Overview
This document is intended to serve as a guide to help 1st Assistant Directors understand the role, as well as to supply set-specific jargon and the proper sequence of “callouts,” which are only a small part of the 1st AD’s job.
The role of the 1st AD is an important and multi-faceted one, involving organization, anticipation, communication, problem-solving, leadership, support, morale-building, time-budgeting, and resource allocation. It is a role that is critical in planning and scheduling a film during prep, and one that is vital for smooth set operation during production. The 1st AD runs the set and works just as hard as either the DP or the Director.
It is the responsibility of the 1st AD to know where everyone is, so crew must inform the AD department if they briefly leave set (e.g., “I’m 10-1”). The 1st AD always remains by camera; if the show has a base camp away from set, the 1st AD should communicate with the 2nd AD by radio. The 1st AD tracks the time but does not harass people about it. Good ADs need never raise their voice because they have not allowed things to reach that point. Above all else, it is the 1st AD’s job to watch, facilitate, and anticipate problems for the betterment of the film, not simply to “make the day.”
GREEN CALLS
ARE MADE OVER THE RADIO AND REPEATED BY 2ND AD
BLUE CALLS
ARE MADE ONLY TO ON-SET CREW AND NOT REPEATED BY 2ND AD
Daily Protocol
Having already been instrumental in helping to schedule the order of shots and estimating the time for each, a typical day for the 1st AD on set goes as follows. Note: On shows with smaller crews – such as F1s and F2s – some of the crew positions listed in this protocol may not have a dedicated crew member performing the role. If there is not a dedicated 2nd AD, the 1st AD should either assume those responsibilities or delegate them to another person. If there is not a dedicated Script Supervisor or 2nd AC, the Producer is responsible for making sure that other crew members cover the relevant tasks described in this protocol.
Morning Meeting
We are having the morning meeting
- Precisely at call time, the 1D gathers the crew by the trucks for the morning meeting. The 1D goes over the logistics of the day and addresses safety concerns.
- COVID: Due to the congregation of all crew members, the morning meeting should ideally be performed outside. If the space does not permit all crew to congregate with physical distancing, the crew should be divided into smaller groups and the meeting should be repeated for each group.
Work safely, everyone
- This concludes the morning meeting. 1D then gathers DR, DP, SS, 2C, and goes to set.
WORKING OUT THE BLOCKING
Clear the set for blocking
- If DR is ready, the 1D asks 2D to escort the actors to set, so that DR and actors can work out the blocking. During this time, 1D manages crew staging, while periodically monitoring DR.
Are we ready to mark the blocking?
- If DR is ready, 1D invites DP, SS, and 2C to set and oversees the determination of coverage.
WORKING OUT THE COVERAGE
Observe the crew working out the coverage
- DR and DP watch the action that’s been worked out with the actors. Together they discuss any changes. 1D watches and checks that: DP watches the coverage through a viewfinder or lens; SS watches eyelines and notes coverage plan; 2C marks the actors’ stopped positions with colored tape.
- COVID: Physical distancing must be maintained during the laying down of marks. Either the actors should step back while the 2C lays down the mark, or the actor should be provided tape to lay down their own mark.
Are we ready for the New Deal?
- Only when the plan is agreed upon, 1D calls:
NEW DEAL
We have a New Deal
- 1D confirms all department heads are present. DR shows the action.
- COVID: If physical distancing is not possible due to space limitations, the New Deal should be repeated for smaller clusters of department heads.
Questions on the blocking?
- DR fields queries, then shows/explains coverage.
Questions on the coverage?
- DR fields questions on the plan. 1D facilitates, making sure every department is anticipating issues.
NO
Troubleshoot
YES
Proceed
BUILDING IT
OK, let's build it. Thank you, First Team.
- 2D escorts First Team (DR and actors) to base camp. 1D quietly gets a setup time estimate from the DP. (Note: No one else but 1D and DR need ask about time or guess how long things will take.) From this point on, 1D is quietly monitoring progress and updating department time estimates.
- Ways of being helpful throughout this process include: “Let’s get the frame” … “Let’s get focus” … “Let’s get a boom line” … “Work quietly”
- COVID: Crew must maintain physical distancing at all times, except for where a technical operation makes it impossible. Such moments should be kept to a bare minimum and undertaken with extreme caution. If the space does not permit crew members to maintain physical distancing, 1D must organize the staggering and rotation of different departments’ work. This is something that should have been identified during the tech scout, so a plan should already have been discussed for this in advance of the production day.
- COVID: Camera placement should be more than six feet away from any actor. Any exceptions to this need to have been approved during Director’s Prep.
- COVID: Set up video village in a location to minimize crowding around the monitor. Only two, physically distancing crew members may be at video village at one time, with priority given to DR and SS.
- COVID: SM gives a sanitized wireless lav to each actor and instructs them how to secure the mic. If necessary, SM may secure the mic themselves, but the physical proximity should be kept to a minimum duration and an extra level of protection should be considered, such as a face-shield or a plexiglass divider.
Are we ready for camera rehearsal?
NO
Troubleshoot
YES
Proceed
Camera Rehearsal
Camera rehearsal is up. Stand by.
- 2D asks DR if they wish to be present. DR either comes to set or 2D informs 1D to proceed without DR. (If DR does not come to set, 1D calls “action” and “cut” instead.)
- COVID: Do not use actors for the camera rehearsal, and keep minimal crew on set.
Camera ready?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
Sound ready?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
We are going for camera rehearsal...
- Action is called. Technical team runs shot.
...That's a cut on camera rehearsal
How was that for camera?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
How was that for sound?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
BAD FOR EITHER
Troubleshoot
GOOD FOR BOTH
Proceed
Camera ready for rehearsal?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
Sound ready for rehearsal?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
NO
Troubleshoot
YES
Proceed
Rehearsal
Essential personnel only, please.
- COVID: The set is about to become a Zone A space, so 1D clears the set of all non-essential personnel.
First Team in, please
- 2D brings DR and actors to set. Everything must be ready!
Everyone work quietly. First team is on set.
- DR works with actors. (Note: Rehearsal moves directly into shooting. If any technical issue arise that cannot be solved immediately, 1D releases First Team until it is solved.)
- COVID: Actors should ideally remain in masks during rehearsals. If masks need to be removed for any reason, consider deploying other protections, such as plexiglass barriers.
Rehearsal is up. Stand by.
- 1D waits and confirms visually when DR is ready.
Quiet, please. We are going for rehearsal...
- DR calls “action” and “cut.” This should be treated like it is a take by all set personnel. Make sure the set is locked up.
...That's a cut on rehearsal. Stand by.
- While DR checks in with the actors, 1D checks in with camera and sound for feedback. 1D relays this information to DR, who chooses to rehearse again or proceed.
NO
Call: “We are going again.
Stand by.”
YES
Proceed
Last Looks
Picture is up. Last looks.
Camera ready?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
Sound ready?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
Director ready?
- Check, or confirm by non-verbal eye contact.
NO
Troubleshoot
YES
Proceed
Going for picture
We are going for picture. Lock it up.
- It’s GO time. Listen to ensure set is locked up. Be very sure EVERYONE is actually ready, especially DR and actors, before calling:
- COVID: Slating should be at least six feet from any actors. If the lens or space does not allow for that, a pan over to the slate should be used instead.
- COVID: Actors should remove their own masks. If the shot doesn’t permit them to keep the mask on their person, PD should provide a Ziploc bag with the actor’s name on it and PD should manage the Ziploc bags during takes.
- COVID: If hair and makeup needs to make an adjustment due to the masks, this should occur swiftly.
- COVID: If DR wants to go again quickly, and actors consent, masks can stay off between takes.
Roll sound...
- If sound is being recorded on a dedicated field recorder, use Cadence for Dual-System Sound.
- If sound is being recorded by the camera, use Cadence for Single-System Sound.
Cadence for dual-system sound
- SM calls SPEED
- 2C VOICE SLATES
- 1C rolls camera and Camera Operator calls SPEED
- 2C calls MARKER and clacks the sticks
- Camera Operator calls FRAME
- 1D calls MASKS OFF (actors remove masks)
- DR calls ACTION, watches take, and calls CUT
- 1D calls MASKS ON (actors replace masks)
Cadence for single-system sound
- 1C rolls camera and Camera Operator calls SPEED
- 2C VOICE SLATES
- 2C calls MARKER and clacks the sticks
- Camera Operator calls FRAME
- 1D calls MASKS OFF (actors remove masks)
- DR calls ACTION, watches take, and calls CUT
- 1D calls MASKS ON (actors replace masks)
That's a cut on picture. Stand by.
- 1D checks in with camera and sound to see if the take was good or if a technical issue may require another take.
- 1D relays this information to DR, and checks to see if the DR would like to go again or move on to the next set-up.
Moving on
Thank you, First Team
- 2D escorts the actors (and DR if desired) off set and the crew comes in to execute the next set-up.
- COVID: After the First Team has left the set, 1D allows crew to re-enter the space.
We are moving on to... (describe next set-up)
- Move on to the next planned set-up as indicated previously during the New Deal. 1D restates shot as previously described.
- Return to BUILDING IT and proceed until all scene coverage is complete.
- When the scene is complete, return to WORKING OUT THE BLOCKING for next scene.
- Continue this process for the rest of the day.
- During the day, if the production falls behind schedule or if any problems arise, 1D should be proactive in conferring privately with DR and/or DP on how to solve the problems. This can be done quietly and discreetly on set or during breaks, such as lunch.
- COVID: Departments should sanitize equipment throughout the day during free moments, especially anything to be handled by others in the department.
Important Time-Based Items
Start of Day
First shot is off at (state time)
- Recording the time of the first shot of the day (and the first shot after lunch) is an important item that is reported to the studio on the DPR.
Midday
That's lunch
- At exactly the 6-hour mark after first call time Lunch must be called. If the team has already rolled on a set-up you can go into “Grace,” which means work must then be completed within 12 minutes. You cannot shoot past this or you are in meal penalty.
- During lunch, 1D talks to DR and the DP about the rest of the day’s work and participates in making any adjustments to the plan and/or schedule to help make the day.
- COVID: Boxed lunches should be delivered to the team spaces for each department, so as to avoid having people congregating around a single lunch table.
- COVID: Since masks need to be off for eating, extra precaution must be taken. Eating outside with maximum distance between people is recommended.
- COVID: Staggering the start time for lunch for different departments is recommended, if the schedule permits. Staggering the start time for lunch is required if physical distancing is not possible at the location.
Ten Minutes
- Ten minutes before the end of lunch the 1st AD announces this to everyone.
We're back
- This call marks the official end of lunch. All crew is required to return to work. 1D should remind everyone what set-up is first up after lunch.
- COVID: After lunch, PR makes sure that high-touch surfaces get a sanitizing wipe down and each department sanitizes heavily used items of equipment.
End of Day
This is the Abby Singer
- 1D alerts the crew that this is the second-to-last set up. (Be sure it actually is before announcing.) This is a morale boost as the day nears its end.
This is the martini
- 1D alerts the crew that this is the last set up of the day. (BE SURE it actually is before announcing.) This is a bigger morale boost as the day nears its end.
That's a day (and/or picture) wrap for
(actor's name)
- Crew applauds to thank the talent for the day’s work or for their work over multiple days on the whole picture.
That's a day (and/or picture) wrap for
(production name)
- Crew celebrates a hard day’s work. “Picture Wrap” can be an emotional call after weeks of work on a feature.
Company Wrap
- 1D talks to the DR and the DP about the next day’s work and any adjustments to the plan and/or schedule.
- 1D signs off on the Daily Production Report (DPR), which is sent back to production by the 2D.
- COVID: 1D makes sure that camera wrap happens no less than 60 minutes before company wrap, to allow sufficient time for loading out and cleaning the location.
- COVID: Actors change out of wardrobe, preferably in a single-person occupancy changing room. PD places any wardrobe supplied by the production in a secure bag to be laundered if used again. If actors need to remove their masks, the changing room becomes a Zone A space.
- COVID: Equipment should be reloaded back into the truck in a prescribed sequence. Only one crew member is permitted in the back of the truck at a time. Physical distancing must be observed at all times. Each department should clean equipment during wrap.
- COVID: Doors Down Meeting should ideally be performed outside. If the space does not permit all crew to congregate with adequate physical distancing, the crew may divide up into departmental groups for separate, smaller doors down meetings.
- COVID: 2D keeps access to location restricted until last crew member has left. The plan for sanitizing the location at company wrap must be completed before the 2D leaves the location.
