Liz GillRunning the Show: The Essential Guide to Being a First Assistant Director

This book lives up to its title of being essential. I wish I had read it before some of the AD gigs I've had, and I definitely intend on going back to it at various stages of my career.Liz outlines the job of being a 1st AD from the moment you get hired until the project is over, and she does so with great clarity and detail. She gives a great overview of what's expected of you, how your position relates to the other departments on set and common challenges you face on set, along with tips to overcome them.I'll be honest, there were times while reading this and seeing so clearly how much goes into being a 1st AD that I was ready to run and find a new career path. I imagine that future re-reads will be like hanging out with an old friend, sharing war stories.

Finally!! It's nice to see a book that isn't just for future directors, actors, and screenwriters...This book is informative, easy to read, and invaluable for anyone interested in what a 1st Assistant Director does. HOWEVER! This book doesn't just limit itself to the 1st AD position. Not only is there an amazing amount of information about the day-to-day job, she lets you know who you'll be working with (departments), some general challenges you will face, the equipment you'll use/encounter, and the skills you will need to succeed in the industry.Although I already felt knowledgeable about the industry, Liz gave me insight that I am most grateful to have as I begin my journey into the world of film. I'd say this is one of the best books I have read about the logistical workings of the industry.I hope you like this book as much as I do. I'm more excited than ever to get started and I'll definitely be reading it again.Also, the companion website (!) has a lot of valuable information to supplement the book.

I stumbled into 1st ADing 3 years ago and I felt like I found one of my callings. However, I had a lot of gaps between my film school education in actually understanding what an AD really does. Without access to a DGA trained AD, this book helped to fill in some gaps in my learning. It doesn't answer everything but it is a great overview with helpful personal stories from the writer. The only thing that I wish it expanded upon was entry into the DGA and the role of Key Seconds or multiple 2nd AD's and how to schedule multi-camera shots. Otherwise it's a great place to either start or expand upon your knowledge of running a set.

This is well written and very thorough. All people in the film business should read it and have a copy on hand before, during and after production, as Liz explains not only the order of the process of making a production, but the interconnectivity of the departments and how the first assistant director corals them to make them work together, better. It reveals how vitally important and honorable the job of 1st AD really is. Even directors and producers will better understand their own roles, and how they should relate to all the others who work their expertise to make quality happen for each scene of the production.

Impressive! This book is packed with insight into the day in and day out work of an assistant director. I appreciate the realistic looking at this hard but rewarding career field. I was a production superintendent in the military and this is the only job I would say parallels that work.

Very useful information for those who want to learn to be an assistant director. If you're starting out this has tons of information to utilize.

I've enjoyed this book. It's easy to read and follow along with. If you want to AD then this is a must read!

Greatest AD'ing book, would suggest to everyone interested, not only in AD'ing but in understanding how filmmaking process works in prep and on set in very simple (not less interesting though!) language, good sense of humour and care for people.

You should buy this book, if you want a leg up in the industry. It helps become a better AD.

encontramos casi por accidente este libro que se ha vuelto libro de texto obligatorio en la escuela. De manera amena, veraz y certera te involucra inmediatamente en las generalidades Y DETALLES del oficio. Una joya que hacía falta en el medio para entender al primer oficial del barco.

Livre très utile et pratique : c'est le seul manuel que j'ai trouvé qui partage sans retenue les secrets du métier.J'ai lu plusieurs livres français sur l'assistanat réalisation, qui sont assez désagréables car très théoriques, tournant autour du pot, comme pour préserver un secret de polichinelle, refusant de partager de vrais conseils techniques et pragmatiques.Ce livre-ci est précieux car il partage de vrais conseils utiles, étape par étape, des premiers étapes avant l'embauche jusqu'au tournage.Dommage qu'il n'existe pas de version française reprenant les us et coutumes européens (qui diffèrent un peu des Etats-Unis). On ne peut que regretter que nos écrivains et professionnels francophones soient si radins quand il s'agit de partager leurs astuces et conseils de pro.

This is an essential book for everybody thinking about working in the media industry.It did not only give me insight into the first AD's work, but also into all the other departments on and off set.Since I am just starting out this book was a life saver!

THE guide to being a first. So well written, with so much knowledge, experience and love. 10 years into this job and still this book is never far from my side. For existing, or aspiring firsts, it's a must read.