By Jessica W. Chen
Kate Branom in action as the 1st AD (https://www.katebranom.com/) on the set of Prologue. Photo by Daria Huxley.
The First Assistant Director or 1st AD is a film role that is super important, but many people don’t quite know all that they’re responsible for during production. While the name may lead some to believe that 1st AD’s direct, in reality, the 1st AD handles the logistics of the shoot by acting as the bridge between the director, department heads, and the crew. Executed well, these 1st AD duties free the director to focus on the more creative aspects of the production.
After observing the 1st AD on the set of my show Drama High and performing 1st AD duties myself, it was clear to me that a good 1st AD is indispensable to a smooth film shoot. Here are some reasons why you need an amazing 1st AD:
1. They plan the film schedule
While the 1st AD may not determine what days you shoot, they do plan what scenes can be reasonably shot each day and come up with a film schedule. A good 1st AD considers what time of day each scene needs to be shot at, and which locations are close to each other to reduce travel time between sets. Needless to say, if your 1st AD does their job right, then their film schedule sets you up for an untroubled shoot, saves your production time and money, and informs the team what to expect each day.
2. They break down scripts
Once the screenwriter turns in the final version of the script, the 1st AD works on the script breakdown, which notes what characters, props, costumes, and sound effects are in each scene. By having these elements clearly stated in the breakdown, the department heads know what they need to procure for each scene without having to reread the script and pick out which parts pertain to them. Thus, a wonderful 1st AD needs to possess both a keen eye for detail and knowledge of the production process.
3. They send out call sheets
Often sent out the night before, call sheets let the cast and crew know when they’re expected on set, and contain other important details, such as cast and crew contact information, weather forecasts, sunrise and sunset times, mealtimes, and even the nearest hospital location. And, guess who assembles all this crucial production information? The 1st AD.
Because call sheets include so much information that’s subject to change, don’t be surprised if your 1st AD continually asks you to confirm details — it just means they’re doing their job and compiling the latest and most accurate information for your team.
4. They maintain shot lists
Often created by the director and the director of photography (DP), shot lists detail each shot that the director and DP hope to get during the shoot. While on set, the shot list is often handed to the 1st AD, who then keeps track of which shots are done, which takes are the director’s favorites, and other helpful production notes. Again, having a keen eye for detail is important because a well-maintained shot list helps ensure no shots are missing and saves the director and editor time when going through footage during post-production.
5. They keep the production on schedule
When filming with natural lighting, daylight is everything. If you need to get a certain amount of scenes in before dark, having an efficient shoot is pivotal. And, the person who helps ensure that the production keeps moving is the 1st AD, whose job includes reminding the director of the shoot’s progress and how much time the team has to complete a scene.
Additionally, 1st AD’s are a much-needed extra set of eyes on set. While the director works with department heads or focuses on getting the best performance out of the cast, the 1st AD may remind other crew members what they could be doing in preparation or gently suggest cast members rehearse during downtime, so everyone’s set when the cameras are ready to roll.
6. They communicate with the cast and crew
A lot of communication on set goes through the 1st AD. If a cast or crew member is confused over what’s going on on set, they will often ask the 1st AD, rather than approach the director. Because of this arrangement, the 1st AD is also often crucial to keeping morale up on set because a testy 1st AD will be felt by everyone working that day, which may influence how everyone else approaches their jobs.
7. They solve unexpected problems
If you’ve worked on productions before, you know that crews are often over-prepared because what may go wrong often will go wrong. When a problem arises on set, it’s the 1st AD’s job to think on their feet and come up with a solution that saves the production as much time and money as possible.
For instance, if a location cancels at the last minute, the 1st AD may consider reordering the film schedule so the production can still move forward while giving producers time to find a replacement location. Similarly, if the production is running out of daylight, the 1st AD may suggest which scenes the team should shoot next with the limited time left.
8. They call the roll and perform the slate
Perhaps the most significant of the 1st AD’s duties is to call the roll and perform the slate. Calling the role refers to voicing cues that notify department heads that filming is about to start.
These cues may include:
Quieting everyone on set
Tracking which departments the team is waiting on
Asking for final checks on hair, makeup, and wardrobe
Signaling the sound and camera department to start rolling
Performing the slate involves announcing which scene and take are about to be filmed, and using a clapperboard to create a sharp sound that the editor and sound mixer use to sync video and audio during post-production. Both calling the roll and performing the slate help keep the production team on track, and when done right, also helps post-production teams better accomplish their jobs.
9. They keep the production safe
Moreover, the 1st AD is responsible for making sure the set is safe. These safety precautions may include letting the cast and crew know how best to evacuate a set in case of fire, or coming up with safer alternatives if a department head puts forth a risky suggestion. A good 1st AD predicts how a situation may go south, and preemptively prevents the team from endangering themselves.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some health and safety concerns may also be shared with the COVID-19 compliance officer. However, it’s ultimately still the 1st AD’s role to maintain a safe workplace for everyone.
10. They mediate conflicts
Film crews often involve getting a large group of people to work in close quarters during high-pressure situations. Because of this, differences of opinion or personality clashes may explode on set. These conflicts not only slow productions, but they also poison the morale on set, which is why it’s essential for 1st AD’s to deescalate these situations and resolve differences so the production can move forward.
At the end of the day, when looking for a 1st AD, you need someone who’s hyper-organized, quick on their feet, and able to transition between being the conciliatory and firm voice on set. Once you find someone with the perfect mix of these traits, you’ll see an immediate difference in how your sets are run, and never take an amazing 1st AD for granted again.
Find out more about Jessica W. Chen and her work at her website. Or, follow Jess on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.
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