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Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435

Assistant video and motion picture director

An assistant video and motion picture director is a person who organises, schedules and plans the cast, the crew and the activities on a film set, and who supports the director so that the shoot runs to plan.

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Rate 5 of the 11 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

apply company policies

manage budgets

consult with production director

manage staff

coordinate transportation

About assistant video and motion picture director

The assistant builds the project schedule: which scenes are shot on which day, in what order, with which actors and which crew, and how long each setup is allowed. They apply organisational techniques, so that each call sheet accounts for locations, transport, equipment and availability. During the shoot they analyse progress towards the targets set, see where the day is slipping and re-order what remains so that the production stays on schedule.

They also manage the budget. The assistant consults the production manager on what can be afforded and what has to be cut, and follows company policy on how the production is run.

They coordinate rehearsals, give the cast a time and a place to work through scenes before the camera rolls, and work with technical staff on artistic productions so that lighting, sound and camera are ready when an actor is. Formal requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (11)

film production processfilm production processThe various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.apply company policiesapply company policiesApply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.manage budgetsmanage budgetsPlan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.consult with production directorconsult with production directorConsult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.manage staffmanage staffManage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the wor...coordinate transportationcoordinate transportationScheduling of transportation operations.coordinate rehearsalscoordinate rehearsalsOrganise rehearsal schedules for actors and crew, collect and update necessary contact information as well as organise any additional meetings for the actors and crew.develop project scheduledevelop project scheduleDefine the project completion stages, and create a timeline. Synchronise necessary activities, taking into account the convergence of production elements. Establish a schedule.collaborate with a technical staff in artistic productionscollaborate with a technical staff in artistic productionsCoordinate your artistic activities with others who specialise in the technical side of the project. Inform the technical staff of your plans and methods and obtain feedback on feasibility, cost, proc...apply organisational techniquesapply organisational techniquesEmploy a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and s...analyse goal progressanalyse goal progressAnalyse the steps which have been taken in order to reach the organisation's goals in order to assess the progress which has been made, the feasibility of the goals, and to ensure the goals can be met...
Optional (16) — show
content marketing strategycontent marketing strategyThe process of creation and share of media and publishing content in order to acquire customers.copyright legislationcopyright legislationLegislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.audiovisual equipmentaudiovisual equipmentThe characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.cinematographycinematographyThe science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive material...liaise with event sponsorsliaise with event sponsorsPlan meetings with sponsors and event organisers to discuss and monitor upcoming events.create storyboardscreate storyboardsApply story development and plot lines and edit animations to create storyboards that render the flow of the animation. Map out key scenes and develop characters.develop drama production processdevelop drama production processHave and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.purchase propspurchase propsBuy the required props for a performance.liaise with financiersliaise with financiersLiaise with people willing to finance the project. Negotiate deals and contracts.attend read-throughattend read-throughAttend the organised reading of the script, where the actors, director, producers, and scriptwriters read the script thoroughly.recruit personnelrecruit personnelCarry out assessment and recruitment of personnel for the production.calculate production costscalculate production costsCalculate the costs for every production stage and department.fix meetingsfix meetingsFix and schedule professional appointments or meetings for clients or superiors.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...search for a suitable filming locationsearch for a suitable filming locationSearch for locations suitable for film or photo shoots.ensure visual quality of the setensure visual quality of the setInspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an assistant video and motion picture director do?

Assistant video and motion picture directors are responsible for the organisation, scheduling and planning of the cast, crew and activities on a set. They assist the video and motion picture directors, maintain budgets and ensure that all production activities go according to schedule.

What skills does an assistant video and motion picture director need?

An assistant video and motion picture director needs 11 essential skills, including film production process, apply company policies, manage budgets, consult with production director, manage staff.

Will AI replace assistant video and motion picture director jobs?

The AI disruption score for assistant video and motion picture director is 31/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: fix meetings, calculate production costs, write work-related reports. Most resilient: attend read-through, consult with production director, collaborate with a technical staff in artistic productions.

Quick Facts

SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills11

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