Getting ready for the next take!
Things a 1st Assistant Director should be on the lookout for in between setups, shots and scenes...
On any movie / tv / commercial set there is bound to be waiting when the cameras aren’t rolling. You might be waiting for “lighting” or waiting for “talent.” In between setups or shots its the role of the 1st Assistant Director to check in with various departments and see how long everyone needs so that the company can start filming again. Sometimes the time estimates from any one department may be exaggerated too long or too short so its typically a balancing act on when everyone will be ready. Sometimes a dept will forget to notify the 1st AD they are indeed ready so its crucial that the AD has their head on a swivel and is constantly aware of things that are preventing the Director from filming.
Here are a few things you might be waiting on as a 1st AD before you begin that next shot.
Talent to arrive to set.
Talent to finish in Hair and Makeup.
Talent to get dressed or changed.
Talent to leave their trailer or get off a phone call etc….
Sound to finish mic’ing an actor.
Lighting Dept to finish adjusting lights.
Grip Dept to finish adjusting grip equipment.
Set Dressers to finish moving set dressing.
Props to be done giving props to actors.
An important crew person like the DP to return from the bathroom.
Hair and Makeup to have given last looks to actors.
A conversation between the DP and Director where they agree on the shot.
The Director to have spoken with talent.
The decision to do a rehearsal or shoot the rehearsal.
The confirmation with the Script Supervisor and the 2nd AC on what scene number or letter is on the slate.
Costumes to do any last looks on talent.
If a scene involves stunts the double check with the stunt coordinator and stunt performers.
If a scene involves VFX the double check with the vfx supervisor on placement of VFX markers etc
If a scene involves playback then to check with sound on the status.
If a scene involves animals the check in with the animal wranglers on the animal and in some cases the animal humane society.
If a scene is very emotional then giving time for the actor(s) to get in their head space.
If a scene involves a sexual situation then to check with the intimacy coordinator and actors prior to going if they are clear and ready.
If a scene involves lots of extras then checking with the 2nd 2nd AD and additional ADs who are assisting to set the extras to confirm that extras know their crosses and where to go.
If a scene involves lots of cars and drivers its confirming that all drivers know their route, how to reset and how to speak clearly on the walkie.
Background Actors to be in position.
Is the fog just right if in use?
Double checking with camera operators if the camera is in its first position while on a dolly track etc.
If filming near a noisy area such as near an airport or busy street then waiting for the plane to pass or the large truck to finish reversing.
If working in a scene that involves cuing actors from a long distance then checking to make sure that the AD or PA is in place to cue them via walkie and that the actor knows their cue.
If a special effect is to be used such as snow that the FX person is ready and in the right position.
Out of the 30 things listed there still may be things an Assistant Director is waiting for. What’s important is that in between setups everyone feels the pressure to start filming again. If any one dept is moving too slow or forgets to reset then this can cause a delay in filming and potential lost takes for the Director.