What exactly does an assistant director do?

Question

I want to become a director, and would like to maybe start assistant directing. What am I getting into?

Thertre... and now that you mentioned it stagemangement does sound like what I was looking for.

Answer 1

AD's are not generally accepted as a good way to become a director, however :

Assistant directors (known in the industry as ADs) support directors by organising and planning everything on a film set. The role is usually divided into 1st, 2nd and 3rd ADs.

The 1st AD has the most important supporting role to the director. They take care of the practical management on set so that the director is free to concentrate on the creative process. Before production begins, the 1st AD:

works with the director to break down the script into a shot-by-shot ‘storyboard’ and decide the order of shooting
draws up a filming schedule, taking into account the director’s creative ideas and the available budget
oversees the hire of locations, props and equipment
recruits the cast and crew.
During filming, the 1st AD is responsible for:

making sure that filming stays on schedule
coordinating all production activity
supervising a team of 2nd and 3rd ADs and runners
motivating the cast and crew.
The 2nd AD supports the 1st AD and makes sure that their orders are carried out on set. They:

produce each day’s call sheet (a list of timings and everything that is needed for the next day's shoot)
act as the link between the set and the production office
distribute call sheets, so that all cast and crew know exactly when they are needed on set
deal with paperwork and organise transport and hotels
make sure that all cast members are in make-up or wardrobe or on set at the right time
on smaller productions where there is no 3rd AD, they may also find and supervise the extras.
The 3rd AD supports the 2nd and 1st ADs and location managers on set. Their main job is to make sure the extras are on set at the right time and place. They prepare and cue the extras, and may direct the action in background crowd scenes. 3rd ADs also act as messengers on set.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What exactly does an assistant director do?
I want to become a director, and would like to maybe start assistant directing. What am I getting into?

Answer 3

Film director or theatre director? If you are looking into theatre, I'd suggest leaning more towards stage management vs. assistant directing. The above explanation is good for film, but theatre is a whole different ball game.

Answer 4

You should consider stage managing instead. "Assistant Director" is a vague title that could include just about anything.

A stage manager is truly the director's right-hand man (or woman), and is responsible for all the logistics of production. In the professional theatre, once the show has opened, it's the S.M.'s job to keep the show running in the manner described by the director. In this sense, it's the truest path to the director's job, if that's your main interest.

Answer 5

the asst director directs the portions of the film mostly with no acting like the street, the sky, the rain, streetpeople and other easy shooting that is a waste of time for the director that gives him chance to drink booze