In short: A 2nd assistant director, or 2nd AD, builds the day's schedule with the 1st AD, looks after the cast on and off set, and prepares the call sheet for the next day. On a larger production the senior version is called the key 2nd AD. A small shoot rarely needs one, but a drama with cast and several locations does.
A 2nd AD is the assistant director who runs the schedule, the cast and the paperwork, working alongside the 1st AD. The 1st AD owns the overall plan for the shoot. The 2nd AD turns that plan into calls, cast movements and records, and deals with the problems that appear when the plan meets a real day.
What a 2nd AD does on a shoot day
Most of the work happens before the cameras roll. The 2nd AD breaks the script down with the 1st AD, arranges cast fittings and rehearsals, and plans transport and facilities. They build the schedule, look for likely delays and prepare cover for bad weather or a location that falls through.
On the day, the work is steady and close to people:
- Prepare the call sheet. They build the next day's call sheet with input from each department, then send out call times and last-minute changes quickly.
- Get the cast to set. They make sure actors are ready when they are needed and move them between costume, make-up and the set.
- Keep the records. They log artists' on-set, meal and leaving times for the production paperwork.
- Track progress. They measure the shots against the schedule, report delays and deal with urgent problems as they arrive.
- Watch the money. They monitor spending against the budget and warn the production office early when a problem looks serious.
ScreenSkills' skills checklist for the key 2nd AD lists these duties.
Who they work with
The 2nd AD works closely with the 1st AD and keeps regular contact with the production office. They are the first point of contact for other departments. Serious problems with the schedule or budget go up to the producers or production managers, and budget changes are discussed with the production accountant.
On a larger job the 2nd AD may have a 3rd AD and crowd assistants. See what a 3rd AD does and what a 1st AD does.
Kit and skills
The 2nd AD's kit is mostly paper, a laptop and a phone that works in a field. Scheduling software is standard on larger jobs, and ScreenSkills names Movie Magic Scheduling among the tools the role uses.
The skills that matter are:
- Clear, fast communication with cast and crew at the same time.
- Planning, and the ability to rebuild a day in minutes when a location drops out.
- Negotiation, with artists, suppliers and the production office.
- Calm under pressure, and a working grasp of spreadsheets and scheduling software.
How to become a 2nd AD
There is no single route and no qualification is required. ScreenSkills says most assistant directors start as trainees or floor runners and work up from there. The Trainee Finder scheme is one way in. ScreenSkills also lists short courses, including Movie Magic Scheduling from the National Film and Television School, and first aid. These help, but they do not replace time on set.
In practice, the usual steps are:
- Runner work. Take any floor runner or production office runner job you can get, and be reliable about the small things.
- Trainee routes. Apply through the ScreenSkills Trainee Finder when a scheme is open.
- Work experience with the AD department. Ask the AD team directly. Local film offices and free crew databases are the other places ScreenSkills points to.
- Union membership. Bectu is the union for screen crew. Its assistant directors rate card shows what the work pays, and membership gives access to advice on contracts and rates.
Do you need one on a small shoot?
- A single-camera interview or podcast: no. The producer or director can keep the time, and a 2nd AD adds little.
- A short content day with one set-up and a few people: usually not. A producer with a clear shot list covers it.
- A shoot with cast, several locations or a schedule that changes through the day: yes. A 2nd AD keeps the calls and paperwork moving so the director can direct.
- A drama with a full unit: yes, alongside a 1st AD and a 3rd AD.
If you are unsure what your day needs, describe the shoot when you ask for crew. The film crew hire page explains how crew are booked at the barn.
Related roles
Sources
- ScreenSkills, Key 2nd assistant director (Key 2nd AD) skills, read 5 November 2026
- ScreenSkills, Assistant director, film and TV drama job profile, read 5 November 2026
- ScreenSkills, Trainee Finder scheme, read 5 November 2026
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does a 2nd AD do on a film set?
The 2nd AD plans and tracks the schedule, prepares the call sheet, looks after the cast and keeps records of when artists arrive, eat and leave. They work closely with the 1st AD and are the first contact for most other departments.
Is a 2nd AD the same as a 3rd AD?
No. The 2nd AD runs the schedule, the cast and the paperwork. The 3rd AD supports the 1st AD on set, keeps the crew informed of progress and directs background artists.
Do I need a 2nd AD on a small shoot?
Usually not for a single-camera interview or a short content day. A 2nd AD earns their place when a shoot has a cast, several locations or a schedule that changes during the day.
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