Freelance Production Assistant

Paramount Pictures; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition assistance program

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Tuition assistance

PTO

Job summary

A leading entertainment company seeks a Production Assistant in San Francisco to provide support to the news production team. The role demands operating the teleprompter during live broadcasts, managing archival materials, and ensuring smooth office communications. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, organized, and reliable, showing a strong interest in journalism. Opportunities for advancement are available for proactive individuals. The position includes a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated enthusiasm and initiative for new opportunities.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a motivated team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a motivated team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including mornings, nights, weekends.
• Reliability, punctuality, and professionalism are essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate teleprompter and assist technical staff during broadcasts.
• Locate and retrieve archival material.
• Answer phones and handle general office tasks.
• Run newsroom errands and assist with set logistics as needed.

Skills

Enthusiasm for journalism

Strong curiosity about news

Excellent communication skills

Organization skills

Problem-solving abilities

Job description

NEWS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Position Overview

This entry-level role provides essential clerical and technical support to the news production team. Freelance Production Assistants operate the teleprompter during live newscasts, manage and organize archival materials, and assist with daily newsroom communications. Successful candidates show drive, curiosity, and enthusiasm for journalism and local news while upholding high standards of professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Operate teleprompter and assist technical staff during live or recorded broadcasts
• Locate, catalogue, and retrieve file video and archival material
• Answer phones, relay information, and handle general office tasks
• Run newsroom errands and assist with set logistics as needed

Cross-Training Opportunities

Cross-training and advancement opportunities may be available for freelance Production Assistants who excel but are not guaranteed parts of this position. Our goal is to help freelance Production Assistants expand their skills and grow into other newsroom roles through cross-training. Those who consistently demonstrate drive, initiative, and enthusiasm will be considered for advancement opportunities as they develop professionally.

• Writing news copy for broadcast and digital platforms
• Managing and creating posts for social media accounts
• Editing video and audio for broadcast
• Operating technical production equipment
• Supporting the Assignment Desk: story research, pitching, and newsroom coordination

Desired Qualities

• Demonstrated enthusiasm, initiative, and excitement for new opportunities
• Strong curiosity about news, journalism, and broadcast media
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work independently or as part of a motivated team
• Willingness to work flexible hours - including mornings, nights, and weekends
• Reliability, punctuality, and professionalism are essential

Compensation & Benefits

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job‑related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO, as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access https://www.paramount.com/careers as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 212.846.5500 or by sending an email to [e-mail]. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.