Film Production

Assistant Director

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The First Assistant Director (AD) is the Director's right hand person, taking responsibility for a number of important practicalities so that the Director is free to concentrate on the creative process.

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First ADs' main duties are assisting the Director, co-ordinating all production activity, and supervising the cast and crew.  They are also in charge of a department of other Assistant Directors and Runners.  Overall, they provide the key link between the Director, the cast and the crew, whilst also liaising with the production office, and providing regular progress reports about the shoot. 

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Before the shoot, the Firsts' main task is to create the filming schedule, working in careful consultation with the Director in order to fulfil his or her creative ambitions.  When drawing up the shooting schedule, First ADs must also be aware of budgetary constraints, cast availability and script coverage.  Preparing the storyboard, overseeing the hiring of locations, props and equipment, and checking weather reports, are all key pre-production duties for Firsts.  During production, they must ensure that everyone is on standby and ready for the Director's cue for action. 

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First ADs' core responsibility is to keep filming on schedule by driving it forward, so they frequently make announcements and give directions to co-ordinate the cast and crew.  They also control discipline on the set, supervise the other Assistant Directors, and oversee the preparation of the daily 'call sheet' (a document detailing daily shooting logistics, which is distributed to all cast and crew).  Firsts are also responsible for health and safety on set or location, and must take action to eliminate or minimise hazards at all times.

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2nd Assistant Director

 

Responsible for cast fittings, rehearsal and any training during pre-production. Prepares and distributes daily call sheets, production report and end of day paperwork.  Handles extras requisitions. Distributes scripts/sides and changes to cast and crew. Liason between production office and 1st AD on set.  Manages other AD's and PAs.
 

Pre-Production - confirms special needs of cast members, organizes elements required for mobile production office, generates trailer breakdown and orders walkie-talkies.

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During Production - Opens Base Camp daily. Maintains mobile production office. Extras paperwork, distributes scripts/sides, script revisions, callsheets to crew and cast. Ensures cast gets to wardrobe, hair and makeup in a timely manner and escorts them to set.  Cast main line of communication; primary contact on & off set.

 

Production Assistant:

Set PA (Assist the AD with the following set requirements: Assemble all elements that are required for the scene. Secure the set. Inform cast, crew and extras of what's going on. Block & rehearse the scene. Make final adjustments to hair/make up, costume, props. Begin filming until print quality is achieved.)

 

We also provide & staff camera operators, on-set photographers,  gaffers, set decorator(s), wardrobe / costume, makeup etc.  Errand Services & More.  Please see www.j-kai.net

 

Background/Extras PA (open call paperwork, large crowd check-in & choreography)

 

Extras Casting Services:  Works with Director, AD's and Producer to cast the film/project on a day-to-day schedule.  Hired during pre-production. Post casting calls. Review, audition and/or select talent based on specific needs for the project.