The 2nd AD plans tomorrow while today is shooting.

The job

The 2nd AD runs the AD department's paperwork and people. You write the call sheet, schedule the cast through pick-up, hair and make-up, costume and set, and book supporting artists through the agencies. You work out tomorrow while the 1st runs today.

On bigger shows the key 2nd works from the office or unit base and a floor 2nd covers set. You sign off the call sheet with the 1st AD and production manager.

A typical day

• At unit base before the cast, checking pick-ups and the make-up schedule.
• Track cast through hair, make-up and costume; warn the floor of any delay.
• By lunch, draft tomorrow's call sheet from the schedule and the DPR.
• Afternoon: confirm cast, SAs, transport and special requirements.
• After wrap, check the call sheet with the 1st and production, then send it.

Skills

• 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.

Who you report to

You report to the 1st AD. The floor 2nd, 3rd ADs, crowd ADs and the AD trainees report to you.

How people get in

2nds come up as floor runners, 3rds and floor 2nds. ScreenSkills publishes a key 2nd AD skills checklist. Learn a scheduling package early; most 2nds use one every day.

Next step up

1st AD, usually after credits as key 2nd on several shows and a director or 1st who will recommend you.

Find out more

• ScreenSkills: assistant director
• ScreenSkills: key 2nd AD skills checklist
• Pay: Bectu ADs' card, May 2026