Director
Creative or operational relevance to directing
The AD runs the set: schedule, daily flow, calls, and safety. Not an artistic collaborator—the AD makes sure the plan executes.
The name is misleading. The Assistant Director does not assist with staging — they manage operations. They plan how much will be shot on which day, call the set to order, give commands, and are responsible for ensuring no one gets hurt.
The Department
- 1st AD — is on set, runs the day, calls "Quiet please" and gives commands. Decides when a shot is good and when to reset.
- 2nd AD — works at basecamp and on paper: scheduling, call sheets, cast support, communication with production.
- 3rd AD / 2nd 2nd — extras, crowd control, supplying actors to set.
How to Recognize a Good One
Not by their volume. A good Assistant Director has the day planned in their head before it begins: they know which shot can be cut if time is tight, and they say so three hours in advance — not when the light is already gone.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Importance in production planning and execution
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Regieassistenz"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?