1st AD Responsibilities

Lead M1 set operations, maintain the shooting schedule, and coordinate communication across departments.

Overview

The 1st Assistant Director is responsible for managing the shooting schedule and overseeing the day-to-day operation of the set during production. This includes coordinating the work of departments on set, maintaining production pace, monitoring safety concerns, communicating priorities to the crew, and helping ensure that the production remains on schedule throughout the shooting day.

The 1st AD serves as the primary operational leader on set, balancing the creative ambitions of the director and department heads against the practical realities of time, staffing, resources, and budget. While students sometimes misunderstand the position as simply enforcing the schedule or “watching the clock,” effective assistant directing requires constant collaboration, communication, and problem-solving in support of both the film’s creative goals and the producer’s responsibility to successfully complete the day’s work. Strong 1st AD leadership helps productions remain organized, safe, efficient, and creatively focused even under demanding production conditions.

Pre-Production

  • Attend the Director/DP/1st AD Prep meeting with the Directing and Cinematography instructors at the location.
  • Create a Setup Schedule with the Director and DP (based on the shot list put together by the Director and DP).

On Set

FIRST HALF OF THE DAY

  • The Pre-Pro crew (PR, DR, PD, DP, AR, 1D, 2D, SS) will have 2 hours at the start of the morning to prepare for the day, including set decoration, shot designing, etc.
  • When the rest of the crew arrives, have a Safety Meeting with the entire crew. Complete the Safety Meeting Report and have a Shop Steward (GF or SS) sign it to verify it was completed.
  • Run the Tech Scout, reviewing with the crew which scenes will be filmed in each set. Be ready to answer any questions the crew may have.
  • Run the Production Meeting by reading the action of the script, making sure crewmembers’ questions are answered.
  • Get a walkie from the 2nd AD, then go stand where the first set will be and stay there. Radio 2nd AD to bring you whatever you need.
  • Oversee the staging and filming of second unit photography.

LUNCH

  • When it is time for lunch, release the cast & crew for lunch.
  • Make sure lunch does not exceed one hour.

SECOND HALF OF THE DAY

  • Run through the 1st AD Set Procedure for principal photography: Block, New Deal, Build, Rehearse, Shoot
  • Manage the time on the set by keeping up with the Setup Schedule. Adjust schedule as needed.
  • Look ahead to next set-ups and make sure departments are prepared and working ahead.

End of day:

  • At Camera Wrap, make sure crew wraps safely and efficiently. Make sure to have Company Wrap on time.
  • Approve the Daily Production Report and have 2nd AD distribute copies at the end of the day.