Overview of the role
Assistant producers work at an editorial grade higher than researchers with overlaps between these AP roles and those of both the researcher and producer. They will continue to research content for example, across the range of unscripted genres, from current affairs and factual entertainment to studio shows and events and can also deputise for the producer in meetings or on shoots. Meanwhile shooting APs can also work like junior directors or alongside producer/directors on location as second cameras. There are also specialist roles like development AP and casting AP (see separate skills checklists). All the roles call for resourcefulness, great communication skills and an eye for detail along with awareness of the children’s TV industry and how to adhere to the relevant regulations around safeguarding, GDPR/data protection and working with children, the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and broadcaster editorial guidelines.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the size of the production company and team, the type of show and the budget available.
- Consume and analyse output made for children from a wide range of broadcasters and platforms, understanding the attributes of successful shows and their contributors, presenters and performers.
- If working with contributors under 18s, keep up to date with all of the regulations around working with children including production company and commissioner safeguarding and welfare guidelines, GDPR/data protection rules and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
- Generate ideas for existing and new shows, whether location or studio based, developing and planning engaging content for young audiences using strong editorial judgement and an understanding of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code along with any broadcaster/commissioner editorial guidelines.
- Understand how to use verifiable and official sources for fact checking rigorously and accurately including contacting experts.
- Book over-18 contributors and high profile talent ensuring all on screen guests and presenters resonate with young audiences; engage with agents and know how to conduct background checks escalating any concerns to a producer or series producer.
- Casting under-18s - understand how to comply with all working with children regulations and welfare and safeguarding rules including after care for contributors. (Refer to casting researcher/producer skills checklists for more details.)
- Archive/picture research for sizzles or transmission - understand how to source archive and how to obtain the relevant clearances.
- Understand how AI could be used to support content creation and ideas generation and ensure any tools and outputs accessed are fully disclosed to and approved by producers and employed in accordance with production company and broadcaster guidelines and EU and UK law.
- Data Protection - know the correct way to manage sensitive and personal data and how to set up and manage information systems
- Manage and support junior team members to ensure quality content is delivered against tight deadlines offering clear and timely feedback.
- Good writing skills - communicate clearly and appropriately with internal and external contacts, present work clearly and concisely including in briefs for producers or presenters. Help draft and write scripts with the producer/series producer.
- Help plan filming, from locations to contributors, ensuring all permissions and paperwork are obtained and filed.
- In studio or on location look after contributors and guests during rehearsal and filming including ensuring they know what is expected of them, that all safeguarding and health and safety regulations are observed and content is delivered. Understand how to escalate any concerns to the relevant team leader. Deputise for the studio producer/producer where necessary.
- Proficient as a second camera if needed on location or as a more experienced shooting AP, understanding how to operate, understanding the basics of lighting and sound, using various software packages for editing when it comes to assembling recce tapes or shot sequences.
Skills
Check out the role specific skills, transferable skills, and attributes for the role of assistant producer in children's TV.
- Knowledgeable about the TV market for children’s content with an understanding of young audiences needs and behaviours.
- Good working knowledge of all of the regulatory frameworks and guidelines that govern content production for children and working with children.
- Empathy with young contributors and understand how to best deal with them and their families/chaperones to deliver a great performance and enjoy their experience on productions.
- Confident communicator, both verbally and written
- Creativity: come up with original ideas for programming, know how to craft a story
- Self-shooter and capable of assembling rushes
- Comfortable managing tight deadlines and handling multiple tasks simultaneously, calmly and efficiently.
- Good organisational skills and strong attention to detail, able to work to a tight and evolving schedule to ensure everything the production needs is sourced, written, shot and edited
- Understanding rights: know the different permissions and rights needed to use different materials, access different locations and film individuals
- Resilience and stamina: able to work well in a team and in pressurised environments
- Passionate about helping to create inspiring, inclusive and empowering content for children. Relatability including with young contributors.
- Positivity: bring a a can-do attitude and be a good ambassador for the production to organisations and contributors.
- Resilience: adapt to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met.
- Proactive and productive: good at spotting problems and solving them.
- Productivity: organise work effectively and meet deadlines.
- Drive: demonstrate the energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalate appropriately when necessary.
- Respect: demonstrate inclusivity and integrity at all times.
- Supportive: guide junior team members offering insights and guidance where needed and setting realistic goals and tasks.
- Versatility: able to flex quickly to differing demands of production