TV or film assistant director
Assistant directors support directors in all stages of TV and film production.
Also known as: 1st AD, 2nd AD, 3rd AD
What you'll do
Productions may use a team of assistant directors (ADs). First, second and third assistant directors have different duties.
As first assistant director, you could:
- work with the director to help plan overall filming schedules
- manage the hire of props and equipment
- scout filming locations
- help to recruit the cast and crew
- make sure filming stays on schedule
- attend regular meetings with directors to discuss progress and deal with problems
- supervise a team of 2nd and 3rd ADs, and runners
As second or third assistant director, you could:
- prepare the next day's filming schedules for cast and crew
- deliver messages between the set and production office
- work closely with make-up and wardrobe staff
- make sure cast and extras are in position at the right time on set
- direct the action in background scenes
- organise transport and accommodation for location shoots
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- leadership skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a tV or film assistant director
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by private training providers
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- creative media production
- film and television production
- filmmaking
- drama or theatre studies
- business
Courses that include practical skills and work placements may give you an advantage when looking for work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed to apply for trainee positions with a production company.
Courses include:
- film and television production
- creative media production and technology
- creative and digital media
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Work
You could start as runner or production assistant on set, and work your way up to 3rd or 2nd assistant director (AD), then 1st AD. It can take several years to progress from being a runner through to 1st AD.
Volunteering
It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and to develop a good understanding of the production process.
For example, you can:
- work on student film or TV productions
- get involved with community film projects
- find work experience placements with production companies
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge .
Other routes
You can take short courses in production skills for directors and assistant directors run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. You can search for relevant industry approved courses through ScreenSkills.
Career path and progression
Many assistant directors work freelance. With experience, you could progress to be a director, production manager or producer.
Career tips
Get as much experience of amateur filmmaking as you can to develop your skills. This will give you insights into the creative process and help you to make industry contacts.
You can also create a portfolio to showcase your talent.
You may find it useful to get a qualification in health and safety, as this is likely to be part of your duties.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Assistant Directors Guild UK for professional development opportunities, industry news and to build up your contacts.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleTV or film director
- Job roleTV or film producer
- Job roleTV or film production manager
- Job roleTV or film assistant production co-ordinator
- Job roleTV or film production runner
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0