Film and TV drama
Assistant director
Also known as: 1AD, 1st AD, First, First AD, Assistant director, AD
What does a first assistant director do?
The first assistant director (AD) is the director’s right hand. First ADs plan the filming schedule, working with the director, director of photography and other heads of department to ensure an efficient shoot.
In pre-production, they break down the script, analysing it for what will be needed in terms of cast, locations, equipment and crew. They lead recces, going off to locations to assess their suitability for filming.
Then they input the scripts into Movie Magic software, which helps them work out what to film and when, depending on the availability of cast and locations. They write the shooting schedule and work out how long each scene will take to film.
During filming first ADs manage the set, which leaves the directors free to focus on the actors and framing the shots.
Watch
- Charanprite Dhami, assistant director | find your future in film and TV
- Assistant Directors Guild UK | Breaking the Mould: Leading Ladies on the role of a 1st AD
- What Does an Assistant Director Do? Defining the 1st AD
What’s a first assistant director good at?
- Visualising the script: read the script and know what this means in terms of cameras, locations and cast, understand the director’s vision
- Planning: analyse what is needed for a shoot, and co-ordinate the schedules of various departments including camera, make-up, hair, costume, design and visual effects, think ahead
- Multi-tasking: pay close attention to what is happening in one shot while getting ready for the next one
- Innovation: think of creative solutions under pressure when the unexpected happens
- Communication: able to let a wide range of people know exactly what is required of them and get them to work together, ability to listen to the director
Who does a first assistant director work with?
The second is the main off-set contact with some of the other departments such as production, locations and facilities. On each day of filming the second must prepare and draw up the next day's call sheet. Once filming begins, seconds ensure that all actors are ready for filming when they are required, coordinating transport and make-up and wardrobe timetables. Seconds may be responsible for finding extras and coordinating their transport and activities on set. See case study: Second assistant director Michael Queen
Thirds are the 1st AD’s right-hand on set. They are responsible for coordinating extras, preparing and cueing them as well as sometimes directing them in any required background action. They may have to keep members of the public out of shot or off the set and location and will liaise with the location manager with regard to the security and tidying up of studios and locations after filming.
Crowd ADs coordinate larger crowds of extras for the background of scenes, helping to organise the transport and logistics of shooting with a crowd. They may also direct members of the public or keep them off-set.
Runners do anything required to help the shoot. See separate profile:Â floor runner
How do I become a first assistant director?
This is a senior role that requires many years of experience. Most first assistant directors start out as trainees or floor runners and work their way up. You can to apply to ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in art, art and design, photography, film studies, business studies, drama and theatre, graphic design and maths are useful. Or you might want to take a Level 3 vocational qualification. Look at what your local college offers in those subjects such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production) 
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology 
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production) 
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts 
- BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts 
- T-Level Media, Broadcast and Production 
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design 
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design 
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design) 
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design) 
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography) 
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production) 
- T-Level Craft and Design 
- OCR Technical Diploma / Extended Diploma in Business 
- T-Level Management and Administration 
Get a degree:
A degree isn’t essential but if you want one, look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select ones in film and TV. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the film and TV industries.
Become a trainee:
Apply for ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder scheme.If you are successful, you get placements, make contacts and build up the industry knowledge to get work in film or TV drama.
Take a short course:
You might like the National Film and Television School's (NFTS) Movie Magic Scheduling course. First aid courses are useful too. ScreenSkills lists relevant training courses on the website. Go to the list of training courses recommended by ScreenSkills and see if there is one in directing or production.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips. 
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there are Facebook pages or other social media groups for people making films or TV in your area. There might even be groups for runners and trainees. Join them. Create a ScreenSkills profile. There are a lot of crewing agencies that will charge you to be on their books. Sign up to the free ones initially. Wales Screen, Northern Ireland Screen and other areas offer free crew databases. Find a film office near you and get connected. If you do sign up to paid sites, make sure they specialise in the areas in which you’re interested.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries  modules are very useful.  
ScreenSkills skills checklists:  
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists. 
You might also be interested in…
Being a line manager, if it’s the organisation that appeals to you. If you’re more interested in the art of photography than the management of it, have a look at the director of photography job role.
