2nd AD: What It Means in Filmmaking
By Muhammad Wisal and Muhammad Ali / 2 min read
The 2nd AD (second assistant director) is the 1st AD's main support, responsible for call sheets, getting cast through hair, makeup and wardrobe on time, managing background and keeping the day's paperwork.
What does 2nd AD mean?
Where the 1st AD stays at the camera and runs the floor, the 2nd AD usually works from base camp and looks ahead. In a typical US-style setup, the 2nd AD drafts the next day's call sheet from the schedule, confirms call times with cast, tracks when each actor arrives and moves through makeup and wardrobe, checks in background, and fills in the daily production report with times, scenes shot and any delays. On larger shows a 2nd 2nd AD and 3rd ADs take some of this, such as moving background on set.
The split varies. In the UK, for example, the 2nd AD often focuses on preparing the next day while a 3rd AD handles the set floor. If you are hiring, describe the duties in the deal memo instead of relying on the title.
Example: a 2nd AD's call sheet notes
Take a low budget feature called "Saltmarsh", about two sisters, Odile and Fern, selling their late father's boatyard. Day 6 shoots scenes 31, 32 and 40 at the yard. The 2nd AD's cast section of the call sheet might read:
| # | Cast | Character | Pick up | Call | H/MU/W | On set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Actor A | Odile | 6:15 AM | 6:45 AM | 6:45 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 2 | Actor B | Fern | Self drive | 7:15 AM | 7:15 AM | 8:30 AM |
| 5 | Actor C | Buyer | Self drive | 11:00 AM | 11:15 AM | 12:30 PM |
Notes underneath: "Fern's wet-look hair for sc. 40, allow extra 20 min. Buyer works sc. 40 only, release after. 4 background (dock workers) call 10:30 AM." During the day the 2nd AD watches those times. If makeup is running late, the 1st AD hears it first from the 2nd AD so the schedule can shift before the camera is waiting.
What makes a good 2nd AD?
- Accurate paperwork. The call sheet is the 2nd AD's main product. See how to make a call sheet.
- Working ahead. Tomorrow's problems, like a late actor release or a missing permit, get flagged today.
- Clear records. The production report is what producers, and sometimes insurers or unions, rely on later.
In Lowerated, call sheets are built from the schedule with call times, locations and crew already filled in, so the 2nd AD reviews and adjusts them instead of typing each one from scratch.
Related terms
- 1st AD: runs the set and the schedule the 2nd AD supports.
- Call time: the time each person is due to report.
- Base camp: the area with trailers, makeup and holding, where the 2nd AD often works.
- Production report: the daily record of what was shot and when.
FAQ
Does a 2nd AD direct background actors?
Often the 2nd AD or a 2nd 2nd AD sets background, guided by the 1st AD. On small shoots the 1st AD may do it directly.
Is a 2nd AD needed on a short film?
On a one or two day short, a producer or production coordinator can cover the role. Once you have several cast members and background, a dedicated 2nd AD saves real time.
