by Matt Miller
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Nicole McGovern as a 2nd Assistant Director on a number of business jobs now and I’m so completely happy that she had the time to reply some questions on her work. Under is a brief interview masking the fundamentals of the twond Assistant Director place in addition to a few of Nicole’s suggestions for actors on set.
MM: What are the first duties of the twond Assistant Director? Are these duties any completely different on a business venture versus a tv present or movie?
NM: Sure and no! Similar idea for each. We be sure that issues and persons are in the suitable place on the proper time.
In movie and tv, a Key 2nd AD is the principle level of contact to each on and off manufacturing crew in addition to the forged. A Key 2nd AD will make the decision sheet every day, give actors their name occasions, and schedule costume fittings or any obligatory rehearsals. Sometimes, there shall be a Basecamp AD to assist facilitate the forged getting by way of Hair & Make-up and attending to set on time after which there may even be a 2nd 2nd AD, which is type of just like the 1st AD’s right-hand mate on set, serving to direct the background actors in addition to facilitate the forged’s whereabouts on set.
In commercials, the Manufacturing Division steps into plenty of roles AD’s play within the movie & tv world, however a 2nd AD remains to be the liaison between expertise and set. Sometimes, on a business, you (the actor) shall be greeted by the twond AD once you arrive and they’re going to information you thru paperwork, then to Hair/Make-up/Wardrobe, and be sure to are the place it’s good to be if you find yourself wanted. A 2nd AD may even help in directing the background actors on set.
MM: What’s the a part of your job that you just love essentially the most?
NM: I like being in a brand new place virtually day-after-day. Daily has a brand new problem. Typically I’m involved about climate whereas working in a area in the midst of nowhere after which the subsequent day I’m understanding of a excessive rise in downtown Chicago. Not plenty of careers enable that a lot flexibility.
MM: Figuring out that only a few issues are typical on this line of labor, what’s a typical week on a TV or business job like for you?
NM: I predominantly work as a Key 2nd Assistant Director on a TV present. In that respect, my week is normally Monday through Friday. Whereas capturing, I sometimes work 14-16 hours a day. I may begin my Monday with a 6AM name and by the top of the week we may very well be on nights with a 6PM name. When you like consistency this is probably not the job for you…
MM: How lengthy have you ever been doing this work now? What was the method like for you? How does one change into a 2nd AD?
NM: I’ve been a DGA (Director’s Guild of America) 2nd AD since 2015. I first began off as a Manufacturing Assistant (PA) on motion pictures in 2009.
To change into a DGA 2nd AD, there are a number of completely different routes you may take. I believe the commonest is becoming a member of through PA days labored. For the third space (outdoors Southern California) you need to have labored at the very least 600 days on a union tv present or movie. You create a e-book with numerous proofs of all these days you labored and submit it to the DGA. There are additionally avenues through business days/non-union days in addition to a DGA Trainee program.
MM: What are some issues actors ought to learn about their interactions with a 2nd AD? Any “do’s and don’ts” type of recommendation you may share?
NM: Come ready and arrive early. Don’t be afraid to ask a query since you are too nervous. We’re there to assist!
MM: Who’s an actor you could have cherished working with and why?
NM: Kate Winslet. She is an absolute professional and delight. I labored together with her over a decade in the past and I nonetheless bear in mind her telling me, “I by no means wish to be late and I by no means wish to be the final actor to reach on set.” She at all times got here ready and was so respectful.
MM: Anything early profession actors ought to know in regards to the job of the 2nd?
NM: We’re the gatekeepers of knowledge. The Data Division!
-Matt Miller is a DGA Director and an occasional teacher on the Performing Studio Chicago.
