In contrast to the 1. RA (1st AD in the German | Local System) the 1st AD is a Head of Department (HoD), with a whole team of subordinates assisting him/her.
The 1st AD is the organisational backbone of a film production. S/he structures and masterminds all processes during Pre-Production and the shoot and acts as the liaison between the Director, the Production Department and all other departments.
The main objective is to achieve the best possible artistic output – within a clearly defined financial scope and taking into consideration all labour-law and health and safety requirements. It is quite common for the 1st AD to compile and assess timeframes and financial frameworks for all HoDs – naturally according to the specifications of and in consultation with the Producers and Line Producers.