Production Assistant

Job Description

Production Assistant (Project Based) | CBS Media Ventures

The Tone:
This is a project-based role at CBS Media Ventures, located in Los Angeles, CA. CBS Media Ventures stands as the preeminent company in television syndication, responsible for producing and distributing popular, critically acclaimed hits such as “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Jeopardy!,” “Sherri Shepherd,” and “Inside Edition.” This entry-level Production Assistant position is vital for supporting the “Entertainment Tonight” news desk, offering fundamental assistance that directly contributes to the creation of finished stories. The role is designed for someone eager to learn and grow within the world’s #1 entertainment news brand, by handling the initial stages of content preparation and organization.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Project Based
• Location: In-person, Los Angeles, CA
• Pay: $20 hourly
• Team: ET news desk
• Mission: Serve as the link between raw footage and finished stories for Entertainment Tonight.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Media Management: Manage media by diligently ingesting raw shoot footage, meticulously logging and labeling all assets, and then constructing fully organized folders that segment producers can directly utilize for writing their stories.
• Transcription: Accurately transcribe celebrity interviews and various field shoots, transforming spoken content into precise, usable text transcripts that meet all specified production deadlines.
• Asset Coordination: Coordinate a wide range of assets, including b-roll, still photographs, social media clips, and essential archival material, while diligently tracking all necessary usage rights and credits.
• Producer Support: Provide comprehensive support to producers through in-depth research, thorough fact-checking, and meticulous content preparation across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms for various segments.
• Rundown Meeting Prep: Prepare for daily editorial rundown meetings by compiling and assembling comprehensive photo documentation, incorporating relevant paparazzi and social media images to support and inform editorial planning discussions.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This is an early career opportunity for an individual who genuinely lives and breathes pop culture, possessing the keen ability to accurately identify and recall every famous face encountered in a crowded shot or media clip.
• Experience: No specific years of prior professional experience are explicitly required; however, a previous internship or practical experience within television, film, or a closely related media field is considered a valuable advantage.
• Skills: Demonstrates the capability to work swiftly, maintain high accuracy, and remain exceptionally organized while performing tasks under tight deadlines and pressure. Possesses the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, fostering strong collaboration within a team environment. Exhibits sharp editorial instincts, understanding the critical difference between a truly impactful sound bite and a throwaway line in celebrity interviews.
• Bonus: Successful completion of a mandatory short celebrity knowledge quiz. Furthermore, possessing a degree or prior internship experience in television, film, or a related field is a plus, though not a strict requirement for consideration.