What are the top three skills for an assistant director?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

The top three skills for an assistant director include knowledge of film sets, communication skills, and the ability to multitask. Developing the right skill set is essential to find consistent work as an assistant director.

This skill set includes:

Ability to multi-task and delegate
Effective communication skills
Good sense for organization and planning
Strong attention to detail
Basic knowledge and understanding of all the various departments found on a film set

Like most jobs in the film industry, there is no formal education or degree required to become an assistant director; however, most assistant directors have both film school training and a significant amount of hands-on production experience in various other film capacities that help them develop these needed skills.

Many assistant directors gain the needed skills through previous experience as production assistants or runners. They can learn how film sets operate in these capacities and better understand the various departments and their responsibilities.