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Oct 31, 2021 · An assistant director (or 1st AD) handles the logistics of running the set during production. They are the liaison between the director and the rest of the crew. They create and manage the shooting schedule and shot lists, coordinating with all department heads. This is a brief overview. Let’s get into some of the major responsibilities.
Assistant director. The role of an assistant director on a film includes tracking daily progress against the filming production schedule, arranging logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, and maintaining order on the set. They also have to take care of the health and safety of the crew. [1]
- Overview
- What does an assistant director do?
- Education requirements for assistant directors
- Skills for assistant directors
- Work environment for assistant directors
- Salary and job outlook for assistant directors
On the set of a film or television production, many people work together to create the finished product. One important role on set is the assistant director, who works closely with the director and performs various duties that maintain the progress of production. Understanding what an assistant director does on set can help you determine if this ro...
An assistant director supports a director on the set of a film or television show. Their main duties include managing the production schedule, checking on the cast and crew and ensuring order on the set. They're responsible for handling the logistics of set management, serving as the liaison between the director and all other members of the crew. An assistant director also coordinates with other department heads to maintain an accurate timeline and supply the necessary lists, including call sheets and shot lists. Additional duties include:
•Breaking down scripts
•Creating storyboards
•Tracking progress each day against the production schedule
•Interacting with the crew members and making assignments
•Interacting with the cast members and informing them of their daily duties
Although most production companies don't have specific education requirements for assistant directors, attending film school can be helpful for those seeking this role. A film school program focuses on the production side of creating films and television programs, so students can gain extensive knowledge that may help them on set. Hands-on experience is highly valued in this industry, so some assistant directors work their way up on the set, working in various roles in other departments before earning this position.
Feature film productions have different rules that apply to assistant directors. Those working on films that qualify as feature films in the United States must be members of the Directors Guild of America. The same regulations don't apply to smaller feature productions. Becoming a member of the DGA involves paying an initiation fee and submitting an application form. On the application, an assistant director includes three endorsements from established assistant directors, plus contact information and their resume.
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Related: 15 Jobs You Can Get With a Film Degree
An assistant director needs certain skills to succeed in this role. When hiring an assistant director, production studio personnel may look for individuals with these key skills:
•Leadership: Since the assistant director only falls below the director on set, they need strong leadership skills to delegate tasks and motivate others. This individual also serves as the point of contractor for the entire cast and crew, so their leadership abilities may dictate whether others listen to them and follow their direction.
•Problem-solving: Problems arise on every film and TV set, including disagreements between cast and crew members, changes to the script and slowdowns in production. The ability to solve these problems effectively is a valuable skill for an assistant director to possess.
•Flexibility: Having a flexible nature can help an assistant director manage changes that occur during the production process.
•Communication: Since the assistant director is the main contact point on set, they should be able to speak and write directions clearly and succinctly. The ability to communicate effectively helps maintain organization and consistency on set and keeps the cast and crew members aware of changes and needs as they arise.
•Organization: Assistant directors often track the schedule carefully, so staying organized is essential in maintaining the timeline. Organizational skills are also useful when managing multiple tasks throughout the production and post-production processes.
Depending on the stage of the production, an assistant director's work environment can change. During pre-production, they might work in a production office as they review details of the film or TV show. During the production phase, they work on set until the camera crew completes filming and the director is happy with the shots. The post-production phase often involves working in an office again, reviewing shots and assisting during the editing process.
Assistant directors may work long hours, particularly during the production phase. When the set is ready for filming, all the crew members must remain on set until the camera crew gets all the required shots and the director determines that everyone can wrap up for the day. They may work under pressure, particularly when the director makes requests that the assistant director must fulfill. Assistant directing also involves a lot of standing and walking, as this individual goes between different areas on the set to communicate with department heads and other cast and crew members.
Related: 35 Careers in Film and TV That Can Inspire You
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The average salary for an assistant director working in the United States is $52,828 per year. This salary may vary depending on your specific employer, experience and level of education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for all producers and directors is expected to grow by 24% between 2020 and 2030. This number translates to the creation of 31,600 new positions.
Related: How To Get Into the Film Industry: Steps, Benefits and Typical Jobs
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May 24, 2023 · An assistant director is a professional who supports the director in overseeing the operations and goals of a department. They collaborate with the director to coordinate daily activities, ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies, and monitor the achievement of objectives. With experience in performance and operations management ...
- An assistant director assists in overseeing department operations, implementing plans, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Duties of an assistant director include coordinating daily activities, managing staffing, monitoring objectives, and creating reports.
- A good assistant director has strong organizational and leadership skills, knowledge of regulations, proficiency in software, and excellent communi...
- An assistant director works with the director, department staff, and other stakeholders to achieve departmental goals and ensure smooth operations.
Dec 21, 2023 · The national average salary for assistant directors is $54,731 per year, while the national average salary for associate directors is $126,750 per year. This difference may be due to the fact that associate directors work in a more senior-level role, and assistant directors report to them. Learn the key differences between an associate director ...
Aug 7, 2023 · Assistant directors commonly break the movie scripts down to determine each scene's elements. These elements include characters, extras, props, set dressing, costumes, and makeup. The elements also include stunts, sounds and music, and special effects. The assistant director's duties span from the movie's pre-production stage to the production ...
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Sep 2, 2021 · While the director handles all creative decisions, the monumental job of coordinating and wrangling the cast and crew falls to the first assistant director. If you’ve ever sat through the credits of a big budget action movie, you know that making a movie requires the services of hundreds or even thousands of cast and crew members.
