One of the roles of the first assistant director or 1st AD is to shield the director from the onslaught of opinions and feedback from every member of the cast and crew. This can be overwhelming to a film director trying to focus on the creative decisions associated with directing a movie. First time directors must learn to use their 1st AD so they can concentrate on directing the film.
- In the next training series about working on set,…we'll dig into crew positions, perhaps…most notably, the role of the First Assistant…Director, or First AD.…The First AD kind of runs the set.…They typically control the schedule and make sure…everything is running smoothly.…Another aspect of First ADs that I find…tremendously helpful is how they kind of…shield you from the barrage of ideas…that everyone has for the film.…And, that's one of my favorite things about…Gevin Booth, the First AD on "The Assurance".…When he initially welcomed the cast and crew…on the very first day of production,…he made it clear that they should…go to him with any issues that they have.…
- Chad really needs to focus, as the Director,…on the action and everything, so if…you observe something, if you have a question,…or anything, come up to me or Bry.…Bry's the Second AD.…Please just ask us and we can tell Chad,…if we need, or we can take care of the problem.…- The Director's already under so much pressure,…and has so many decisions to make.…
Author
Chad Perkins
Released
8/18/2016Watch and learn how to shoot a script, using visual motifs, atmospherics, framing, and different types of shots to tell the film's story. Find out how to give direction to your crew and be a good leader, while staying on budget and on schedule. Plus, get tips to improve shots during retakes or in post, and to become a better director, storyteller, and communicator.
Note: Like the rest of the Creating a Short Film series, this course was shot during the production of The Assurance. It offers a unique window into the actual struggles and challenges filmmakers have to overcome to get films made. Find the rest of the courses in the series on Chad's author page.
- What a director does
- Interpreting the script
- Scouting locations
- Choosing the tone and theme of the film
- Using motifs
- Shaping the story through visuals
- Being a good leader on set
- Respecting budgets and schedules
- Planning shots
- Moving the camera: on a tripod or dolly or in handheld shots
- Using rolling takes
- Framing shots
- Adding atmospherics
- Directing in post-production
- Becoming a better director
Skill Level Appropriate for all
Duration
Views
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Introduction
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What does a director do?1m 53s
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The Assurance7m 43s
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1. Preparing for Production
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Choosing your crew1m 37s
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Interpreting the script2m 4s
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Creating a visual style2m 36s
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Scouting locations1m 37s
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2. Themes and Tone
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Controlling the tone4m 39s
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Using themes1m 58s
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Using motifs2m 13s
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About the blur motif2m 18s
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3. Shaping the Story
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Killing darlings3m 59s
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Cutting to add clarity1m 54s
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Adding tension2m 19s
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Showing, not telling4m 35s
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4. Running the Set
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Being a good leader3m 25s
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Sticking to your vision3m 3s
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Throwing away your vision2m 57s
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Knowing when to reset2m 57s
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Wearing multiple hats1m 25s
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5. Planning Shots in a Scene
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Understanding the scene2m 45s
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Planning the shots4m 19s
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6. Getting the Shot
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Getting coverage4m 2s
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Cheating and stealing shots3m 20s
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Utilizing rolling takes4m 10s
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Breaking the "fourth wall"1m 45s
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Fixing it in post1m 43s
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7. Improving the Shot
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Improving takes4m 11s
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Using extras3m 38s
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Framing the shot5m 28s
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Adding atmospherics3m 8s
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8. Directing in Post-Production
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Directing the edit1m 36s
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Directing VFX shots1m 49s
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Directing audio choices2m 46s
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Conclusion
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Becoming a better director1m 31s
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Directing resources2m 52s
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Final thoughts1m 1s
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Video: Shielding yourself with your AD