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Second Assistant Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legendary Studio Shows (LSS) Universal, LLC.

Production SpecificThe Second (2nd) Assistant Director (AD) role ensures that the 1st Assistant AD is fully supported by assisting cast, crew and schedules. They plan for that daily schedule, as well ...

focus features

Assistant Director

Los Angeles, CA

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 ...

Focus Features

Assistant Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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 ...

ADP, Inc.

NY · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

SECOND ASSISTANT RFT Palm Beach Gardens, FL, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 1037 Salary Range: $65 ... Supervise and direct maintenance staff during assigned shifts and projects. * Assist with daily ...

Troon

NY · On-site

The 2nd Assistant Superintendent reports to the Superintendent and will work with and under the ... Supervises special projects and labor crews per direction of Golf Course Superintendent or Director ...

Troon

The 2nd Assistant Superintendent reports to the Superintendent and will work with and under the ... Supervises special projects and labor crews per direction of Golf Course Superintendent or Director ...

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How much do second assistant director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for second 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 a second assistant director?

Second Assistant Directors (2nd ADs) are key members of a film or television production team who assist the First Assistant Director in organizing and managing the set. Their responsibilities typically include preparing call sheets, coordinating the movement of cast and crew, ensuring everyone is informed of the daily schedule, and handling various logistical tasks. They help maintain order on set and act as a communication link between different departments. The 2nd AD's work is crucial for keeping the production running smoothly and on schedule.

What are the typical responsibilities of a second assistant director during a film production shoot?

A Second Assistant Director (2nd AD) plays a crucial role in coordinating communication and logistics on set. Their daily responsibilities often include preparing and distributing call sheets, managing the movement of actors and crew, and supporting the First Assistant Director in maintaining the shooting schedule. 2nd ADs also work closely with departments like hair, makeup, and wardrobe to ensure everyone is informed of timing and changes. They act as a vital link between the set and the production office, helping to keep the workflow smooth and organized.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a second assistant director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Second Assistant Director, you need a solid grasp of film production processes, organizational skills, and prior on-set experience, often gained through working as a production assistant or in similar roles. Familiarity with production management software, call sheet creation, and scheduling tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are valuable soft skills for coordinating cast and crew. These abilities ensure smooth logistical operations, efficient shoot days, and strong support for the Assistant Director team.

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

AspectSecond Assistant DirectorFirst Assistant Director
CredentialsExperience in production management, relevant film/TV educationSimilar credentials, often with more extensive experience
Work EnvironmentSupports scheduling, coordination, and communication on setOversees daily operations, manages the cast and crew, and ensures schedule adherence
Industry UsageCommonly used in film and TV productionsPrimary role in film and TV, often considered the second-in-command after the 1st AD

The Second Assistant Director works closely with the First Assistant Director to handle scheduling and communication, while the First AD manages overall on-set operations and safety. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in film and TV production, but the First AD holds more responsibility for the daily management of the set.

Can there be two second assistant directors?

In film and television productions, there can be multiple second assistant directors, especially on large projects, with each responsible for different units or departments. However, only one second assistant director typically holds the primary role overseeing scheduling and coordination for the main unit. The specific number depends on the size and complexity of the production.

How much does a second assistant director make?

A second assistant director typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the production size, location, and experience. They often work long hours on set and need strong organizational skills to coordinate schedules and manage crew communication.

What does a second assistant director do?

A second assistant director (2nd AD) helps coordinate the daily operations of a film or television production, including scheduling, managing cast and crew, and ensuring the production stays on track. They often act as a liaison between the director, cast, and crew, and use tools like call sheets and production reports to organize the shoot schedule.

What cities are hiring for Second Assistant Director jobs?

Cities with the most Second Assistant Director job openings:

What states have the most Second Assistant Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Second Assistant Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Second Assistant Director jobs?

For Second Assistant Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Second Assistant Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Assistant Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,970 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD)

On-site

Legendary Studio Shows (LSS) Universal, LLC.
See more jobs at Legendary Studio Shows (LSS) Universal, LLC.external

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Seeking an experienced Second Assistant AD to support the creation and development of LSS Universaloriginals for television and streaming platforms.Business Line: Television ProductionProduction Type: Films | Show SeriesPosition: FreelanceProject Hire: Production SpecificThe Second (2nd) Assistant Director (AD) role ensures that the 1st Assistant AD is fully supported by assisting cast, crew and schedules. They plan for that daily schedule, as well as the overall production timeline.RESPONSIBILITIES

The 2nd AD must be able to manage:

Call sheets. The second assistant director is in charge of creating the next day's shooting schedule and distributing it to all departments.

Coordination. During filming, second assistant director coordinates with actors and extras to make sure that everyone is on set and camera ready when their respective scenes are ready to be filmed.

Directing extras. The 2nd AD (or 3rd AD on larger sets) is generally in charge of directing extras. During large scenes, they direct extras' movements before the scene and cue them during filming.

Security. The 2nd AD is responsible for coordinating with security and keeping the public out of filming locations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience as production assistant

3-4 years working in the video production/film industry as a cinematographer.

Ability to multi-task and delegate

Good sense for organization and planning

Strong attention to detail

Basic knowledge and understanding of all the various departments found on a film set.

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