TV or film assistant director

Most productions use a team of assistant directors (ADs). First, second, and third assistant directors have different jobs.

As first assistant director, you could:

• plan a filming schedule, taking into account the director’s ideas and the budget
• manage the hire of locations, props and equipment
• recruit the cast and crew
• make sure filming stays on schedule
• supervise a team of 2nd and 3rd ADs and runners

As second or third assistant director you might:

• produce daily schedules
• deliver messages between the set and the production office
• deal with paperwork
• organise transport and hotels
• make sure cast members are on set at the right times
• direct the action in the background scenes

• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• leadership skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by private training providers

Many assistant directors work freelance. With experience, you could progress to be a director, production manager or producer.