3rd AD

The job

The 1st AD's deputy on the floor. You direct supporting artists, set lock-ups, relay calls, run the floor runners and get cast to set when they're wanted, so the 1st can stay with the director and camera.

On location you also manage the public: holding pedestrians politely and keeping the street quiet and safe. Most 3rds have worked as a floor runner or AD trainee first.

A typical day

In before unit call: the floor, the walkie channels, the cast's times.
Watch blocking so you can place background before the 1st asks.
During lighting, brief SAs and work out their actions.
On "turn over", hold your lock-up and cue background on the 1st's word.
Between setups, send runners for cast and keep the set clear.
At wrap, sign out the SAs.

Skills

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.

Who you report to

You report to the 1st AD on the floor and work closely with the 2nd and floor 2nd. Floor runners and AD trainees report to you.

How people get in

Almost every 3rd AD started as a floor runner. Events, hospitality, stage management or security work can be good preparation. ScreenSkills publishes a 3rd AD skills checklist that's useful to self-assess against.

Next step up

Floor 2nd AD, then 2nd AD. Some 3rds stay on the floor and step up to 1st AD by a different route, but most go through the 2nd's paperwork first.

The 3rd AD keeps the floor moving for the 1st.