Roles · role

First Assistant Director

Also known as First AD, 1st AD, 1st Assistant Director.

A First Assistant Director turns the shooting plan into a safe, workable production day. They organize set operations, coordinate departments through the schedule, run rehearsals and shooting logistics, communicate timing, and help the Director complete the planned work without taking over the Director’s creative role.

The First Assistant Director, commonly called the 1st AD, is the operational lead on set. Before shooting, they break down the script, help construct the schedule, identify logistical pressure points, and coordinate the plan with production management and department heads.

During photography, the 1st AD keeps the set informed and moving. They call the work, manage competing needs, protect time for the Director and cast, and coordinate safety communication around each setup.

Pre-production responsibilities

Review script elements, cast needs, locations, effects, stunts, minors, animals, and special equipment.
Develop the stripboard and shooting schedule with production management.
Lead technical scouts and production meetings as assigned.

Production responsibilities

Set the rhythm of the shooting day and keep departments aware of what is next.
Coordinate rehearsals, background action, lockups, and calls for picture and sound.
Adjust the day when weather, performance, equipment, or location conditions change.

Common questions

Does the First AD direct actors?

The Director leads performance. The First AD may coordinate movement, background action, rehearsals, and timing, but should not replace the Director’s creative relationship with principal cast.

Who does the First AD report to?

The First AD works directly with the Director and coordinates closely with the Unit Production Manager or Production Manager. Exact employment and reporting structures vary.

Does the First AD make the call sheet?

The Second AD commonly prepares the call sheet for approval by the First AD and production management. The First AD supplies and confirms the shooting plan behind it.

What does a First Assistant Director do day to day?

Day to day, First Assistant Director work commonly includes Break down the script and help build a practical shooting schedule., Run set operations, rehearsals, turnovers, and readiness checks., and Coordinate cast, crew, departments, locations, and production management around the daily plan.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.

What skills matter most for a First Assistant Director?

The most useful skills are Scheduling, Clear set communication, Leadership under pressure, Safety awareness, and Logistical problem solving. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.

Which tools and documents does a First Assistant Director use?

Common tools include Script breakdown and scheduling systems, Stripboards, one-line schedules, and call sheet systems, Walkies and production communication channels, and Weather, daylight, and location-planning references. The role also relies on Shooting schedule, One-line schedule, Call sheet, and Production report so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.

How does someone build experience for a First Assistant Director?

A common path moves through production-assistant and Assistant Director positions, including Second-Second and Second Assistant Director work, while building scheduling, set-management, and safety experience.

How does a First Assistant Director vary by production?

The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. Most production days are long, mobile, and highly collaborative. The 1st AD moves between the Director, cast, department heads, production management, and floor while tracking both immediate readiness and the full day.

Production variations

Episodic television: Standing Assistant Director teams may preserve the show’s operating rhythm while episode Directors rotate in and out.
Commercials and small crews: The schedule may be shorter and the Assistant Director team smaller, but set coordination and safety duties remain distinct from creative direction.

Often compared with

First AD vs. Second AD: First AD leads set operations and the shooting schedule. Second AD supports that plan through call sheets, cast and background coordination, communication, and daily paperwork.

Union and local practice notes

DGA duties, staffing, and coverage rules vary by agreement, production type, signatory status, and jurisdiction. Consult the current agreement and production representatives for a specific job.

Sources

Educational reference only. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, employer, venue, and production context.