Screenskills Courses You Should Do as a 3rd AD

I don't know about you but whenever I'm not working I like to get up to speed with any courses or E-learning workshops that I can. Not only does it show that you are serious about what you do but it also shows you're willing to learn and stay up-to-date with what's going on in the industry.

This post is going to highlight some of the free online learning courses that Screenskills have to offer and how they will benefit you in your career as an Assistant Director.

1. Tackling harassment and bullying at work

   
   

Interestingly I completed this one around this time last year and have actually been asked to complete it as part of the training for my new job. It's great to see that things like this are being implemented into the industry and people are taking it seriously. It's sad how some of the things I learnt on there weren't news to me. Its a quick little E-Learning course (about 30mind and you're done). Its a mix of reading and videos from industry professionals explaining what the different terms mean that are mentioned. Get it under your belt and onto your CV.

2. Mental Health Awareness: Managing Anxiety and Uncertainty

A great wee one highlighting Mental Health Awareness within the Film and TV Industry. Led and designed by Solas Mind this course (run regularly by Screenskills) really helps you to understand and manage anxiety and uncertainty within our industry. As a 3rd, 2nd or 1st AD you are in a managerial role and need to have a level of understanding of these things so you can help your team if they are feeling under pressure.

3. The guiding principles of departmental budgeting in high-end TV and film

Ok so for this one you need to be at a certain level to participate and you have to apply. It's still free and still online but it is a mix of do it in your own time and be available for the zoom call. Its nice in that way because you get the chance to interact with others. They do a great accounts chat as part of the course so you can ask a production accountant anything you might need help understanding or need clarified. Also runs regularly throughout the year and you leave with a better understanding of budgeting for your specific department and the tools to do so.

4. Inclusive hiring for the screen industries

Ok this one really stood out to me. Look its great if you got into the industry through a friend or a family member or a friend of a family member or your neighbour or your dog's groomers uncle. Hopefully you get where I'm going with this. Not everyone gets in that way so if you're in please don't just hire your friends. I know its more work to put out word that you're hiring but how much better would it feel to do that work and give that person a real chance. Take 30 minutes and do this module. Learn how to inclusive hire and then when you get the opportunity give it a go. Let's open the doors.

5. Introduction to sustainability for the screen industries

This is just an interesting one to learn about the efforts already being made within our industry to be more sustainable but also a chance for you to learn about how you're department could make a difference.

6. Microsoft Excel

Honestly, the best 15/20 mins I've ever spent. This one is great if you think you know how to use Excel but really you only have a slight handle on the basics like putting in a SUM. This one takes you through setting up a payslip - a brilliant way to track your hours and learn some of the tools to help aid your crowd budgets.

Here's the link to the Screenskills website where you can take a look at all the courses they offer - https://www.screenskills.com/online-learning/

I would really advise having a look at the in person courses they also offer for ADing. I've taken part in the Movie Magic Scheduling Course (amazing because you get the MMS software for free!) and also the Step up to 1st AD course (another banger because right now I'm three weeks into my eight week Shadow 1st AD placement all thanks to the course).

The free E-Learning is brilliant place to start though. Get yourself on there when you're inbetween jobs and then stick them on your CV. Show those 3rds, 2nds and 1sts looking at your CV that you are invested in this career path.

If you do end up doing any of the courses please let me know which ones and how you got on with them. Also if theres any you do that I haven't listed I'd love to hear about them!

Good luck.

TAR

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