Assistant to the Director Film Job Description
If you want to be the next Steven Spielberg, you typically have to start somewhere helping out on a set. Being an assistant director means that you are the go-to person who helps the director. Being his helper means that you get to learn what to do and what not to do as the director. With experience, you can perhaps work your way up to directing your own film.
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First, Second or Third
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There are several types and levels of assistant directors. The first assistant director has duties that are different from the responsibilities of the second, second second, third and fourth assistant directors. The first assistant director has the most responsibility and works closest with the director. The position entails managing the other assistant directors, helping the crew stay on track and handling the extras. The second assistant director is next in the level of responsibility; you can take over the role of assistant director if need be. The second second assistant director, third and fourth assistant directors help with the additional tasks of a large production.
Education or Training
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A production crew looking to hire a first assistant director is likely to look at your industry experience instead of your training in film school. Some production crews might actually be turned off by film-school training, because they might fear you'll have a sense of entitlement about your skill set. While attending film school might fuel your creative process, being an assistant director is a technical job that does not require creative input. One route you may consider taking includes beginning to work on set as a production assistant and working your way up to fourth or third assistant director. Eventually, you can get a second and a first assistant director credit. Director's Guild of America also has an assistant director training program that is respected in the industry.
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Preproduction Duties
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Your duties in preproduction include helping to plan the shooting schedule, which is a task that takes significant input from the director to help fulfill his vision. Planning the shooting schedule requires organizational skills. You must understand the budget restraints and availability of the cast. You are also in charge of ensuring that the storyboard is finished. Double-checking that the locations are booked and have good weather is important. You also work with the props department to see that all necessary equipment is available.
Production Duties
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Your responsibilities during shooting include working with various departments and groups to make sure that everything is on schedule and not going over budget. You oversee the makeup, props and transportation departments to see that no problems are holding them back from being on schedule. You also might manage the extras in shoots that consist of large crowds. Your efforts help the director focus on his vision and not get bogged down with the logistics.
Growth Potential
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Being an assistant director offers significant potential for upward mobility. While the obvious move is to become a director, you can also use your skills and experience to become a producer or screenwriter. Working your way up happens for some people by freelancing over time and building connections.
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References
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- Photo Credit cameraman image by razorconcept from Fotolia.com
