Assistant Directing as Producer-Training

If you haven’t figured this out by now, in addition to being an Assistant Director, I’ve been Producing movies for a few years.

I’ve produced my debut movie, a couple of short films, and a documentary for Superchannel. I was hired to work as a Supervising Producer on two “Movies of the Week”, a Christmas movie and a Valentine’s Day movie. As the Supervising Producer I was on set all the time ensuring that the creative vision of the network I was employed by was being realized. I was called upon to work on cast conflicts, arrange for publicity shoots, ensure the production design was correct for the project, and so on.

I work closely with the AD, the crew, and the cast in the same way I would as the Assistant Director.

Almost ALL the skills and techniques I use as a Producer, originated from my Assistant Directing experience:

1. Effective Communication: As an Assistant Director, communication lies at the heart of every successful project. I have become really solid in the art of coordinating with various departments, including actors, crew members, and production staff, ensuring a smooth flow of information. This skill seamlessly transitions into the role of a Producer, where effective communication helps to align the entire team’s efforts, maintain a unified vision, and foster a collaborative environment.

2. Resource Management: Assistant Directors are accustomed to managing limited resources, be it time, budget, or personnel. Such experience provides a strong foundation for effective resource management as a Producer. From overseeing the financial aspects of the production to ensuring that the team works efficiently within the given constraints, the ability to optimize resources becomes crucial for a successful movie.

3. Problem Solving: In the fast-paced world of film production, unexpected challenges are bound to arise. As an Assistant Director, I have encountered numerous hurdles and developed an aptitude for quick problem-solving. Whether it’s reorganizing the shooting schedule due to inclement weather or finding creative solutions within tight deadlines, the problem-solving skills I’ve acquired can be directly applied to handling the various obstacles faced by a Producer.

4. Time Management: Assistant Directors are responsible for creating and maintaining detailed shooting schedules, ensuring that everything runs on time. This skill directly translates into the role of a Producer, where meticulous time management is crucial for meeting production deadlines, managing post-production processes, and optimizing the overall efficiency of the project.

5. Team Leadership: As an Assistant Director, I have had the privilege of working closely with a diverse range of professionals, facilitating an environment on set and in preproduction tat allows them to perform at their best. As an AD, I like to think that I am there to “grease the tracks” so that other departments can do their job smoothly. Building on this experience, a Producer can effectively lead the entire production team, creating a positive work environment, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

6. Attention to Detail: Assistant Directors are known for their keen eye for detail, ensuring that every aspect of a scene is carefully planned and executed. This meticulous attention to detail transfers directly into the role of a Producer, where overseeing all aspects of the film’s production, from script development to post-production, requires a thorough understanding of the project’s vision and objectives.

7. Adaptability: Film production is a dynamic process, often requiring quick adaptations to changes in script, location, or budget. Assistant Directors develop a remarkable adaptability that enables them to pivot and adjust plans on the go. This skill proves invaluable to a Producer, as they navigate unforeseen circumstances and make critical decisions to keep the production on track.

Okay, so now that you know that the skills and experiences gained as an Assistant Director provide a solid foundation for success as a Producer and are seamlessly transferable, let me ask YOU a question:

👉 What is your main goal with your filmmaking right now? What are you trying to accomplish in the next 6 months? 6 years?

(I know that’s technically two questions - lol)

Hit me up at anthony@habethyfilms.com today and share your answers with me. I'll be standing by all day to respond. Seriously! Even if you aren't interested in Assistant Directing, I'm interested in hearing from you! 👍👍

And IF you want to see if the Assistant Director’s Blueprint could help you on your journey, check out the enrolment page here for more details, and use promo code adblueprint-60 at checkout for a special advanced enrolment price.

Best,
Anthony