2nd AD

The Second Assistant Director, or 2nd AD, is part of the Assistant Directing team. They report to the 1st AD. In a larger project, there may be 3rd ADs, which the 2nd AD would manage.

The 1st AD drives the core set. The 2nd AD may manage the Background Talent, giving them direction. They may direct the B-Unit, who shoot pick-ups and plates. They may also be the liaison between Production (the Producer) and the set (1st AD) in the Production Office. They would communicate if there are issues on set that may impact the schedule, and would liaise back to the 1st AD what the plan is.

On an AOTS shoot, our crew is generally not large enough to warrant a 2nd AD. The role is covered by the 1st AD.