Devising and fleshing out all organisational constructs is one of the responsibilities of the 1st AD. However, the execution and implementation of various tasks such as rehearsals, fittings and pre-production is usually delegated to the AD department.

• Very detailed knowledge and understanding of the script.
• Review of the contents and tangibility of the script.
  Any changes made to the script in the course of a production must be marked by the so called ‘coloured script changes’ and have to be distributed and incorporated into the shooting schedule and the breakdown.
• Compiling the shooting schedule taking into account any blocked days the cast may have, the demands of each department, as well as the directorial vision and the specification set by the Production Department. Continuous updates according to the latest information with regards to realisation, shot list, costs, availability of locations, cast etc. are necessary.
• According to the blocked days (restriction of the actor’s availability) the casting for each part must be checked and discussed to assess whether it is reasonable, problematic or untenable.
• Creating the scene breakdown entails a complete list of actors, numbers of extras, vehicles, animals, camera, lighting and stage technology in consultation with the respective HoDs. Additionally the requirements for SFX, VFX, stunts and additional staff are listed. Set prep and strike, advance productions, training sessions, coaching sessions, and rights clearance are just as much part of the scene breakdown as potential location splits, with all the corresponding necessities. For all intents and purposes, all factors that are relevant with regards to the shoot and the generation of cost need to be listed here.
• Determination of dramaturgical days and dates within the timeline of the film.  The Script Supervisor usually provides the determination of time of day.
• The development and continuous updating of the Pre-Production plan in consultation with all departments. All appointments such as tech recces, meetings, rehearsals, training sessions, tests etc. are logged there.
  Planning all the appointments listed in the Pre-Production Plan is the responsibility of the AD department.
• Assembly of the AD team including any additional staff, within the limits of the budget and in consultation with the Production Department.
• Definition of the numbers of extras and creation of the extras budget in consultation with the Director and the Production Department.
• Scheduling of casting sessions, advance productions (photos, films, music), tests and training sessions (driving vehicles, singing or playing musical instruments, stunts, athletic or linguistic requirements etc.) required for the shoot.
• The framework of a good preparation for the shoot is the constant communication with the Director, the Production Department and all other departments.

The aim is to achieve the optimal result within a clearly defined scope of time, budget and labour-laws. This is a continual process requiring clear communication, a quick mind and rapid responses.

The main tasks are:

• Executing and structuring the individual shooting days by creating a concrete schedule, ideally based on the shot list provided by the Director and the DoP.
• Distributing the shot list to the team.
• Coordinating all departments on set with clear instructions and commands and a continual review of the processes that have been prepared.
• Guaranteeing efficient time- and cost management.  This includes, among other things, adhering to working hours, avoiding overtime, complying with turn-around, establishing a shift system, if necessary, reducing cast and crew once they have wrapped and are no longer needed.
• Specification of call times for cast and crew, determining set times for set-prep, shoot and breaks and the shooting order for the call sheet. Checking and signing off on the call sheet.
• Directing and organising background (extras, vehicles, animals etc.) in collaboration with the 3rd AD and/ or Crowd AD and Picture Vehicles Co-Ordinator
• Coordination of rehearsals and video or photo production, wild tracks etc.
• Checking and controlling the extras budget.
• Planning of set approvals by Director and DoP.
• In case of budget overages, discussing and implementing cost cutting measures – naturally in collaboration with the Director and the Production Department.
• In case of non-compliance of the shooting schedule or exceedance of projected times, suggesting to the Director and the Production Department, how to simplify, shorten or transfer scenes.
• Maintaining a good of information to the Production Department regarding the progress of each shooting day.

• Outstanding organisational skills, highly developed communication skills, economic expertise and artistic understanding are prerequisites for this profession, as are diplomacy, persuasiveness and the ability to deal with conflicts.
• Physical and emotional resilience, a large degree of flexibility with regards to working hours and work locations, strong team leadership and motivational skills, as well as the willingness to shoulder responsibility.
• A very good general education and an inherent interest in literature, art, architecture and music as well as cultural, societal and political issues.
• Extensive knowledge of dramaturgy, editing, shot construction, film equipment and their uses.
• Understanding of the film and TV industry and its commercial working methods. Solid business knowledge with regards to budgeting.
• Detailed and profound knowledge of the current laws regarding film, labour and agreement on tariffs. On international productions it is necessary to acquire a solid understanding of the various legal systems and the agreement on tariffs.
• Expertise in using the film software Movie Magic, which prevails internationally. Fuzzlecheck is only used in Germany and is NOT compatible internationally. Expertise in Word, Excel and other common communication media.
• Precise understanding of the processes, costs and the framework and prerequisites of  (German) film funding
• Very good written and spoken English and knowledge of the industry terms.
• Knowledge of additional foreign languages can be useful.