Assistant directors skills checklists

Skills checklist · Assistant directors

AD trainee (floor runner)

Radios, batteries, lock-ups, cast escorts, tea for the floor.

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Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job Run radios, batteries and earpieces for the unit Lock off and hold the public or crew where the 3rd puts you Escort cast between unit base, make-up and set, and keep track of them Use clear radio language and never go missing

Before you step up to 3rd ad Several credits, sharp radio work, never lost

Safety: I know and follow the rules on The safety briefing Risk information on the call sheet Welfare and hours Children and chaperones Background artists and the public Closed sets and dignity Accidents and near misses Passed the assistant directors safety check

0 of 13 ticked

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our assistant directors ladder. Checked 13 November 2026.

Skills checklist · Assistant directors

3rd AD

Runs the floor for the 1st: background, lock-ups, cast to set.

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Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job Clear, calm radio work Directing groups of people kindly and firmly Reading the 1st AD and the director and being a step ahead Spotting safety issues on the floor and stopping them Stamina: long days on your feet, often outside

Before you step up to floor 2nd ad Directing background and holding a floor without help

Safety: I know and follow the rules on The safety briefing Risk information on the call sheet Welfare and hours Children and chaperones Background artists and the public Closed sets and dignity Accidents and near misses Passed the assistant directors safety check

0 of 14 ticked

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our assistant directors ladder and the 3rd ad guide. Compare it with the ScreenSkills checklist . Checked 13 November 2026.

Skills checklist · Assistant directors

Floor 2nd AD

The 2nd AD's presence on set, linking floor and unit base.

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Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job Be the 2nd AD's eyes on set, linking the floor and unit base Know the call sheet and cast movements inside out Send cast through hair, make-up and costume on time Keep the 1st AD and the 2nd AD informed by radio

Before you step up to 2nd ad Knowing cast movement and the call sheet inside out

Safety: I know and follow the rules on The safety briefing Risk information on the call sheet Welfare and hours Children and chaperones Background artists and the public Closed sets and dignity Accidents and near misses Passed the assistant directors safety check

0 of 13 ticked

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our assistant directors ladder. Checked 13 November 2026.

Skills checklist · Assistant directors

2nd AD (key 2nd)

The call sheet, cast schedules, supporting artists, the next day.

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Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job Precise document work: one wrong time causes a chain of problems Knowing every department's needs for a scene Clear, tactful dealings with cast, agents and agencies Holding the whole schedule in your head Good knowledge of working-time rules and turnaround

Before you step up to 1st ad Running the AD paperwork of a whole production

Safety: I know and follow the rules on The safety briefing Risk information on the call sheet Welfare and hours Children and chaperones Background artists and the public Closed sets and dignity Accidents and near misses Passed the assistant directors safety check

0 of 14 ticked

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our assistant directors ladder and the 2nd ad guide. Compare it with the ScreenSkills checklist . Checked 13 November 2026.

Skills checklist · Assistant directors

1st AD

The schedule, the floor, safety and the calls.

Tick what you can do now. It saves on this device only. Print it or save it as a PDF and bring it to your competency check.

Your name (optional, for the printout)

On the job Scheduling: shot counts, page counts and the true cost of a move Command of a floor of a hundred or more people, without shouting Safety judgement, including stunts, SFX, vehicles and water Diplomacy with the director, cast and heads of department Deciding quickly and owning the decision

Before your next step Credits as key 2nd and a director's trust

Safety: I know and follow the rules on The safety briefing Risk information on the call sheet Welfare and hours Children and chaperones Background artists and the public Closed sets and dignity Accidents and near misses Passed the assistant directors safety check

0 of 14 ticked

A guide, not a qualification. Built from our assistant directors ladder and the 1st ad guide. Checked 13 November 2026.