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DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS - Job Title: Director, Job Title: First Assistant Director, 1st Ad, Or Assistant Director

aspects effort 2nd audience

The making of a film, like the construction of an automobile, is a collaborative effort. The writer designs the vehicle, the producer gets it built, and the director drives it. It is he who chooses the route, steers the actors and technicians to the destination, and determines what type of journey the audience will experience.

Precisely what a director does varies according to his personal style, and whether the project is for feature film, television, commercial, or music video. In any case, it is the director's vision that the audience sees onscreen. He may be assisted in this effort by the following:

  • • First Assistant Director: handle logistical and technical aspects so that the director can concentrate on the creative aspects.
  • • Second Assistant Director: assist the 1st AD.
  • • Second Second Assistant Director: assist the 2nd AD.
  • • Second Unit Director: direct the filming of stunts and/or secondary locations.

JOB TITLE: SECOND SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, SECOND 2ND AD

Job Overview

In general terms, the second second AD serves as an assistant to the second AD. Often they are responsible for setting the background. Other times they may run the first team, meaning that they communicate daily schedule adjustments and other information to the cast.

Additional Topics

DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS - Job Title: Director

The director is responsible for interpreting the script and bringing his, or the producer's, creative vision to the screen. Usually the primary artistic and creative force behind the production, the director guides the actors’ performances to achieve that vision. Writer/director Patrick Read Johnson explains, “The director is the guy the producer hires to drive the tanks into …

DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS - Job Title: First Assistant Director, 1st Ad, Or Assistant Director

Frequently, the assistant director's first task is to break down the script and create a shooting schedule, estimating how many shooting days will be required at the various locations. This is reviewed with the director and/or producer, and adjustments are made based on their input and budget restraints. Throughout production, the first AD oversees scheduling and generating of call sheets, …

DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS - Job Title: Action Unit Director Or Second Unit Director

The action unit director is charged with directing the action sequences of a film. Following discussion with the director to gain a clear understanding of what he wants to achieve, the action unit director works closely with the stunt coordinator to safely choreograph the stunt. The action unit director then guides the performers and cinematographer through capturing the sequence on film. For inst…

DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS - Job Title: Second Assistant Director, 2nd Ad, Or Key Second Assistant

The second AD disseminates information to the entire crew, such as setting call times and making up call sheets; notifying actors and crew of what scenes are scheduled to be shot, and when; and assisting the assistant director in his duties as needed. “Everything goes through the key second AD,” explains second AD Eric Tignini. “If something is not on set, the first AD is goin…

DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS - Job Title: Video Director, Music Video Director, Or Director

The music video director is responsible for the visual presentation of the artist's music on film, from devising the concept and pitching the idea to the record label and artist, to directing the shoot and editing the video. Video directors must possess filmmaking experience, creativity, imagination, and have a friendly personality and strong communication skills. “There is no easy r…

EDITORIAL - Job Title: Editor, Film Editor, Or Picture Editor, Job Title: Postproduction Facility Manager Or Director Of Postproduction [next] [back] CAMERA DEPARTMENT - Job Title: Cinematographer Or Director Of Photography (dp), Job Title: Camera Operator, Job Title: Steadicam Operator

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