1st AD Responsibilities

Lead capstone 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

  • Break down the script and create the Production Schedule.
  • Organize the Tech Scout for each location with at least the ATL. Establish where the restrooms, parking, staging, base camp and set will be.
  • Run the Production Meeting by reading the action of the script. Answer crewmembers’ questions.
  • Create a Setup Schedule with the DR and DP.
  • Approve the Call Sheet and have 2nd AD distribute copies
  • Check the weather periodically to monitor adverse conditions. Have a back-up plan.
  • Double check every logistical piece of information and make sure nothing has been forgotten.

Production days

Start of day:

  • Arrive at set 30 minutes to an hour early.
  • Get a walkie from the 2nd AD, then go stand where the set will be and stay there. Radio 2nd AD to bring you whatever you need.
  • At call time, have a Safety Meeting with the entire crew to communicate an emergency plan, location hazards and any production safety concerns. Complete the Safety Meeting Report for each location, each day.

Throughout the day:

  • Run through the 1st AD Set Procedure: 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:

  • Approve the Daily Production Report and have 2nd AD distribute copies within 2 hours after company wrap.
  • Approve the following day’s Call Sheet and have 2nd AD distribute copies.