Second Assistant Director or 2nd AD / Photo Credit: Redbubble - Warner Studios
SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN MOTION PICTURE
PRODUCTION… (In the Entertainment industry. Second Assistant Director/2nd
AD)
Bruce
Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.
Second Assistant Director/2nd AD in Motion Picture
Production
The role of an assistant director on a film includes
tracking daily progress against the filming production schedule, arranging
logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, and maintaining
order on the set. They also have to take care of the health and safety of the
crew. The role of an assistant to the director is often confused with assistant
director but the responsibilities are entirely different. The assistant to the
director manages all of the directors in development, pre-production, while on
set, through post-production and is often involved in both personal management
as well as creative aspects of the production process. Historically, assistant
to director was a stepping stone to directing work; Alfred Hitchcock was an AD,
as was James McTeigue. This transition into film directing is no longer common
in feature films. It is more common now for an assistant to the director to
transition to a production management or producer role than to directing.
The second assistant director is hired during
pre-production and is an aide to the first assistant director and, by
extension, the director. He or she is hired by the producer or director, with
input from the first AD, and will take on the tasks delegated by the same. This
position may also be referred to as the key second assistant director or
additional assistant director. All ADs after the first AD are given the title
of second assistant.
Duties
Along with the individual tasks assigned by the
director or first assistant director, the second AD is responsible for a few
specific duties. Among these is preparing cast and crew call sheets, which
detail all pertinent information for that day’s schedule; this includes arrival
times, locations, scenes, and who must report to set. He or she will
communicate advance scheduling information to the cast and crew as necessary.
This person is also the main point of contact for all extras, handling
requisitions and other required documentation concerning background actors. The
information collected is reviewed for completeness and submitted to the first
AD and unit production manager. Similarly, the second AD will write daily
production reports and complete end-of-day paperwork concerning scenes shot,
notes for the next day, film and sound information, etc. Scripts and later
script changes are distributed by the second assistant director, or by a
production assistant under the supervision of the second AD. As the primary
point of contact for the cast of extras, the second assistant director will
distribute, collect, and approve background talent’s vouchers and release
forms.
Skills & Education
A college degree in film and television production is
recommended for a career on the directorial staff. As a second assistant
director, you should be proficient in the operation of film and digital video
cameras, and understand the techniques of framing and lighting a shot. A firm
understanding of sound recording and mixing is also necessary. While you are
not expected to be an expert on all forms of film and television technology, an
intermediate level of knowledge is beneficial. As you move up the ladder in the
directorial department, you should also aim to become proficient in non-linear
editing and learn about the application of visual effects in post-production.
Courses in entertainment business are also especially helpful, as you will be
dealing with cast and crew contracts.
What to Expect
Second assistant directors can become members of the
Directors Guild of America, the organization that represents directors,
assistant directors, and unit production managers. It is not required that you
become a member to work in the film/TV industry, but membership is necessary to
be hired on shows that operate under a collective bargaining agreement with the
DGA as signatories. This includes most major production companies and studios.
To work toward a career as second AD, you should gain experience in the camera
department as a camera operator or camera assistant. A good place to start is
as an on-set production assistant. There are also limited opportunities for
internships or apprenticeships through the DGA and on feature productions that
agree to host interns.
Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks,
Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New
York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media
Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily
Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend,
Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America,
Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media,
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE INFORMATION IS
PROVIDED "AS IS" AND BRUCE BISBEY MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF PERFORMANCE,
MERCHANTABILITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING THIS
INFORMATION. BRUCE BISBEY DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY OR
TIMELINESS OF THIS INFORMATION. YOUR USE OF THIS INFORMATION IS AT YOUR OWN
RISK. YOU ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND RISK OF LOSS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF
THIS INFORMATION. BRUCE BISBEY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN AN ACTION BASED UPON A STATUTE, CONTRACT, TORT
(INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, RELATING TO THE USE OF
THIS INFORMATION.
Second Assistant Director or 2nd AD / Photo Credit: Redbubble - Warner
Studios
No comments:
Post a Comment