First assistant director
The first assistant director works directly with the director.
He assists the director on a daily basis by supervising and listing everything that will be needed for each shooting sequence. He is assisted by the second assistant director.
Here’s what you need to know about their tasks, training and skills, among other information.
Role and missions
The first assistant director is the director’s right-hand man. Their work begins long before filming begins. He or she analyses the film script or programme project. For each sequence, they draw up a work plan in which they note down the sets, locations, actors, costumes, props, lighting, music, atmosphere and all the necessary equipment. It is this plan that will serve as the basis for the work of the actors and technicians.
He then scouts locations, looks for extras and books studios, all within budget and on schedule. The first assistant director coordinates everything that happens on the set, and has to be on all fronts. He supervises the shooting of the current shot while already preparing the next one.
Diplomas and training
The job of first assistant director requires specialist knowledge and an excellent audiovisual culture.
Training in the audiovisual professions is essential to become a first assistant director, and the 3-year course at CinéCréatis meets all the criteria.
Assistant director training courses are also available, particularly in public schools, but not all of them have the same reputation or the same high standards of teaching.
Skills and qualities required
First assistant directors are meticulous and organised. They have no room for error, and if they think the film can be made in 20 days, then they must make sure they optimise each day to avoid the slightest delay. Working hours must be respected, and if they have to work overtime, they must inform the production team in advance so that overtime can be worked if the budget allows.
Well versed in all the techniques involved in filming, and in each person’s job, they are also familiar with employment law and collective agreements.
At the heart of the film set, they know how to keep calm and avoid communicating their stress to the rest of the team in order to create a good atmosphere. Serene and positive, they are able to react to any situation and master their work plan to the letter.
Careers and career opportunities
The position of first assistant director is not easily accessible, and many make a career out of it once they have achieved the status. However, with the experience you gain over the years, you could become a production manager or even a director. Many assistant directors have gone on to become established directors.
But before you can become a first assistant, you’ll have to be a third assistant and then a second assistant. This is your chance to learn as much as you can and build up enough experience to one day become a first assistant director.
Salary expectations
As an intermittent performer, first assistant directors are paid a flat rate of €1,387 gross per week on average. Sometimes they are paid by the day, earning around 355 euros gross per day.
