(aka Second AD or Second)  

The Second Assistant Director is the First Assistant Director's right hand person. The Second AD's main function is to ensure that all the First AD's orders and directions are carried out.  Seconds have two main responsibilities during production: they prepare and draw up the 'call sheet' (a document detailing daily filming logistics, which is distributed to cast and crew), under the supervision of the First; and they oversee all the movements of the cast, ensuring that the principal actors are in make–up, in wardrobe, or standing by on the set at the correct times.

On smaller productions, on which there is no Third Assistant Director, Seconds may also be responsible for finding and looking after background artistes (extras). Most Seconds also assist the First in liaising between the set or location and the production office, updating key personnel on the timings and progress of the shoot.

What is the job?
On each day of a shoot, Seconds must prepare and draw up the next day's call sheet, (which involves confirming the details of who needs to be on set and at what time, the transport arrangements, extras required etc.). These details must be approved by the production office before the Seconds can distribute the call sheet to the cast and crew. Ensuring that everyone knows their 'call time' (the precise time they will be required on set) is a key responsibility – any delay to filming due to bad time–keeping negatively affects the day's schedule and budget, and is considered unprofessional and extremely inefficient.

Once the day's filming has begun, Seconds must ensure that all actors are ready for filming when they are required, which entails co–ordinating any transport requirements, as well as make–up and wardrobe timetables. In some cases, Seconds may also be in charge of finding extras, sometimes in large numbers at short notice, and co–ordinating their transport to, and activities on, the set or location.

Typical career routes
Industry experience is the key to becoming a Second Assistant Director, and the best way to gain this is via the conventional entry–level position as a Runner, eventually acquiring enough on–the–job experience to progress to the role of Third Assistant Director. From there progression is usually to Second and then First Assistant Director.

Essential knowledge and skills
Seconds must have excellent organisational and time–management skills to co–ordinate arrangements and to make efficient plans. First–class communication and interpersonal skills are also essential, as Seconds must deal with a large number of people, convey messages and give instructions clearly, concisely and confidently. Cast members may be under pressure to learn script lines, or to hone their performance, and need to be dealt with tactfully and diplomatically at all times. Paying close attention to detail and always attaining very high standards of efficiency are vital skills for successful Seconds. To foster the confidence of First ADs, Seconds must consistently offer capable support and assistance. As the work is on a freelance basis, and involves long and unsocial hours, Seconds must be extremely motivated and always flexible.

Key skills include:

• excellent organisational and time management skills
• excellent communication skills
• the ability to relate to a wide range of people
• patience and tact
• the ability to work effectively under pressure
• flexibility and resourcefulness
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Training and qualifications
No formal qualifications are required to become a Second Assistant Director and industry experience is key. However, in practice, entry is very competitive and many new entrants have higher level qualifications. A large number of colleges and other training providers offer Media courses that may provide a suitable background. Relevant courses include City & Guilds qualifications, such as the Diploma in Media Techniques or the Certificate for Audiovisual Industries Induction; BTEC National Certificate in Media Production; HNC/HNDs; Foundation degrees, first degrees and postgraduate courses in film and TV production.

Most of the skills that Second Assistant Directors require are developed on the job, but some regional screen agencies, film schools and other training providers offer short courses in production skills for Assistant Directors. A full driving licence is generally required for this role.  Regular Health and Safety training courses should be undertaken, in order to keep this knowledge up to date.

Skillet's network of Screen Academies are institutions that it has identified as offering the highest quality of film skills training. Details are available on the Skillset website: http://www.skillset.org/training/san/ssa/

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers

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