In the office they...
- Create the call sheet, production reports, sides, and other breakdowns
- Update and communicate schedule changes on behalf of the 1st AD
- Communicate details to the cast & crew so they know when / where to arrive
- Oversee the cast / talent to make sure they get through hair / makeup / wardrobe and arrive on set on time. (this is often delegated to a PA)
- Make sure the cast, crew, and department heads have everything they need to do their jobs well.
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On some shoots, they may also help on set by...
- Assisting the 1st AD as needed
- Directing background/extras
A Great 2nd AD Is...
Focused on the future
As they work each day they are making the schedule for the next day. They are looking ahead and blazing tomorrow’s trail for the whole team. They let the 1st AD stress about how the crew is going to make-the-day that day and focus instead on what will make tomorrow the best day yet.
Engaged in communication
They don’t just send out the call sheet each night. They follow up, talk to people in person, and work overtime to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Aware of needs
They know and remember the unique needs and strengths of their cast & crew: who is reliable in a crisis, who needs extra down time, and who has severe food allergies. They are also aware of the stresses placed on production leadership and work make the production office a safe haven where clear thinking can happen and good decisions are made.
Able to lead... & follow
They are not in charge, but they are in charge of communicating what the people in charge said. Let’s be real, it’s a tough job. They need to be strong enough to delegate and communicate clearly, but humble enough to swallow their own opinion and support the decisions of production leadership.
Creating Order
They should always be seeking to bring order to the chaos around them. The creative process naturally creates a sense of chaos, but the 2nd AD is designed to counterbalance that chaos. They should always be looking for new ways to be more organized. Like a game or a hobby, they should always be thinking “the way we did it was good, but this new system would be better!”
Willing to delegate
They can’t do it all, so they have to be willing to ask for help and delegate tasks to productions assistants and interns. They know that there are no awards for overworked martyrs who won’t delegate or ask for help. They also know that delegation stretches and empowers those who are coming up behind them and helps to make all of us better and stronger.
Last point...
Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a “perfect” 2nd AD. Nobody is perfect, but somewhere in that struggle for perfection is the word “great” – the cumulative average of our highest highs and the lowest lows. The great 2nd AD will still make mistakes: accidentally send the call sheet to the wrong contact list, or forget to notify an actor of a schedule change. gasp Stuff happens. But the thing that makes any of us great is the ability to get back up and keep trying.
The great 2nd AD is someone you know will keep showing up and giving it their all, not because they can attain perfection, but because the cumulative average of great is something worth striving for.
Check out these sites for info on being a great 2nd AD:
How To Film School – 2nd AD
Creative Skill Set – 2nd AD
Professional Call Sheet Template for Excel
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| Professional | Free | Customizable |
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Leslie Ruiz
Leslie is a filmmaker, artist, and businesswoman; she’s also a devout list maker, shops for relaxation, & has a strong aversion to the color red.
