TV or film assistant director
Organise and plan everything on set – freeing up the director to lead the creative side.
Also known as: AD
About the job
What it's like
Are you excited by the opportunity to work behind the scenes on films and TV programmes? In this role, you'll organise and plan everything on set, leaving the director free to lead on the creative side.
TV or film assistant directors are known in the industry as an 'AD'. Most productions use a team of assistant directors, with a 1st AD, at least one 2nd AD and possibly some 3rd ADs. You'll carry out very different tasks, depending which one of these roles you do.
As a 1st AD, you'll have most responsibility. You'll lead on the planning before production begins and will manage the set during filming. Your tasks might include:
working with the director to decide the order of shooting
planning a filming schedule, taking into account the director’s ideas and the budget
overseeing the hire of locations, props and equipment
helping recruit the cast and crew – you'll then keep them motivated on set
making sure that filming stays on schedule
supervising a team of 2nd and 3rd ADs and runners
As a 2nd AD, you'll support the 1st AD and make sure that their orders are carried out. Your tasks might include:
producing and giving out call sheets (lists of timings for the following day's shoot)
being the link between the set and the production office
dealing with paperwork
organising transport and hotels
making sure that cast members are in make-up, wardrobe or on set at the right time
finding and supervising extras on productions where there is no 3rd AD
As a 3rd AD, you'll assist 2nd ADs, 1st ADs and location managers on set. Your tasks might include:
making sure extras are on set at the right time and place
briefing the extras and giving them cues
directing the action in background crowd scenes
acting as a messenger on set
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Creative Scotland – check out the organisation that supports the nation's cultural and creative sectors
British Film Institute – discover Film Academy opportunities designed to help young people break into the screen industries
ScreenSkills – browse roles across the creative industries and find routes into work
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- resourceful
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- developing a plan
- reliable
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Drama
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English
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Media
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Performance Arts
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Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Generally, you don't need specific qualifications to become a TV or film assistant director. Employers are usually more interested in your experience, enthusiasm and initiative.
Practical experience of the production process and a good network of contacts in the industry are key things you should have to enter this area of work.
Although it's not essential, it's beneficial to earn qualifications before you search for work. Courses that help you build practical skills and encourage you to do work placements are most useful.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Film and TV Production or Film Studies
Drama or Theatre
Creative Writing
English
Journalism
Media
Use the My World of Work course search to find university opportunities.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Film and TV or Media Production
Digital Media
Content Creation
Acting and Performance
Creative Writing or Scriptwriting
Photography or Visual Arts
Work
You could start working in an entry-level role, such as a production runner. As your experience and contacts grow, you may be able to work your way up.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
It's a good idea to create a portfolio – this allows you to show off the projects you've worked on.
It's important to gather as much TV and film experience as you can. For example, you can work on student film or TV productions, get involved in community film projects or ask for work experience placements with production companies.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a TV or film assistant director. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You should have an in-depth understanding of the production process and a good network of contacts within the industry.
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