Assistant directors work closely with the director to choose scripts, audition potential cast members and crew, make sure the project remains on schedule and supervise the makeup and costume departments. They may make set changes. Some advise the performers what time they need to be on set.
Skillset: Strong communication skills are necessary to work with others to ensure a production comes in on budget and on time. Communication skills help assistant directors work with actors to convey the story the way the director wants to tell the story. Assistant directors need creativity to assist in making changes to the script.
Education: Assistant directors should take classes in writing, acting, journalism, communication, business and arts management. The best training for assistant directors is working on a production to learn the process of making a movie.
Career Path: In order to advance to director, one should consider earning a bachelor's degree. Some earn a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. With experience, assistant directors can work on larger and more expensive productions. After they build a solid reputation, assistant directors can advance to being directors.
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