How to Become a First Assistant Director?

How to Become a First Assistant Director (1st AD) in the Film Industry

Welcome to the world of cinema, where every scene is a touch of magic — and behind that magic stands a key figure: the First Assistant Director (1st AD). This is not just a job — it’s the heart and brain of the film set, bridging the director’s artistic vision with the harsh realities of production. If you dream of a career in film and want to be in the middle of the action, the 1st AD role could be your ideal path.

What Does a First Assistant Director Do?

Imagine the director as the captain of a ship — they set the course and define the vision. The 1st AD is the chief navigator and operations officer, ensuring the ship sails smoothly, safely, and on schedule. Their responsibilities include managing the set, coordinating dozens (sometimes hundreds) of crew members, and making sure every minute on set is productive and organized.

Key Responsibilities of a 1st AD: From Planning to “Action!”

The job blends strategic planning with real-time decision-making:

• Pre-production phase: The 1st AD breaks down the script, plans the shoot schedule, prepares daily call sheets, manages logistics, and anticipates any disruptions (e.g., bad weather, equipment failure).

• On set: The 1st AD is the commander of the shoot — calling out “Quiet on set!”, “Sound!”, “Camera!”, “Action!” — while ensuring safety, managing timing, and keeping morale high.

Essential Skills to Succeed as a First Assistant Director

To thrive as a 1st AD, you’ll need a combination of technical and interpersonal skills:

• Technical skills: Proficiency in scheduling software like Movie Magic Scheduling, solid knowledge of how film sets operate, and familiarity with safety protocols.

• Soft skills: Excellent communication, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, emotional resilience, and the ability to keep calm under pressure.

Career Path: How to Become a First Assistant Director

The path to becoming a 1st AD usually involves gradual steps up the production ladder:

1. Production Assistant (PA): Start here to learn the basics, observe departments, and build industry connections.

2. Second Assistant Director (2nd AD): After gaining experience as a PA, move into assistant roles to coordinate extras, prepare call sheets, and shadow senior 1st ADs.

3. First Assistant Director (1st AD): With years of experience, network, and proven reliability, you’ll qualify for the lead AD role. In the U.S., membership in the Directors Guild of America (DGA) may be required for major productions.

Education and Training: Boosting Your 1st AD Career

While a formal degree isn’t always necessary, it can accelerate your growth:

• Top film schools in the U.S.: USC School of Cinematic Arts, NYU Tisch, AFI Conservatory, UCLA.

• Top European schools: FAMU (Czech Republic), La Fémis (France), MetFilm School (UK/Germany), National Film School of Denmark.

• Polish schools: Łódź Film School, Katowice Film School, Warsaw Film School.

• Specialist workshops: Many short courses (often online) focus specifically on AD duties and safety training.

• Ongoing development: Stay updated on tech like AI, drones, or virtual production by attending film festivals and industry events.

How Much Does a First Assistant Director Earn?

Salaries vary based on country, production type, experience, and union membership:

• USA: $50,000–$90,000 per year, with top DGA members earning over $100,000 annually.

• UK: £40,000–£60,000 per year on average, with rates often negotiated per project/day.

• Europe (e.g. Malta): €30,000–€60,000 annually; Malta average: approx. €52,000/year.

• Poland: PLN 4,900 to over PLN 12,000/month, depending on experience and project size. Daily rates for senior 1st ADs can be higher.

Note: Most 1st ADs work on a freelance or contract basis, so income can be irregular depending on how many projects you complete in a year.

Challenges and Rewards of Being a 1st AD

It’s not all prestige and paychecks. The role requires:

• Long working hours

• High-pressure decision-making

• Constant coordination with multiple departments

But the rewards? Enormous satisfaction from seeing a project come to life, collaborating with creative professionals, and playing a critical role in filmmaking.

Your Journey to the Heart of Film Production

If you love film and dream of a role that combines creativity, leadership, and precision — becoming a First Assistant Director might be for you. This path demands grit, continuous learning, and strong relationships, but it offers incredible growth and fulfillment.

Start by gaining hands-on experience, sharpening your skills, and remember: every day on set is a new lesson. The film world is waiting for your leadership!