by Matt Miller
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Nicole McGovern as a 2nd Assistant Director on a couple of industrial jobs now and I’m so blissful that she had the time to reply some questions on her work. Under is a brief interview overlaying 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 tasks of the twond Assistant Director? Are these tasks any completely different on a industrial challenge versus a tv present or movie?
NM: Sure and no! Similar idea for each. We be sure that issues and persons are in the fitting 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 solid. A Key 2nd AD will make the decision sheet day by day, give actors their name instances, and schedule costume fittings or any mandatory rehearsals. Usually, there might be a Basecamp AD to assist facilitate the solid getting via Hair & Make-up and attending to set on time after which there may even be a 2nd 2nd AD, which is form of just like the 1st AD’s right-hand mate on set, serving to direct the background actors in addition to facilitate the solid’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 continues to be the liaison between expertise and set. Usually, on a industrial, you (the actor) might be greeted by the twond AD if you arrive and they’re going to information you thru paperwork, then to Hair/Make-up/Wardrobe, and be sure to are the place that you must be if you end up 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 probably the most?
NM: I really like being in a brand new place nearly day by day. Day-after-day has a brand new problem. Typically I’m involved about climate whereas working in a area in the midst of nowhere after which the following day I’m understanding of a excessive rise in downtown Chicago. Not plenty of careers permit 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 industrial 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 taking pictures, 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 could possibly be on nights with a 6PM name. Should you like consistency this will not be 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 films in 2009.
To change into a DGA 2nd AD, there are a couple of completely different routes you would take. I believe the most typical is becoming a member of by way of PA days labored. For the third space (exterior Southern California) it’s essential to have labored at the 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 by way of industrial 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” form 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 might have beloved 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 need to be late and I by no means need 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 concerning 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.
