aka: 1st AD
Making a film is a lot of work. So, the director and producer hire people to help keep everything organized and on schedule. One such crew member is the 1st assistant director, who has a range of supportive tasks throughout prep and filming.
On this page, you’ll learn more about what it takes to become a 1st assistant director, their main duties, essential skills, and tips for finding work.
What Is a 1st Assistant Director?
The 1st assistant director (1st AD, for short) makes sure that a film is organized and runs on schedule. Their team includes the production manager, coordinator, 3rd AD, 2nd AD, and many production assistants.
The 1st AD has a lot of responsibilities. Prior to shooting, for example, they complete a script breakdown and attend meetings with the director. Then they lead location recces and help organize the film. They also create the shooting schedule. They also assist the producer with planning.
In addition, the 1st AD calls the roll on professional film sets. This is a series of phrases spoken prior to recording a scene. It typically begins with saying “quiet, please”, “final checks”, followed by “sound rolling, camera rolling” and “action”.
Another important task is to act as a middleman between the director and the crew. So, if people have any problems, they talk to the 1st AD.
During production, the 1st assistant director is always on set, often standing close to the director. They watch the scene’s blocking and ensure actors are in hair and makeup. Also, if any problems interrupt the shooting schedule, the 1st AD helps solve them.
What Does a 1st Assistant Director Do?
| Pre-production | – Script breakdown – Attend meetings with director – Scout locations – Hire an assistant director team – Create a filming schedule |
| Production | – Work closely with the director – Lead the AD team – Solve filming problems – Keep the film running on schedule |
| Post-production | – Dismantle the production office – Organize final paperwork |
How to Become a 1st AD
Essential 1st assistant director skills:
- Full filmmaking knowledge
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Movie scheduling software
- Creative problem solving
- Cool under pressure
- First aid certification
This career is a good match for someone who loves to work with people. It is a very social job role that requires the ability to work well under pressure.
You don’t need a degree to become a 1st AD. That said, it’s important to have knowledge of the filmmaking process and to understand everyone’s role. There are filmmaking courses that can teach you these basics.
Another crucial skill to have is scheduling. In addition to learning how to create the shooting schedule, 1st ADs must be proficient in using scheduling software. There are courses available for this as well.
Hands-on experience in the AD department will also be useful.
It’s not uncommon for a 1st AD to start as a production assistant. Although these jobs are typically office-based and will have you performing admin tasks, they’re an essential part of the operation of a film. And it’s a great opportunity to observe how things work behind the scenes.
As you gain more experience, you can take on more responsibilities and work as a 3rd assistant director.
Finding 1st AD Jobs
There are typically two ways in which film crew get their start in the industry.
One way is to work your way up from entry-level jobs. If you’re interested in becoming a 1st assistant director, this is probably the smartest choice. Production assistant jobs will give you hands-on experience both on and off the set, enabling you to build your resume and make connections.
You’ll have no problem finding entry-level positions on film job websites.
Another option is to apply for positions that are higher up in the AD department, but on smaller budget film sets. The only problem you might run into is that you’ll miss out on much of the valuable training that many people acquire when working in entry-level jobs. The learning curve will be much steeper and you might find it harder to get higher paying work without sufficient training and experience.
How Much Money Do 1st ADs Make?
Minimum pay rate for 1st ADs: $1,236/day
What you get paid in film can vary a ton. To start, union members tend to be paid more than non-union. What’s more, high-end productions pay higher rates to their crew members than lower budget projects. Also, your level of experience can net you a larger salary.
What’s for certain is that the 1st AD is the highest paid member of the AD department. Learn more about the general pay structure for the AD team on our crew rates page.