The 2nd Assistant Director

Essential Guide for Beginner Filmmakers

What is a 2nd Assistant Director?

The 2nd Assistant Director is not simply a "junior" version of the 1st AD. They have their own specific and vital responsibilities that keep the entire production running smoothly.

Think of the 2nd AD as the communication hub and logistics coordinator of the film set. While the 1st AD manages what happens on set, the 2nd AD manages everything that supports the set.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Creating and distributing call sheets
  • Managing talent logistics and scheduling
  • Coordinating background actors and extras
  • Handling daily production reports
  • Managing base camp operations
2nd Assistant Director at work
Essential Role

Call Sheets and Cast Coordination

The call sheet is the 2nd AD's masterpiece - a detailed blueprint that ensures everyone knows where to be, when to be there, and what to expect.

Anatomy of a Call Sheet

Professional call sheet example

Click to examine call sheet details

Header

Production title, date, weather, sunrise/sunset times

Schedule

Scene numbers, locations, estimated times

Cast

Actor call times, pickup times, wardrobe

Crew

Department call times, contact information

Cast Coordination Process

1. Pre-Production Planning

Collaborate with 1st AD to understand shooting schedule and cast requirements

2. Call Time Calculation

Factor in makeup, wardrobe, travel time, and scene preparation

3. Distribution & Updates

Send call sheets 12-24 hours before shoot day, handle last-minute changes

4. Day-of Coordination

Track arrivals, manage delays, communicate with departments

Pro Tip: Always have backup contact methods and contingency plans for cast scheduling conflicts.

Call Sheet Template Examples

Call sheet example 1
Professional Template
Call sheet schedule section
Schedule Section
Call sheet header section
Header Information

Managing Background Talent

Extras Coordination

Pre-Production Duties

  • • Coordinate with casting director on background needs
  • • Create detailed extras call sheets
  • • Organize wardrobe and makeup requirements
  • • Plan holding area logistics

On-Set Management

  • • Check-in background actors
  • • Coordinate with 3rd AD on set placement
  • • Manage meal breaks and dismissals
  • • Handle paperwork and vouchers

Communication Protocol

  • • Radio communication with set
  • • Coordinate with transportation
  • • Update production office on status
  • • Handle emergency situations
2nd AD managing talent

Best Practices

Organization is Key: Use digital tools and apps to track background talent, their wardrobe, and scene assignments.

Clear Communication: Establish radio protocols and have backup communication methods for large groups.

Contingency Planning: Always have more background talent than needed to account for no-shows.

Communication on Set: Who Talks to Whom?

Understanding the communication flow is crucial for effective 2nd AD work. Here's how information moves through a film production.

Film Set Communication Hierarchy

DIRECTOR

Creative vision & final decisions

1st AD

On-set management & scheduling

2nd AD

Communication hub & logistics

Information flows through established channels to ensure clarity

2nd AD Communication Channels

To 1st AD

Cast status, schedule updates, set readiness

To Cast

Call times, changes, set information

To Departments

Schedule changes, cast arrivals, logistics

To Production Office

Daily reports, issues, changes

Communication Tools

Walkie-Talkies

Primary on-set communication

Cell Phones

Cast coordination, private calls

Email

Call sheets, daily reports

Production Apps

Digital call sheets, scheduling

Best Tutorials for Aspiring 2nd ADs

Learn from industry professionals with these comprehensive video tutorials covering all aspects of 2nd AD work.

The Key 2nd Assistant Director

Beyond Film School provides an in-depth look at the key responsibilities and daily tasks of a 2nd Assistant Director in film production.

13:03 Beyond Film School

Professional 2nd AD Interview

StudioBinder interviews Pete Dress, a professional 2nd AD who worked on major films like The Bikeriders and Steve Jobs.

47:10 StudioBinder Academy

More Learning Resources

How to Make a Call Sheet

Step-by-step walkthrough of creating professional call sheets.

StudioBinder • 13:36

What's An Assistant Director?

Overview of all AD positions and their roles in film production.

Film It Yourself • 4:25

A Day In The Life

Follow a 2nd AD through a typical day on a television production.

ITV Studios UK • 1:41

Interactive Learning Exercises

Practice your 2nd AD skills with these interactive exercises and scenarios based on real production situations.

Call Sheet Challenge

Scenario:

You're creating a call sheet for tomorrow's shoot. The main actor needs 2 hours for makeup, wardrobe fitting takes 30 minutes, and the first scene starts at 9:00 AM. There's also a background group of 20 extras needed.

Consider makeup and wardrobe time

Usually 30-60 minutes before needed on set

Usually 1 hour before first shot

Crisis Management

Emergency Scenario:

It's 7:00 AM and your lead actor just called in sick. You have 15 background actors already on set, the crew is setting up, and the director is asking for solutions. What's your action plan?

Background Talent Coordination

Planning Exercise:

You need to coordinate 50 background actors for a restaurant scene. The scene shoots from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Plan their day including meals, wardrobe, and logistics.

Pro Tips for Background Management:

Over-book by 10-15% to account for no-shows and last-minute changes.

Create clear zones for different background groups (restaurant patrons, street pedestrians, etc.).

Use color-coded wristbands to identify different groups and their specific roles.

Establish clear communication with the 3rd AD who will be directing background on set.

Have backup wardrobe options for background actors who arrive inappropriately dressed.

Keep detailed records for payroll and potential re-shoots or pickup days.

Professional Resources & Templates

Download these professional templates and access additional learning resources to jumpstart your 2nd AD career.

Free Templates

Call Sheet Template

Professional Excel template
Call Sheet Guide

Comprehensive breakdown
Tutorial + Template

Step-by-step guide

Training Programs

ScreenSkills AD Guide

Professional skill checklists
Production Hacks

8 essential tips for 2nd ADs
NFI AD Guide

Complete career overview

Community

Film Industry LA

Reddit community
Local Film Commissions

Contact your local commission for networking opportunities

Directors Guild

Professional union resources and training programs