TV or film assistant director

Career path and progression

Many assistant directors work freelance. With experience, you could progress to be a director, production manager or producer.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• leadership skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Film Studies - TV or film assistant directors coordinate every aspect of a shoot, so understanding how films are constructed is essential. Film Studies teaches them about camera setups, shot types, narrative structure, and how scenes are blocked and sequenced – helping them plan schedules that serve the director's creative vision.
• Business - TV or film assistant directors manage budgets, schedules, logistics, and personnel across a production. They need to plan efficiently, allocate resources, and keep a complex project running on time and within budget – all core business and project management skills.
• Drama - TV or film assistant directors work closely with actors and need to understand the rehearsal and performance process. They direct background action, coordinate cast movements on set, and communicate the director's vision, so a strong understanding of dramatic performance and staging is really valuable.

Also relevant

• Media Studies - TV or film assistant directors need to understand how broadcasting and film industries operate – from commissioning and budgeting to crew roles. Media Studies gives them insight into how productions are structured and funded, helping them manage the logistics of getting a project from script to screen.
• English Language - TV or film assistant directors produce daily schedules, call sheets, and written communications that need to be clear and precise. They also interpret scripts and relay instructions between the director, cast, and crew, so strong communication skills are important for keeping everyone on the same page.
• English Literature - TV or film assistant directors break down scripts to plan shooting schedules, identifying scenes, locations, characters, and story beats. Understanding narrative structure, themes, and how stories are constructed helps them anticipate what the director needs from each scene.
• Mathematics - TV or film assistant directors work with budgets, scheduling timelines, and logistical calculations on a daily basis. They need to figure out how to fit scenes into available shooting days, manage costs, and coordinate transport and accommodation for cast and crew.
• Design and Technology - TV or film assistant directors coordinate the use of props, sets, and equipment on location or in studios. Understanding how things are built and how physical spaces are designed helps when planning shoots and managing the practical side of bringing a production together.
• Psychology - TV or film assistant directors manage large teams under high pressure and tight deadlines, so understanding group dynamics and motivation is genuinely useful. They need to keep morale up, resolve conflicts quickly, and adapt their communication style to work effectively with very different personalities on set.