Assistant Director

(This excerpt is from a day in the life of a 2^nd 2^nd AD on an episodic TV production.)

*Episodic TV refers to television shows where nothing happening in one episode significantly impacts later episodes. It is unlike serial TV (like soap operas) where if you haven't watched the previous episode, it is harder to understand what is going on in the current episode.
 
“Monday mornings are usually an early start to the week.  I go into my "office," which often varies from day to day (studio lot or on a location).  I look over the call sheet when I come in, which is a one sheet summary of the scenes shooting today, background actors, principal actors, crew members and their respective call times.  I also read the "sides" (script pages for the day’s work).  
 
I grab the background actor vouchers and check them in.  I make sure all the background actors are present and get them ready by taking them to wardrobe, hair and makeup.  I make sure it happens in a timely matter and that the director and other creative heads do a final check and approve the look of the background actors.  I have a staff of production assistants to facilitate this process.  Some days there may be 5 background actors and other days there may be 500 background actors.  ADs direct background actors on their movements according to the camera frame and also direct their role in the scene.  I work closely with all department heads to make sure they have everything needed for the scene.  I also inform the principal actors of any major changes or to communicate any the notes the director may have for them.”
 
- Alicia Cho, 2^nd 2^nd Assistant Director

• Problem solving and flexibility: Every day something will come up that is unexpected. Must solve the problem quickly and calmly.
• Time Management
• Communication skills
• Patience
• Endurance to stand on feet for 12+ hours.
• Ability to manage different types of people (creative, actors, producers, blue-collar)
• Multi-tasking, ability to quickly adapt to different locations, people
• Attention to detail (paperwork includes production reports which summarizes daily costs for  the production which are submitted directly to the studio)
• Ability to lead and manage large groups of people: ADs lead the entire crew to make sure everything is running smoothly. ADs also have to direct the background actors; if there is a scene where there are 150 background actors, the AD must direct them on what they should be doing.

(in descending order of the AD department hierarchy)

1st AD

• Reports to the director, producer and production manager.
• Before the shoot: 1) Breaks down the script and creates the schedule according to location availability,  budgetary constraints, cast availability and script coverage.  2) Hires the Assistant director staff  3) Scouts locations and goes over logistics with department heads and director.
• During production: 1) Responsible for keeping filming on schedule by driving it forward 2) Controls discipline on the set, supervises the other Assistant Directors, and oversees the preparation of the daily 'call sheet' 3) Responsible for health and safety on set or location.

2nd AD

• Creates the daily call sheets and production schedule.
• Manages the backstage: Liaises with actors, putting cast through make-up and wardrobe.
• Supervises the 2nd 2nd AD/ third assistant director, assistant director trainees.  
• Directs background actors (extras).

2nd 2nd AD

• On a large or complicated production, the 2nd 2nd AD works under the 2nd AD in performing their tasks.

Production Assistant (PA)

• Lowest level in the film’s hierarchy.
• Duties vary from getting coffee for the director to shuttling crew around.
• At this level, you will learn how a production works so even though there will be a lot of grunt work, you will be learning a lot.
• Advice: Work hard, be resourceful (don’t say “no” or “I don’t know”), be respectful and know your place.
• Pay: $100-250 per day (minimum wage + overtime).

*Daily call sheet: piece of paper issued to crew and cast informing them where they should report for shooting for that day, contact information of cast/crew, which scenes are being shot and the location of each scene.

TV/Film
While working in television is more consistent and gives you the instant gratification of seeing a completed product several weeks after shooting as opposed to months or sometimes years later for a film, it can become redundant when you are working with the same actors and the same crew with the same general storylines all the time. Also the speed of television is much faster than film and there is much more pressure to move at a certain pace. In film, you can move from project to project and usually get to shoot in a lot more locations.
 
Union/Non-Union
 
Union ADs are a part of the DGA, Directors Guild of America and they must work on union productions. These ADs have established themselves - the union regulates practices, establishes a minimum payment and work schedule an AD can work. The union provides healthcare. Members pay dues yearly and must follow strict guidelines. You can find more information at www.dga.org.  
 
Non-union ADs are not part of any union. It is easier to get a job as a non-union AD but these productions are not protected by the union regulations which means they are NOT guaranteed certain benefits (minimum pay, work schedule, healthcare benefits). Non-union productions are usually productions that are digital, reality, or shows/films that are lesser known and not as widely distributed (i.e. For TV, broadcast or cable; for film, multiple theaters).

• Long working hours (12+ hours a day) and sometimes harsh weather conditions (may have to shoot in the desert when it is cold).
• Freelance work (must hustle to find work for yourself)
• Hard to get a foot in the door.
• Work with various types of people/egos. You are working with actors/artists and also blue collar type workers as well.

Due to tax incentives, film and TV production are in many other locations other than NY and LA (Atlanta, New Orleans, Santa Fe, Boston). 

• Bossed people around. :) 
• Extremely organized.
• Loved films/TV and wanted to be part of the process of making them.
• Organized events and parties for their friend’s birthday party or family trips/reunion.

• $3056/week as a 2nd AD (union) 
• Director Guild of America Rate Card