1st AD

The job

The 1st AD plans and runs the shoot. In prep you break down the script, build the schedule with the director and production manager, and run recces and production meetings from the AD side.

On the floor you run the day: the order of work, rehearsals, the calls, and everyone's safety. The director decides what the film is. You decide how the day gets it done.

A typical day

On set before unit call, checking the plan with the HoDs.
Run the blocking rehearsal, then hand the set to lighting and grip while you talk the day through with the director.
From "turn over", call the floor through each take.
Watch the clock, the light and the cast's hours. If the day slips, decide early what to lose.
At wrap, agree tomorrow with the 2nd and the production manager.

Skills

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.

Who you report to

You work for the director creatively and answer to the production manager and line producer on the schedule. The 2nd AD and the whole AD team report to you.

How people get in

1st ADs come up through the AD ladder: floor runner, 3rd, floor 2nd and key 2nd. Credits as a key 2nd on several shows usually come first. A first job as 1st AD is often on a second unit or a smaller production.

Next step up

1st AD on larger productions, or second unit director. Some 1sts move into producing or production management.

The 1st AD runs the day.