All terms
Glossary

Assistant director

Also called ad, 1st ad, 2nd ad, 3rd ad

An assistant director (AD) manages the practical side of a shoot, keeping to schedule and getting everyone where they need to be.

On larger productions the 1st AD runs the set, the 2nd AD supervises the principal cast and the 3rd AD looks after extras and other background artists.

In use

The 2nd AD will walk you to set when we are ready for you.

Last updated 4 Oct 2026

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