The first assistant director is not the director’s personal assistant; they hold important and specific responsibilities throughout the shoot, the editing, and the other stages of making the film. Here is the key information to know about this profession in this article:

What is the role of a first assistant director?

The first assistant director is responsible for defining the work plan, which they can change at any time, and for directing the crews' tasks to prepare the sequences to be set up, shot and struck. It is up to them to oversee time optimization and the execution of the tasks to be done by the crew. With their megaphone, they are the real boss on set, relaying the director’s wishes by constantly reorganizing the work.

Here are their main duties:

  • Preparation phases:
    • Detailed analysis and breakdown of the script
    • Organizing location scouting for the shoot
    • Drawing up the work plan and shooting schedule
    • Writing technical sheets and call sheets
    • Coordination with the stage manager and the production director
  • During the shooting of a film :
    • Supervision and coordination of technical and artistic teams
    • Managing daily timing and optimizing time
    • Directing the second assistants and production assistants
    • Setting up the extras with the second assistant
    • Liaison between the director and the different departments (hair, makeup and costume, set design, sound)
  • Daily responsibilities of a stage manager:
    • Approval of costume fittings
    • Checking logistical and equipment needs
    • Handling unforeseen events and adapting the schedule
    • Following the rushes with the director
    • Writing shooting reports
Become a first assistant director

What Skills Are Required to Become a First Assistant Director?

The first assistant director must know all the technical and artistic trades mobilized for making the program, in order to get them to work together; they define the work plans and give each person their task and attendance orders, and have call sheets drawn up: they must have definite authority and great adaptability and organizational skills.

How to Become a 1st Assistant Director? Which Program and Studies?

IESA arts&culture lets students specialize to become a first assistant director with the Bachelor in Film and Audiovisual, open after high school. This professional 3-year program combines theoretical and practical teaching, allowing students to acquire a solid film culture while developing the essential technical skills of the profession.

What is the difference between a director and an assistant director?

On a film set, the director focuses on the artistic vision and directing the actors, while the role of their first assistant is to handle practical organization like a general production manager. The director makes the creative decisions, chooses camera angles and oversees the staging. Their assistant coordinates the technical teams, draws up schedules and ensures operations run smoothly.

This close collaboration lets the director devote themselves fully to the artistic side when shooting a film. The first assistant becomes their right hand, linking production and the various departments while making sure deadlines and budget are respected.

Staging remains the exclusive prerogative of the director; their assistant does not take part in artistic choices but guarantees optimal conditions for carrying them out.

What Is the Difference Between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Assistant Director?

On a film set, each assistant director fulfills specific and complementary roles. The director’s right hand, the first assistant, ensures overall coordination of the shoot thanks to their sense of organization. They draw up the schedule, supervise the technical teams, and liaise with production.

The second assistant focuses on logistical and administrative aspects. They prepare call sheets, coordinate with the production designer and the director of photography, and manage the teams' detailed schedules. Their good stress resistance is essential for handling daily surprises.

The third assistant, for their part, mainly handles extras and organization on set. They enforce the rules of filming, guide the extras, and maintain communication between the different departments. This hierarchy allows optimal management of production companies and film studios.

Career Progression for a First Assistant Director and Help from the A.F.A.R

From Beginnings to Classic Career Paths

After starting out as an assistant to the first assistant and then as second assistant, the role of first assistant can be an end point in itself; however, they can move up either as a director or as an executive producer.

The AFAR, an association with an essential professional network

The Association Française des Assistants Réalisateurs (AFAR), created in 1998, brings together more than 150 experienced professionals, from 1st to 3rd assistant director. This organization plays an essential role in defending the interests of the profession and upholding a shared code of ethics. It is also a prime place for exchange, allowing experience sharing and knowledge transfer among assistant directors. Joining the AFAR is an important step in an assistant director’s career, facilitating networking and access to professional opportunities.

What is the salary of a first assistant director?

The first assistant director enjoys a high salary level, according to industry agreements. They earn about €1 500 per week for a first position (Source Onisep, 2025).