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First Assistant Director Jobs in California (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 ...

ClubCorp

1st Assistant Superintendent

Tarzana, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Job Summary: The 1st Assistant Superintendent is responsible for daily operations and ... This role involves direct oversight of the course's maintenance staff and coordination with various ...

Invited

1st Assistant Superintendent

Tarzana, CA

Job Summary: The 1st Assistant Superintendent is responsible for daily operations and ... This role involves direct oversight of the course's maintenance staff and coordination with various ...

City of Santa Clara, CA

Assistant Director

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$214K - $280K/yr

The Assistant Director serves as a key senior leader overseeing strategic planning, budgeting ... Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire * Employees hired ...

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First Assistant Director information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$71K

$145.1K

How much do first assistant director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant director in California is $71,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,900.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first assistant director?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first assistant director?

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.

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to First Assistant Director jobs in California?

For First Assistant Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Assistant Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for First Assistant Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for First Assistant Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most First Assistant Director job openings:

First Assistant Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,028 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Assistant Director

Los Angeles, CA

focus features
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about focus featuresexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Responsibilities 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.

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. 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. Skills First ADs must be authoritative team-leaders and motivators, whilst also being approachable team players. They need exceptional organisational and time-management skills.

The ability to plan ahead, trouble-shoot and pay close attention to detail is vital in this role. Being an excellent communicator, with tact and diplomacy skills, is also essential as they must routinely deal with problem or even crisis situations. They must also constantly prioritise tasks, and may be frequently interrupted, the ability to multi-task is crucial.

Firsts work long and often unsocial hours on a freelance basis, so a strong commitment to the job is essential. As they also usually work under highly pressurised and stressful conditions, a flexible and positive approach is highly valued. Qualifications/Experience No formal qualifications are required to become a First Assistant Director.

Extensive industry experience gained through working on set or on location is the key route to develop the necessary skills. Most First ADs start as Runners, before progressing through the other Assistant Director roles (Third Assistant Director and Second Assistant Director). This route may take a number of years.

In particular, Firsts need specific experience in planning and budgeting (and how this affects scheduling), as well as in-depth knowledge of, and qualifications in, current Health and Safety legislation and procedures. Regular Health and Safety training courses should be undertaken, in order to keep this knowledge up to date. A full driving licence is generally deemed necessary.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Creative Skillset's and the BFl's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future2, a network of Academies have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

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