Transitioning to 3rd Assistant Director

This one isn't as clear cut as the title makes it seem. Unfortunately you can't just decide you're a 3rd AD - at least I don't think so.

My path to becoming a 3rd Assistant Director wasn't the conventional one. Yes I did the obligatory three to four years as a PA before getting a step up but I didn't take on the coveted Floor 3rd AD role until two years after I had already gained the 3rd AD title.

Types of 3rd Assistant Directors

Floor 3rd AD

So this is the one everyone wants. Let's not beat around the bush, this one looks the 'coolest'. When you're a Set PA and you see the floor 3rd AD running around the set, talking to the Director, the DOP, passing notes to the cast and working with camera operators - you want to do that. And I get that - but when I was a Set PA I actually saw it as an unreachable goal for me. Sometimes I think thats the way people want it to be or rather look like but trust me it's really not. You can get there.

So how do you get there? After 'doing your time' as a PA on the floor and feel like you could handle more responsibility you can start to apply for Floor 3rd AD roles. If you work with the same team a lot you could ask for any opportunities to step up and cover the Floor 3rd AD if they're off on a recce or there is a splinter unit going on. You will automatically have more chance of 3rding on the floor if you work with the same people a lot as they'll know you and they'll know if you're ready for it or not.

Crowd 3rd AD

This one is really fun. A lot of early morning call times and late wraps but you get to work with lots of people and for the most part you get to be creative. If you get onto a job as a contracted Crowd 3rd AD you'll most likely start in prep and help with the casting and fittings side of the crowd world. This is brilliant experience as it gets you involved from the get go and you'll really get a chance to get your teeth into the script and the background the Director wants. Things like signing the crowd in & out, working out if anyone gets a special fee in addition to their daily rate and dressing the background in to camera are all things that come with this role.

Base 3rd AD

This one is probably the most admin-y of the 3rd AD roles. You are the right hand person to the Key 2nd AD and you run the base for them while they do the callsheet and the one hundred other things they have to attend to. Completing AD Reports, SAG sheets and the AD team's timesheets are all within your role with this one. Liasing with cast and their assistants will also play part in your day. One of the best parts however with this one is the amount of information and knowledge you will gain from being in the AD trailer with the Key 2nd AD, 1st AD (in the mornings and post wrap), the Make-up & Hair Designer, Costume Designer and of course the Producers and Production Manager. You'll hear conversations that most other ADs wouldn't be privy to (these aren't secret convos but rather really interested bits of info when it comes to how a film/TV series is made).

Some tips as you start to make the transition to 3rd AD

1. Don't lose hope - I know it's difficult because you know you can do it but it's the convincing other people when there are already so many other more established 3rd ADs out there.

2. Please don't become complacent as a PA - This is tricky. You want to be a 3rd AD but you're not getting the break you deserve and now you have to work with a 3rd AD but you're a PA. All I can say is please do still give it your all, be the best PA you can be and show the team that you still take pride in your role - it will get you further than if you just complain about everything you have to do as a PA.

3. Be your biggest supporter - Put yourself forward to the Floor 3rd / 2nd / Key 2nd and 1st AD and let them know you would love the chance to show them your abililty as a 3rd AD. Be brave and let people know you're hoping to step up to 3rding (obviously only do this once you have had at least 3/4 good years behind you as a PA).

4. There is no rush - We all want to be earning more but don't rush your career. Everyone is learning every day on a film set and you are no different. Take your time and enjoy being a PA because trust me that jump in responsibility will hit you in the face.

5. Keep your options open - Ok I've offered work to PAs and had them say to me that they are only taking 3rd AD positions. Don't do this. Don't limit yourself and the opportunities you might gain from any given opportunity of work. At the end of the day you are responsible for your own happiness. Make that job work in your favour. You never know who you'll meet on that job you've taken as PA (it could let to the step you've been waiting for) knowing deep down you should be 3rding.

So, you get your first 3rd AD gig - now what?

1. Be prepared - There are no longer 2, 3 or 4 other PAs for you to fall back on. You're the only 3rd AD. Take all of your knowledge you've built up as a PA and bring it with you on day 1.

   
   

2. Talk to your previous 3rd AD - Reach out to previous 3rd ADs that you've worked with and built good relationships with. Ask them for advice and don't over think it.

   
   

3. Be enthusiastic - Show that your interested to learn and take this role seriously and you will go far. Listen and be attentive to your surroundings. If you're in prep and find yourself with nothing to do - ask your colleagues if you can help with anything and if they've got nothing - start breaking down that script.

   
   

4. Don't panic - I know I saw take it seriously and I mean it but not stress, it's really not worth it. Don't take your angry or worry home with you. Leave it at work and remember that you did your best.

   
   

5. Stay on the ball - From the start of the day to the moment you are leaving the AD trailer you're at work and you should be focused, always listening and always in vision (of your 1st AD, Floor 2nd AD and other crew members so you are reachable and available to help) . Carry a small notepad with you so you can write down things you think you'll forget about that need your attention throughout the day.

   
   

6. Don't take it personally* - Ah, my favourite one. This one is hard. We work in such a high pressured and fast paced industry and not taking things to heart can prove incredibly difficult. Take it easy on yourself and remember it's not an attack on you personally and you're doing great.

So I hope reading this has given you some clarity and advice when it comes to stepping up to 3rd Assistant Director. If you've got any questions or if theres a topic you would like me to write about then please reach out - I'd love to hear from you - theadreport@gmail.com.

TAR

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*If you're struggling with this you should take a look at my blog post Don't take it personally.