On a movie set, the director’s right-hand person is known as the first assistant director (or 1st AD). They oversee the set so the director can pay attention to the actors.
The 1st Assistant Director job role, how to get work in this job role, and an explanation of a typical 1st AD work day are all covered in the post that follows.
How to become a First Assistant Director – Complete Guide
What is a 1st AD?
One of the most significant and highly regarded below-the-line positions in film is first assistant director.
First Assistant Directors (first ADs) supervise a crew and are in charge of making sure that a film is filmed on time and according to schedule. This is mostly a non-creative work role.
Confusion over job roles
The traditional position of Assistant to the Director should not be confused with this one. Film directors in the past had personal helpers who collaborated more closely with them on the artistic components of the movie.
It’s crucial to realize that the position of Assistant to the Director is no longer in existence and is not a prerequisite for directing. A similar Assistant to the Director function is occasionally still in use in the Bollywood film industry, and film directors may still have PAs.
However, as this position is dwindling in popularity, it is not advisable to pursue it.
Skills To Be A Great First Assistant Director
Someone who enjoys dealing with people and has strong managerial leadership skills would be a good fit for this position.
You would have to develop your time management skills, have an understanding of film set health and safety, and learn how to remain composed under pressure.
Skills
Leadership, people skills, time management, and self-assurance Become trained in health and safety and learn how to create risk assessments. Ready to put through long hours.
Pre-Production
Script breakdown must be completed, location scouts and HOD meetings must be attended. establishing a shooting schedule.
Production
Head Of Department meetings, observing the blocking of a scene, ensuring that actors are in their hair, makeup, and costumes on time, ensuring that the entire crew is prepared to begin filming, calling the shots, being in charge of staying on schedule as much as possible, and being in charge of health and safety on set (1st Aid Trained)
Action is typically not yelled on film sets by the director. The 1st AD declares “action,” doing so by yelling out the following series of commands:
- “Last Looks” (Last chance to check the actors, set, camera)
- “Quiet Please”
- “Turn Over” (Press Record)
- “Speed” (Camera replies that they are recording)
- “Speed” (Sound replies that they are recording)
- “Scene One, Take One” (2nd AC Claps the Board)
- “Action!” The 1st AD shouts Action
Related Article – 10+ Best On Set Production Gear Tools For Filmmakers
Career Path
This role, in contrast to the above-the-line creative job responsibilities in film, has a distinct professional path. You can begin as a Runner and advance to 3rd AD before being trusted and hired for the position of 1st AD.
Get some on-set experience, possibly as a runner or production assistant, before deciding if this work role is a suitable fit for you. This will help you determine if this is the perfect career for you.
You will learn the fundamentals of filmmaking by creating your own movies. You can discover these opportunities online, but work experience in the film industry is likely to be unpaid. Independent film sets may need help on weekends.
Within the AD division, you might be able to get full-time employment. Students will find it simpler to seek this freelancing work than someone with greater financial responsibility. TV production businesses may provide full-time AD positions.
Alternative: Until you are able to work this position full-time, you may need to pursue AD employment in addition to another job, working weekends and holidays and reducing your hours.
Check up the top film schools in your area to see if this is a choice. Some film schools also provide workshops for First AD’S. This employment role can be the ideal fit for the appropriate candidate.
As with any professional move, it will take some time to thoroughly understand this position and establish enough contracts in the film industry to be trusted therein.
Related Article – Should I Attend Film School? Best Guide To Everything You Need to Know & More
Employment Outlook
The first AD position is challenging; you must possess the confidence and be excellent at managing people. Like other crew positions, your work on set will involve lengthy, unsociable hours.
If you perform well in this position, you can advance to larger shows where a high income is possible. Sometimes first assistant directors decide to work as directors or producers.
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About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
