Steps to Become an Assistant Director
Step 1: Complete a Certificate IV or Diploma in Screen and Media
Enrol in the Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41020) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This takes 12 to 18 months and covers planning, scheduling, and set workflows. For a deeper base, the Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020) adds a further 12 months. It covers directing, editing, and advanced production skills. Both are offered nationally through TAFE institutes and accredited RTOs. Confirm current codes at training.gov.au before you enrol.
Step 2: Work as a Production Runner or Production Assistant
Start your screen career as a production runner or production assistant. These roles show you the full range of work on set. You will learn how teams work, how call sheets are built, and how a 1st AD runs the day. Expect 12 to 24 months in this role before moving into 3rd AD work.
Step 3: Move into 3rd and 2nd Assistant Director Roles
Once you have set experience, take on 3rd AD work. In this role, you manage background actors, hand out script sides, and help the 2nd AD. After two to three years, move up to 2nd AD. You will take charge of cast scheduling, call sheets, and set operations. Keep a clear record of every credit you earn.
Step 4: Join the MEAA and Build Your Network
Join the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), the union and industry body for Australian screen workers. MEAA membership gives you access to pay guides, industry events, and a network of ADs and producers. Attend events run by Screen Australia and your state screen agency. This is where you meet directors and producers who hire ADs.
Step 5: Build Credits as a 1st Assistant Director
Move into 1st AD roles on short films, ads, or smaller productions. In this role, you own the full production schedule and set the tone on set. Build a strong credit list across many production types. Over time, larger features and long-form TV will open up. Many strong 1st ADs also move into producing and directing roles.
An Assistant Director’s day is full of action and variety. You start by checking the call sheet and briefing the crew on the day’s plan. Then you co-ordinate cast arrivals, brief background performers, and get the set ready to shoot. During filming, you call the roll, manage timing, and solve problems as they come up. You track every scene against the schedule and flag issues to the director before they become delays. At wrap, you review the day’s progress and start planning the next shoot. No two days are the same, which is what makes this role exciting for people who thrive in fast-paced work.
An Assistant Director sits at the centre of every production. They manage the schedule, lead the crew, and keep the set running safely and on time. Here is a look at what the role involves day to day.
- Prepare daily call sheets: set out the schedule for cast and crew each day.
- Track daily progress: check the shoot against the production schedule throughout the day.
- Co-ordinate logistics: arrange transport, equipment hire, and crew movement on set.
- Supervise cast and crew: make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time.
- Maintain order on set: keep the working environment safe, organised, and productive.
- Manage health and safety: apply protocols and respond quickly to any hazard.
- Liaise with departments: keep camera, lighting, sound, and art in sync with the director.
- Co-ordinate rehearsals: brief actors on blocking and positioning before each scene.
- Call the roll: announce cues so every take starts at the right moment.
- Review takes: discuss with the director whether a scene needs to be reshot.
Assistant Directors rely on a wide mix of skills to keep productions on track. Clear communication and sharp organisation are at the top of the list. You will brief large groups, manage timing, and track many moving parts at once.
Problem-solving is just as vital. Things go wrong on set, and the AD needs to fix them fast and calmly. Knowing health and safety rules also matters, as you are responsible for keeping the whole crew safe.
As you grow into senior AD roles, leadership becomes your most important skill. You will guide junior crew, run briefings, and keep the whole set moving at pace. Familiarity with production software and scheduling tools is a strong advantage.
