What is the primary responsibility of the 1st Assistant Director in terms of position breakdown?

The primary responsibility of the 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) is scheduling, which is a crucial aspect of film production since it helps organize the entire shooting process. The 1st AD works closely with the director to create a production schedule that outlines what scenes will be shot on which days, taking into account factors such as actor availability, location constraints, and the logistical requirements of each scene. By establishing a clear and efficient schedule, the 1st Assistant Director ensures that the production stays on track, meets deadlines, and operates smoothly, which is essential for managing the many moving parts of a film shoot.

While budgeting, location scouting, and camera operation are also important tasks in a film production, they do not fall under the primary responsibilities of the 1st Assistant Director. Budgeting is typically handled by the producer and production manager, location scouting is often managed by the location manager, and camera operation is the domain of the cinematographer and camera crew. The 1st AD's primary focus is on scheduling and the overall management of the shooting timetable, making sure that everyone is coordinated and prepared for their respective roles at the right times.