TV/Film Assistant Director
What is the work like?
Assistant directors, known in the industry as 'ADs', support directors by organising and planning everything on a film set. Most productions use a team of assistant directors, with a 1st AD, at least one 2nd AD and possibly one or more 3rd ADs, each with different tasks.
1st ADs have the most important supporting role to the director. In this job you would do much of the planning before the start of production, and you would manage the set during filming to leave the director free to concentrate on the creative process. Your responsibilities would include:
- working with the director to break down the script into a shot-by-shot ‘storyboard’ and decide the order of shooting
- planning a filming schedule, taking into account the director’s ideas and the available budget
- overseeing the hire of locations, props and equipment
- recruiting the cast and crew
- making sure that filming stays on schedule
- supervising a team of 2nd and 3rd ADs and runners
- motivating the cast and crew.
2nd ADs support the 1st AD and make sure that their orders are carried out on set. As a 2nd AD you would:
- produce each day’s call sheet (a list of the logistics for the next day's shoot)
- be the link between the set and the production office
- distribute call sheets, so that the cast and crew know exactly when they are needed on set
- deal with paperwork and organise transport and hotels
- make sure that cast members are in make-up, wardrobe or on set at the right time
- find and supervise extras (on smaller productions where there is no 3rd AD).
3rd ADs support 2nd ADs, 1st ADs and location managers on set. As a 3rd AD your main job would be to make sure any extras were on set in the right place and time. You would prepare and cue the extras, and may direct the action in background crowd scenes. You would also act as a messenger on set.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
The key to becoming an assistant director is to get practical experience of the production process. You should also develop a network of contacts in the industry. Employers are usually more interested in your experience and your enthusiasm, common sense and initiative than your qualifications.
You would often start as runner or production assistant on set, and work your way up to 3rd AD and beyond. To get a job as a runner, you will need to show your commitment by finding work experience and being involved in activities like student or community film or TV.
It is not essential to have studied film, video or media production before you look for work, although it can be helpful. The most useful courses include practical skills, work placements and the chance to make contacts. Several colleges and universities offer relevant courses, including:
- City & Guilds (7501) Diploma in Media Techniques
- City & Guilds (7502) Certificate for Audiovisual Industries Induction
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Media Production
- BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses.
Check with course providers for entry requirements, and see Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed courses.
What further training and development can I do?
You will develop your skills on the job, learning from experienced assistant directors and crew. For example, as a 1st AD you would need to understand how scheduling affects budgets, and you would learn this best on the job.
You may be able to get training at the start of your career through one of the new entrant training schemes that broadcasters and regional screen agencies sometimes offer. Contact Skillset Careers for information on any schemes that may be available.
You could also take short courses in production skills for assistant directors, run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. See Skillset’s website to search for relevant courses, and for information about how to fund your training as a freelance.
As your experience, skills and reputation grow, you could progress from AD into a production manager or producer role. Working as an assistant director is not usually a stepping stone into directing, because the job is organisational rather than creative.
Where can I go for more information?
373-377 Clapham RoadLondon
SW9 9BT
Warwick Street
London
W1R 5RA
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Freelance directors are usually paid a fee for each individual contract or project. Rates can vary widely, and may be based on the budget available and your track record. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for current pay guidelines.
People working on films may agree to work for little or no pay on the understanding that they will share in any profit that the film makes. You should check the exact terms before going ahead with this type of contract or agreement.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours could be long and irregular according to the demands of a production, and may often include evenings and weekends.
You could work in studios, or at various indoor or outdoor locations, depending on the production. Work may be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so working conditions will vary depending on where the production is being filmed.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good communication and 'people skills'
- the ability to lead and motivate others
- excellent organisational and planning skills
- problem-solving ability
- initiative
- a flexible and adaptable attitude
- good administrative skills
- calmness under pressure
- awareness of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
You would normally work on freelance contracts for TV drama or film production companies. Competition for work is strong, and when starting out you may need to work for little pay until you have built a reputation and contacts.
Some jobs are advertised in the trade press and industry websites. However, it is more common to get work by contacting companies yourself, by networking, and using a crew database to market yourself.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and useful contacts (links open new window):
Mandy.com
Broadcast Freelancer
Grapevine Jobs
Production and Casting Report
The Knowledge (contacts directory)
Kays Production Guide (contacts directory)
BBC Film Network Filmmaking Guide
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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