Production Assistants
Reliable PAs and runners keeping your Portuguese production running smoothly from Lisbon to Porto.
Here is how this works in practice. Film production in Portugal demands PAs who know the local environment — from handling Lisbon's production infrastructure to setting up logistics in Porto and beyond. Our production assistants know the vendors, the routes, and the protocols that keep Portuguese shoots running on schedule. They handle everything from distributing call sheets and managing gear to setting up extras and running errands across the country.
Here is the short of it. We connect you with dependable production assistants through NeedAFixer's Portugal network. Our PAs bring hands-on experience from features, commercials, and series shot across Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and beyond. Each PA arrives ready to support your crew with local knowledge, pro discipline, and the energy that long shooting days demand.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Complete PA Services
From set support to office administration, our production assistants provide the reliable help your production needs to operate efficiently.
01
Set PAs
- On-set support
- Lock-ups & crowd control
- Talent escort
- Walkie distribution
- General set assistance
On-Set Support
02
Office PAs
- Production office support
- Phone & communication
- Filing & organization
- Copying & distribution
- General admin tasks
Office Operations
03
Runners & Drivers
- Equipment pickups
- Catering runs
- Document delivery
- Airport transfers
- General errands
Logistics Support
04
Equipment Support
- Equipment loading
- Truck organization
- Gear distribution
- Inventory assistance
- Wrap support
Physical Support
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Production Assistants
01.
Local Knowledge
Our PAs know Portugal inside out — from Lisbon studio complexes to location logistics in Porto and Algarve. They handle local vendors, transport routes, and regional protocols so your production never misses a beat.
02.
Bilingual Support
English and Portuguese-speaking PAs who bridge the gap between global crews and local vendors. No language barriers slowing down your production in Portugal.
03.
Studio Familiarity
Our PAs know MovieBox Studios in the Algarve, Lisbon-based production facilities, and the evolving Tage Studios complex — skilled with Portugal's growing global shoots sector.
04.
Resourceful & Adaptable
Here is the layout. When plans change — and they always do — our PAs solve problems on the fly. Whether it's sourcing a last-minute prop, finding an alternative route, or handling an unexpected vendor issue, they keep your Portuguese production moving.
On Location
Portuguese production assistants graduating from ESTC and feeding visiting-feature and Netflix originals
Here is how this works in practice. Our PAs come up through ESTC (Escola Best de Teatro e Cinema, Lisbon's public film school), Universidade Lusófona, Universidade Católica, ETIC, and Restart, with cross-border experience via EU Erasmus and Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg short-course exchanges. They handle forms, runner support, and unit-base logistics under the Portuguese 40-hour standard week, 22 paid vacation days, and 13 public holidays, with daily call sheets in Portuguese and English.
Here is what we have to work with. Crews staffed Netflix's Glória (2021), Rabo de Peixe / White Lines (2022 Azores), 1899 (Netflix 2022 Babelsberg-Portugal), Heads of State (Amazon Prime 2024 partial), and Indiana Jones 5: Dial of Destiny (2023 Sintra and Tomar Templar unit). Multilingual capacity covers European Portuguese (distinct from Brazilian Portuguese), Spanish (widely understood from cross-border tourism), English (business standard in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve), and growing French and German ease.
Here is the short of it. PAs support 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ADs on call-sheet distribution, transport runs (Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter, Ford Transit, Renault Master, Iveco Daily vans), unit-base setup, and document handling for Segurança Social trabalho independente sign-ups, ATA carnet customs, and 23% IVA invoicing. They liaise with DGPC for UNESCO-site permits, ICNF for natural-area authorisations, ANAC for drone permits, ANACOM for wireless clearance, IGAC for type, and Câmara Municipal Lisboa/Porto for street closures with PSP and GNR planning. Crews deploy under STE terms with reciprocal IATSE plan ready for US visiting shoots, ICA cash rebates (25-30%, €4M cap) local-spend tracking handled by our line producers, and CNPD-registered RGPD compliance on all cast-and-crew databases.
ACT 03
FAQ
PA Department Expertise
What do production assistants do on a Portuguese set?
Here is the breakdown. PAs give key support across all aspects of production — from set lockups and talent escort to gear handling and office admin. In Portugal, they also help handle local logistics, vendor relationships, and location-specific needs that global crews may not be familiar with.
Do your PAs speak English?
Yes, we give bilingual PAs fluent in both English and Portuguese for global shoots. They communicate effectively with your crew while handling local vendors, authorities, and situations that need Portuguese language skills.
What are typical working hours for PAs in Portugal?
Shooting days in Portugal mostly run 10-12 hours under EU working time directives. Year-round Atlantic light gives great shooting conditions. Heritage site shoots in Sintra and Lisbon have specific permit windows.
How quickly can you staff PAs?
For planned shoots, we recommend booking 1-2 weeks ahead. However, we keep relationships with reliable PAs across Portugal for last-minute needs and can often staff extra positions with 24-48 hours notice.
Do you provide overnight or weekend PAs?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Yes, we staff PAs for all schedules including all-night shoots, weekend work, and split days. Portuguese labor law follows EU working time directives with structured protections. The Portugal Film Commission facilitates crew arrangements for global shoots.
What experience do your PAs have?
Here is how the picture comes together. Our PA roster ranges from entry-level pros eager to learn to skilled PAs with many feature credits on Portuguese shoots. We match experience levels to your needs — key positions get skilled PAs while general support can develop newer talent.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
Need Production Assistants?
Tell us about your production and we'll give reliable PA support.