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First Assistant Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

focus features

Assistant Director

Los Angeles, CA

Responsibilities First ADs' main duties are assisting the Director, co-ordinating all production ... They are also in charge of a department of other Assistant Directors and Runners. Overall, they ...

Focus Features

Assistant Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Responsibilities First ADs' main duties are assisting the Director, co-ordinating all production ... They are also in charge of a department of other Assistant Directors and Runners. Overall, they ...

Ecole 360 CDC

Assistant Director

Palatine, IL · On-site

We're looking for a passionate, organized, and people-first Assistant Director to help lead daily operations, support our teaching team, and strengthen the culture that makes our centers special. If ...

Methodist Hospital

Surgical First Assist

Cibolo, TX · On-site

He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First Assistant based on department needs and as directed by the unit director or designee. The Surgical First ...

Methodist Hospital

Surgical First Assist

Schertz, TX · On-site

He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First Assistant based on department needs and as directed by the unit director or designee. The Surgical First ...

Methodist Hospital

First Assist

New Braunfels, TX · On-site

He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First Assistant based on department needs and as directed by the unit director or designee. The Surgical First ...

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First Assistant Director information

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How much do first assistant director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant director in the United States is $71,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Assistant Director vs Second Assistant Director?

AspectFirst Assistant DirectorSecond Assistant Director
CredentialsExperience in production management, relevant film/TV certificationsSimilar credentials, often less experience required
Work EnvironmentLeads the set, manages schedule and crew coordinationSupports the First AD, handles specific departments or tasks
Industry UsagePrimary in film and TV productions, widely usedCommonly assists the First AD, less senior role

The First Assistant Director and Second Assistant Director roles are both vital in film and TV production. The First AD oversees scheduling, safety, and overall set management, requiring more experience. The Second AD supports the First AD by managing specific departments or background actors. While both roles require similar credentials, the First AD holds more responsibility and leadership on set.

How does a First Assistant Director typically collaborate with the director and other departments during film production?

A First Assistant Director (1st AD) plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between the director, cast, and various crew departments. They are responsible for breaking down the script, creating the shooting schedule, and ensuring that daily operations run smoothly on set. The 1st AD coordinates closely with the director to understand creative priorities and with department heads (such as camera, lighting, and sound) to address logistical needs. This position requires excellent organizational and leadership skills, as the 1st AD must keep everyone informed, maintain order on set, and resolve any scheduling conflicts that arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Assistant Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Assistant Director, you need strong organizational skills, in-depth knowledge of film production processes, and experience coordinating large crews, often supported by a film-related degree or extensive on-set experience. Familiarity with production management software such as Movie Magic Scheduling, call sheet tools, and safety certifications are typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help manage cast, crew, and logistics under tight deadlines. These skills are vital to ensuring efficient, safe, and on-schedule film shoots, directly impacting the overall success of a production.

What are First Assistant Directors?

First Assistant Directors (1st ADs) are key members of a film or television production team responsible for managing the shooting schedule and coordinating on-set activities. They work closely with the director, cast, and crew to ensure that each day's filming runs smoothly and efficiently. The 1st AD is in charge of keeping the production on time, overseeing safety, and communicating any changes or instructions to all departments. Their organizational and leadership skills are crucial for a successful production.
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First Assistant Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,970 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Producer / 1st Assistant Director

Producer / 1st Assistant Director

Distant Moon

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Overview:

The Producer / 1st Assistant Director is a core production leader at Distant Moon. This hybrid role functions as the lead producer on projects while stepping into the 1st AD role on larger or more complex sets. The ideal candidate brings production leadership experience, excellent communication, and strong logistics and schedule planning abilities.

This position ensures projects run smoothly, teams are supported, clients feel confident, and productions uphold Distant Moon's standards of excellence, service, and craft.

Key ResponsibilitiesProject Management & Execution
  • Lead all phases of production, including pre-production planning, production, and hand-off to post-production supervisor.
  • Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring financial efficiency while maintaining production quality.
  • Handle all production logistics, including crew hiring, location scouting, equipment procurement, and scheduling.
  • Track and reconcile expenses, ensuring productions remain within budget and financial reports are accurately maintained.
  • Oversee wrap-up processes, ensuring all financial, legal, and contractual obligations are completed.
  • Foster a workflow of quality, accountability, and communication across all phases.
  • Streamline workflows, ensuring all production processes are efficient and well-documented.
  • Utilize project management software to track deliverables and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Identify and implement operational improvements to increase productivity and cost efficiency.
1st Assistant Director Responsibilities (on larger DM shoots)
  • Create shooting schedules, call sheets, and daily plans.
  • Run set in partnership with the Director to ensure creative and logistical alignment.
  • Lead blocking, departmental coordination, and timing throughout the day.
  • Communicate resets, transitions, safety guidelines, and schedule shifts.
  • Support talent flow, scene timing, and on-set morale.
  • Maintain set culture that prioritizes clarity, calm, order, and trust.
On-Set Leadership & Execution
  • When not filling in as a 1st AD, being able to fill the role of Line Producer on set, making key decisions and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations on production sets.
  • Delegate tasks to Associate Producers, Coordinators, and other crew members to ensure efficiency.
  • Problem-solve and make real-time adjustments to keep the production on track.
  • Ensure the highest level of professionalism and service-focused production experience for clients.


Essential Skills and Experience:

  • 3+ years producer/ 1st AD experience.
  • Strong leadership and management skills, with experience overseeing production teams.
  • Experience AD-ing or shadowing ADs on structured productions
  • Expertise in budgeting, scheduling, and financial tracking for productions.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and on-the-spot decision-making on set.
  • Strong client-facing communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
  • Knowledge of industry-standard tools and software, including Wrapbook, Teamwork, or similar project management and financial platforms.
  • Ability to travel for on-location shoots, as needed.
  • Motivated and self-directed.
  • Strong commitment to excellence, creativity, collaboration, integrity, and a lead-by-example work ethic
  • Able to self-examine and revise work before submitting for review.
  • Welcomes constructive criticism and enjoys learning new ways to sharpen and hone craft.

Reporting to this position:

  • Crew Members (as assigned per project)

Additional Preferred Skills (Not Required)

  • Experience managing RFPs (new search for project management platform)
  • Using Teamwork Project Management Software
  • Media Management
  • PMP Certification