by Matt Miller
I had the pleasure of working with Nicole McGovern as second assistant director on some commercial work, and I’m glad she had time to answer some questions about her work. Below is a short interview covering the basics of 2ND Assistant Director position and some advice Nicole gives to actors on set.
MM: What are the main responsibilities of the two?ND Assistant director? Are these responsibilities different in a commercial project than in a TV show or movie?
NM: Yes and no! The concept of both is the same. We make sure things and people are in the right place at the right time.
In film and television, Key 2ND The AD is the main point of contact with the cast, both inside and outside the crew. One click 2ND The AD will create a daily call sheet, provide actors with call time, and schedule costume fittings or any necessary rehearsals. Typically, there’s a Basecamp AD to help the actors get their hair and makeup done and to shoot on time, and then there’s a 2ND 2ND AD, kind of like 1Yingshi The AD’s right-hand man on set, helping direct background actors and assisting with actors’ whereabouts on set.
In advertising, production plays many of the roles AD plays in film and television, but 2ND AD remains the liaison between talents and settings. Typically in advertising you (the actor) are subject to 2ND When you arrive they walk you through the paperwork, then hair/makeup/wardrobe and make sure you are where you need to be, when you need to be. A2ND The AD will also assist in directing the background actors on set.
MM: What is your favorite part of your job?
NM: I love going to a new place almost every day. Every day brings new challenges. Sometimes I worry about the weather while working in a field in the middle of nowhere, and then the next day I’m working on a high-rise building in downtown Chicago. Not many careers offer this much flexibility.
MM: Knowing that very few things are typical in this line of work, what is a typical week like for you working in television or commercial?
NM: I mainly serve as Key 2ND Served as an assistant director on a television show. In this regard, my week usually runs from Monday to Friday. When I’m filming, I usually work 14 to 16 hours a day. I can start my Monday with a 6am call and by the end of the week we can have a 6pm call. If you like consistency, this may not be for you…
MM: How long have you been doing this? What is your process like? How 1 becomes 2ND advertise?
NM: I was a DGA (Directors Guild of America) 2ND Since 2015.
Become a DGA 2ND AD, there are a few different routes you can take. I think the most common way is to join through PA days worked. for this Third region (outside Southern California) You must work on a union television show or film for at least 600 days. You build a book containing various evidence of all your employment dates and submit it to the DGA. There are also avenues through business days/non-union days and the DGA intern program.
MM: What should actors know about interacting with 2ND advertise? Can you share some “do’s and don’ts” tips?
NM: Be prepared and arrive early. Don’t be too nervous to ask questions. We’re here to assist you!
MM: Who is your favorite actor to work with?
NM: Kate Winslet. She is an absolute professional and a joy to be around. I worked with her over ten years ago and I still remember her telling me, “I never want to be late, I never want to be the last actor to arrive on set.” She always came prepared and was very respectful.
MM: What else should early career actors know about second jobs?
NM: We are the gatekeepers of information. Information Department!
– Matt Miller is the Director of DGA and an adjunct instructor at the Chicago Acting Studio.
