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1st Assistant Director (AD)

The 1st AD’s main duties are to work with the producer to create a and keep the production to that schedule while on set. Overall, they are the link between the Director and the rest of the crew. The 1st AD also maintains contact with the , providing regular progress reports about the shoot. Ultimately, the 1st AD is the “Chief Expediter (of the production)” on set. Being an Assistant Director does not necessarily put you on the road to being a director. It’s more for those interested in being a Producer.

Responsibilities

● Make sure that the production is running smoothly and efficiently. ● Creating the , including Call Sheets. ● Informing the cast and crew of the schedule by sending Call Sheets. ● Overseeing the building of the set and addressing issues so the Director can concentrate on their creative process.

Things to Consider…

o Must be assertive, even though the crew will hate you at times. o Think of yourself as the crew’s parent. They’ll get mad at you at times, but understand why you’re yelling. o Must have excellent communication skills along with time-management skills. o Must be able to get everything under control on set. o Must be proficient with spreadsheets. o ’ availability coinciding with scene set-ups. o This position IS stressful. o You will be working under the Producer. o On-Set etiquette along with walkie-talkie etiquette.

Process

Pre-Production:

● Meet with Director and DP to create the production schedule (EX: Analyze set-up times for the tech departments, possible time for actors, etc.). ● When on a tech scout, make a note of where the crew can the equipment, making sure it won’t be in the way of the crew or appear on camera. ● Make Call Sheets for the first day and send them out to cast and crew.

Production:

● Make sure that the cast and crew are all on set at appropriate times. ● Make sure the department heads have the production schedule AND ARE AWARE OF IT. ● Hand out walkie-talkies to above the line positions and others who NEED it (CW only has 6). Should be given out to: o 1st AD (yourself) o Director of Photography o o () o At least ONE (for Fire Watch) o Production Manager o NOT camera department ● Make sure the crew is setting up/acting accordingly and not goofing off when a scene is about to be filmed. ● Prior to filming, call to see if everyone is ready and call departments. o “Quiet on set!” o “Roll Sound.” o “Roll Camera.” ● After Filming: o “Cut.” o “Moving on.”* ● *See if Director is happy with the shot and is ready to move-on (if time does not allow a re-take, then you must be polite about telling them that you must move on or cutting a different shot to make room for another take). ● Collect all walkie-talkies. ● At the end of the day, send out the next day’s Call Sheets (preferably at a reasonable time).

Tips

o Talk to the advisor about learning Movie Magic Scheduling, it’s a great tool for creating the production schedule. o Go in with the mindset that the story belongs to the director, but the set belongs to you. o But make sure not to let the power go to your head. The crew must still respect you.

Additional Resources

● http://www.cinemaworkshop.com/production-team (Production Schedule) ● http://castandcrewcall.com/free-professional-call-sheet-template/ (Call Sheet Template) ● Cast and Crew Release form