6 Production Hacks for the 2nd AD
There are so many things for the 2nd AD to remember whether shooting in the studio or on location, and for a newbie things may get overwhelming. These videography hacks are a must for the film set and are popularly acquired by the 2nd AD over time. For newcomers, or those who are initially taking over as 2nd AD, learning these quick and easy videography hacks early can be a lifesaver — and a sanity saver. With these production hacks, ensuring a smooth operating set becomes just another day on the job for the Second Assistant Director.
1. Be the Safety Advocate on Set
The 2nd Ad is responsible for all sorts of things on the set, and safety is really important. While the 1st AD will cover all of the important policies with the cast and crew, it’s your responsibility to make sure that everyone follows what they are told.
Make sure that you know the policies and practices of the set and that you can be the first line of defense when it comes to keeping eyes on everyone.
You should focus on the talent. People that come to the film set to work as talent on the set may not be as familiar with safety rules and procedures that the crew would be familiar with.
Do justice and take time out to make sure that the talent that come to the set have what they need, are staying hydrated, and are taking steps to stay healthy and safe on the set.
This is one of several production hacks that will lead to further support for you on set. In fact when you help talent and case members out, they’ll thank you later!
2. Be the Helping Hand to Talent
Speaking of talent, it’s the 2nd AD’s job to look out for the talent, not only from a safety perspective, but just in general.
Great assistant directors are there for the talent at the start of the day to help them get checked in with makeup and hair and prepared for their day on the set. Your goal is to help them feel comfortable and in place while they are there.
It’s a good idea to get to know the talent a bit. This way you can be their voice on the set. Don’t overdo it, and you certainly don’t have to be a servant to those who come to the set for the day, but you can be of help.
Offer support as needed to ensure success. This is also your time to keep track of the talent, if they check out for a break or to make a phone call, it’s your responsibility to know where they are and how long they intend to be away.
This way you can keep things rolling while they’re gone.
3. Support Extras & Be Their Guide
Some days will be chock full of extras on set and they’ll need to know what is expected of them and when. They’ll also probably lack understanding of film sets so they may benefit from a rundown of what to expect and how things work.
As the 2nd AD, you can keep the set moving in a productive manner by taking your time to support extras and act as a guide to them.
You should not only monitor them to ensure they are in the right place at the right time, but you should also be ensuring that all extras have signed liability wavers or releases to be filmed on screen.
4. Be the First Line of Communication
As the Assistant Director you’re the first line of communication on the film set, so it’s important that you take action to ensure that people can get ahold of you.
That means sharing your phone number on the production contact sheet which designates you as the primary contact and it also means keeping your phone charged.
Keep a backup battery source for your phone in your pocket so that you can recharge throughout the day as needed — there’s a good chance that you will receive several calls from talent and cast throughout the day — just be prepared.
5. Support the First AD
Sure, you’ve got a lot of work on your plate, but the First AD does too — it doesn’t hurt to offer a helping hand and to build a rapport with them.
Supporting the 1st AD will not only help them out, but it will help the film set to operate more smoothly.
By the end of a shoot, if the two of you make a point to learn how to work well together, productivity should be improved and the operations on set should be more efficient overall.
Utilizing production hacks like this to improve the level of assistance provided on set will help the entire crew.
How can you support the first AD? Consider everything from offering up support in the form of critical feedback to lending a helping hand with things like communication and operations.
It doesn’t matter how you help, the point is that you try to provide a helping hand as needed.
6. Always Keep Improving
You’ll make a lot of mistakes in your time as a 2nd AD as will others on the film set, it’s all a part of being involved in a busy production — the important thing is that you always work to improve.
Keep trying to do your best, and to find new ways to improve your productivity and the craft while you’re on set and you’ll be recognized. Little steps can go a long way on the set.
For example:
- Do your part to get to know others on the set.
- Do your part to help out.
- Always seek to improve communication on the set.
- Finish what you start.
- Seek to be a support for others.
These production hacks are probably something that the average 2nd AD has already started to hone, but for a newcomer they could be completely new ideas.
Try them out, share them with your Assistant Director friends, and do your part to improve the process and flow on the set – it’s worth the effort.