Last Updated 3 months ago
Definition
An Assistant Director in Film (A.D.) is the Director’s right hand on set and the person responsible for keeping the production running smoothly and on schedule. While the director focuses on creative decisions, the A.D. manages logistics, coordinates departments, and ensures the crew and cast are in the right place at the right time.
The A.D. Team
Most productions have an A.D. hierarchy that divides responsibilities:
- 1st Assistant Director (1st A.D.):
- Oversees the shooting schedule and daily call sheets.
- Runs the set by calling commands such as “Quiet on set,” “Roll camera,” and “Background action!”
- Acts as the communication hub between the director, cast, and crew.
- 2nd Assistant Director (2nd A.D.):
- Prepares call sheets and organizes actors’ schedules.
- Manages background performers (extras).
- Coordinates with production office and departments to prepare upcoming days.
- 2nd 2nd A.D. (or Additional 2nd):
- Common on larger productions. Handles crowd control, lock-ups, and delegating background action.
- Trainee or 3rd A.D.:
- Entry-level position in the A.D. team, supporting paperwork, lock-ups, and set flow.
Responsibilities of an Assistant Director
- Scheduling: Keeps production on track by following and adjusting the shooting schedule.
- Crew Management: Directs background performers, coordinates department heads, and manages set traffic.
- Communication: Serves as the central voice on set, ensuring everyone knows what’s happening and when.
- Safety: Oversees on-set safety procedures, crowd control, and coordination with stunts and special effects.
- Time Management: Ensures the director gets the shots needed within the allotted day.
Why It Matters
Without Assistant Directors, productions would quickly fall behind schedule or descend into chaos. The A.D. team provides structure, discipline, and communication, freeing the director to concentrate on performance and visuals. They are the organizers, motivators, and problem-solvers who keep a film or television set running efficiently.
Related Terms
- [Call Sheet] daily schedule created by the 2nd A.D. that lists cast, crew, locations, and scenes to be shot.
- [Background]
- [Lock-Up] A safety perimeter managed by the A.D. team to keep pedestrians or crew out of frame during shooting.