In short: The first assistant director (1st AD) runs the set floor, while the director decides what is shot. Set-wide instructions usually come from the 1st AD, so speak to them or to your own head of department. Calls such as "quiet on set", "rolling" and "cut" follow a set order. Stay still and silent while a take runs, and report problems before a take, not during one.
Set etiquette is mostly about knowing who is in charge of what. On a small shoot, one person may do several jobs. On a larger set, the 1st AD keeps the day in order, and the crew take their cue from that one voice.
What the 1st AD does
The 1st AD works with the director on the shot list and the order of the day, and with the production manager on timings. On the floor they call the takes and the breaks, ask department heads to confirm their kit before a shot, and keep people out of frame. When the schedule slips, the 1st AD takes the lead in working out what to drop or move, with the director and the producer.
Common calls
Calls vary between productions, so ask on the day. These are common:
- Stand by: everyone is ready, and nobody moves.
- Quiet on set: everyone stops talking and stays still.
- Rolling and speed: camera and sound confirm they are recording.
- Action: the director starts the scene.
- Cut: the take is over. Stay still until the director has spoken.
- Reset: everyone returns to their marks for another take.
- Last looks: a final check of hair, make-up, costume and props before the take.
Etiquette on the floor
- Stand still and silent from "quiet on set" until the cut.
- Keep phones switched off or in flight mode, not on vibrate.
- Do not walk across the shot. Go around it, or wait for a reset.
- Speak to the 1st AD or your head of department, not to the actors during a take.
- Report problems early: a loose cable, a sound fault, a missing prop. Raising it in the gap after a cut is better than raising it in the middle of a take.
- Keep voices low in the holding area, and watch the monitor so you know what is being shot.
Keeping time
A 1st AD watches the clock. Crew help by being ready when called, having their own kit to hand, and telling the 1st AD at once if they will be late back from a break. Before each break, tell the 1st AD what you need for the next set-up, so the change is not held up while you find it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Talking during a take because you assumed it had finished.
- Walking into a set-up while lights are being adjusted.
- Giving notes to actors. Notes go through the director.
- Taking a schedule problem straight to the director instead of the 1st AD.
Related reading
The call sheet, the shot list and the coverage plan are the paperwork the 1st AD works from. The call sheet template, the shot list template and the coverage guide show what each one holds. If you are starting out, the runner route guide explains how many people reach the floor.
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does the 1st AD do on a film set?
The 1st AD runs the floor. They plan the day with the director and production, call the takes and breaks, and keep the schedule moving while protecting the crew's time and safety.
What does "quiet on set" mean?
It is a call for everyone to stop talking and stay still because a take is about to begin. Stay silent until the take is finished and the call has been given to move on.
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