are all-inclusive — no separate equipment fees — and include full workers' compensation coverage as W2 employees.

See how our production assistants teams deliver on real productions. Read Production Stories →

Book Production Assistants Today

Call 312-464-8600 or fill out our booking form to get started.

Hire A Crew