(aka Third AD or Third)  

The main function of the Third Assistant Director is to support and assist the First and Second ADs in whatever ways are necessary on the set or location.  This can involve a wide variety of tasks, but the key duties of most Thirds revolve around the movement and activities of background artistes (extras).  Thirds may be required to direct the action of extras, or of vehicles appearing in the background of the shot, especially in large crowd scenes.  Thirds also act as messengers on the set or location, and are often required to convey messages and relay information to cast or crew members, usually by radio link.

Responsibilities
Thirds are responsible for co-ordinating the extras to arrive at the right time and place for filming.  Once the extras are on set or location, Thirds are in charge of preparing and cueing them, and sometimes also directing them, in any required background action.  They must also supervise and look after they extras - they may be on standby on the set or location all day, despite only being needed for a short period.  Thirds may have to keep members of the public out of shot, and off the set or location, so that they don't interrupt filming, cast or crew. 

Thirds may also liase with the Location Manager, and may be given responsibilities with regard to the security and locking up of studios or locations after filming has taken place.  Firsts or Seconds may also provide Thirds with specific information to add to the daily progress reports, before they are sent to the production office.

Skills
Thirds must have excellent organisational and time-management skills, as well as a good stock of common sense.  The ability to take and carry out instructions with enthusiasm and efficiency is vital.  Communication and interpersonal skills are also essential, as Thirds spend most of their working days interacting with a large number and variety of people.  Diplomacy and patience are required when co-ordinating and directing large groups of extras.  As the work is freelance and involves long and unsocial hours, Thirds must be highly motivated and always flexible.

Qualifications/Experience
No formal qualifications are required to become a Third Assistant Director.  Industry experience is the key, and the best place to start is via the conventional entry-level position as a Runner.  With sufficient on-the-job experience, individuals may then progress, usually relatively quickly, to becoming a Third Assistant Director. Regular Health and Safety training courses should be undertaken, in order to keep this knowledge up to date.  A full driving licence is generally required.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. 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. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.