Step up to 1st AD in high-end TV and film

Are you an experienced 2nd or 3rd assistant director working in high-end TV and/or feature films who is looking to step up to 1st AD?

Have you a recently stepped-up to 1st AD and are looking to consolidate your knowledge and gain more confidence in the role?

The step-up to 1st AD online training course will enable 40 participants working in high-end TV and film across the UK to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to step-up to 1st assistant directors.

In addition, and following on from the training programme, there will be up to 20 funded placements  for participants who complete the course.

This programme is funded by the ScreenSkills Film and High-end Television Skills Funds made up of contributions from high-end TV productions and films made in the UK. This programme is being delivered by Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees.

Please note this training is delivered online only.

Who it's for

This course is for:

• Professional ADs who have held the position of 2nd on at least three significant high-end TV productions and/or feature films or
• Professional ADs who have held the position 3rd AD on at least three significant high-end T  productions and/or feature films, and have some 2nd AD experience (e.g. short film)
• Recently stepped-up 1st ADs in high-end TV and/or film looking to consolidate their knowledge and gain more confidence in the role

Several rounds of training will be delivered over the coming eight months so please select which period is more suitable for you:

• Group one: January 23 - February 23
• Group two: March 23 - May 23
• Group three: June 23 - August 23

What it covers

This  programme will break down the role and responsibilities of the 1st AD from prep to production, including breaking down a script and creating an effective and efficient schedule, understanding departmental requirements, working safely and to the industry agreements, leading and managing relationships. 

There will also be a focus on understanding shots, set-ups and camera plans, generating reports and paperwork and the impact of decisions on the budget. 

The course will be delivered as a series of five online modules covering the following:

• Role and responsibilities of the 1st AD 
• Scripts and schedules 
• Budgeting 
• Working safely: planning for stunts / SFX / intimate scenes and effective recces 
• Running the set and effective leadership
• Reports and paperwork
• Key relationships
• Wrap up session covering key components of all modules
• Networking opportunities and support

Combining real life experience and best practice, you will come away feeling truly enabled to step up into the position of 1st AD. 

On completion of the training, 20 participants will be awarded paid placements on high end television dramas, comedies and feature films throughout the UK.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to meet them.

This is a nationwide scheme so we welcome applications from across the UK. 

How to apply

Please only apply if you feel you have the experience and are ready to step up. 

This programme is delivered by Addie Orfila and Alison Surtees. For further details and to express your interest in the course, click 'apply now'.

Please note this training is delivered online only.

Contact information

Email: almaisonproducers@gmail.com