AD DepartmentSecond Assistant Director

The Second Assistant Director works closely with the First AD in planning and implementing various tasks according to production schedules and budgets, and any other support required. They must prepare daily for the next day’s Call Sheet’. This is a detailed document outlining the start times, location and transport arrangements for all cast and crew, and is essential to the smooth running of a production. They must ensure that everyone understands and adheres to its requirements. They must work with the transport, hair and make-up departments to ensure cast are on set and ready to film as per schedule. They are responsible for reading the script and understanding its requirements in advance of shooting, especially in relation to cast and production elements. They must create and maintain a schedule and organise times for cast rehearsals, fittings, screen tests and read-through’s in collaboration with the production department.

Is this role right for me?

For this role, you will need:

Excellent organizational and time-management skills and the ability to plan ahead.

Great communication skills, often working with a wide range of people across various departments.

Experience in scheduling, managing and accommodating specific requirements of cast and production before and during shoot.

Attention to detail in ensuring adherence of all departments to call sheets.

Work with:

• Director
• First AD
• All of the Heads of Department
• Actors

Career Path to Second Assistant Director:

There are no usual career paths for the Second Assistant Director, often they would have worked their way through the AD Department. A qualification in Film Studies can be useful, although on set experience is more important.