WHAT DOES A SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What does a Second Assistant Director Do?)

Second Assistant Director / Photo Credit: SlidePlayer

WHAT DOES A SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What does a Second Assistant Director Do?)         

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What does a Second Assistant Director do?   

The role of an assistant director on a film includes tracking daily progress against the filming production schedule, arranging logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, and maintaining order on the set. They also have to take care of the health and safety of the crew. The role of an assistant to the director is often confused with assistant director but the responsibilities are entirely different. The assistant to the director manages all of the directors in development, pre-production, while on set, through post-production and is often involved in both personal management as well as creative aspects of the production process.

The second assistant director (second or 2AD) creates the daily call sheets from the production schedule, in cooperation with the production coordinator. The "second" also serves as the "backstage manager", liaising with actors, putting cast through make-up and wardrobe, which relieves the "first" of these duties. Supervision of the second second assistant director, third assistant director, assistant director trainees, and the setting of background (extras) are parts of the "second's" duties.

The second assistant director is hired during pre-production and is an aide to the first assistant director and, by extension, the director. He or she is hired by the producer or director, with input from the first AD, and will take on the tasks delegated by the same. This position may also be referred to as the key second assistant director or additional assistant director. All ADs after the first AD are given the title of second assistant.

Duties

Along with the individual tasks assigned by the director or first assistant director, the second AD is responsible for a few specific duties. Among these is preparing cast and crew call sheets, which detail all pertinent information for that day’s schedule; this includes arrival times, locations, scenes, and who must report to set. He or she will communicate advance scheduling information to the cast and crew as necessary. This person is also the main point of contact for all extras, handling requisitions and other required documentation concerning background actors. The information collected is reviewed for completeness and submitted to the first AD and unit production manager. Similarly, the second AD will write daily production reports and complete end-of-day paperwork concerning scenes shot, notes for the next day, film and sound information, etc. Scripts and later script changes are distributed by the second assistant director, or by a production assistant under the supervision of the second AD. As the primary point of contact for the cast of extras, the second assistant director will distribute, collect, and approve background talent’s vouchers and release forms.

Skills & Education

A college degree in film and television production is recommended for a career on the directorial staff. As a second assistant director, you should be proficient in the operation of film and digital video cameras, and understand the techniques of framing and lighting a shot. A firm understanding of sound recording and mixing is also necessary. While you are not expected to be an expert on all forms of film and television technology, an intermediate level of knowledge is beneficial. As you move up the ladder in the directorial department, you should also aim to become proficient in non-linear editing and learn about the application of visual effects in post-production. Courses in entertainment business are also especially helpful, as you will be dealing with cast and crew contracts.

What to Expect

Second assistant directors can become members of the Directors Guild of America, the organization that represents directors, assistant directors, and unit production managers. It is not required that you become a member to work in the film/TV industry, but membership is necessary to be hired on shows that operate under a collective bargaining agreement with the DGA as signatories. This includes most major production companies and studios. To work toward a career as second AD, you should gain experience in the camera department as a camera operator or camera assistant. A good place to start is as an on-set production assistant. There are also limited opportunities for internships or apprenticeships through the DGA and on feature productions that agree to host interns.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Careers Hub, Raindance, Screen Play Scripts, Script Doctor,

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Second Assistant Director / Photo Credit: SlidePlayer