The 1st AD is a Filmmaker

I have always wanted to be a part of the film industry. Growing up, I was obsessed with DVDs and would watch all of the commentaries of my favourite films, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with people who worked on the project, discussing their intention behind it.

I pursued film production at college, then went on to study it at the University of Portsmouth. I had a great time at uni, fucking around with cameras and hanging out with mates with a similar interest. In my final year, I directed two short films that helped me achieve a First Class honours degree. I felt pride in my achievement and felt excited to jump head first into the dynamic world of film production. 

Upon entering the industry, I learned more about the AD department and how it functions as the glue that holds the production together. Working as a runner, I saw how social the position is and how we essentially manage a team of people to success. What I didn’t realise was just how much film knowledge was required for the role.

The 1st AD collaborates with all departments to make the day work. Although they don’t engage physically with the set, their knowledge influences the day towards its most optimum potential. Understanding what is needed from each department not only allows them to schedule correctly but also gives them intuition about the challenges they’ll face on the shoot day.

My film school background gave me a slight head start, but it’s on set experience where you really build your filmmaker knowledge.

Sometimes you learn from the hand you’re dealt. When a 4-perf film camera turns up instead of the 3-perf you were expecting, you’re suddenly working with less film and can shoot less footage. Other times you learn from the mistakes you make. It took me a few shots to realise when timing out a specific camera move, you may want the camera to start a moment before action so that there isn’t a pause at the start of the shot.

Most of the time though, you learn from simply being in the room and experiencing the trials and tribulations of running a set firsthand.

We learn something new every day and that is never more true than on a film set. So many challenges can occur. In my view, having a deep knowledge of filmmaking in general is what elevates your shoots in a positive direction.

I feel very lucky to be a filmmaker. I’ve pursued a passion I have always felt and get to live my life making art with the most wonderful people. I love this journey and can’t wait to see where it will take me next.

We learn something new every day and that is never more true than on a film set. So many challenges can occur and having a deep knowledge of all departments allows you to make decisions that can positively influence the day.