How to Transition From PA to Assistant Director: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on: Sep 23, 2025

Photo Credit: Anna Stills | iStockPhoto

By Brendan Fitzgibbons

If you’ve ever worked a gig as a Production Assistant (PA), then you’ve probably done it all: late-night coffee runs, moving crew equipment, wrangling background extras, guarding a location using only a clipboard and vibes, and holding an umbrella for an actor’s dog named “Fairness.” And chances are, during these tasks, you’ve asked yourself on more than one occasion, “Can I do anything but this?”

Well, great news — you definitely can. Among many other roles, one you can certainly thrive in is being an Assistant Director. So here’s a step-by-step guide from PA to AD, highlighting the essential skills, portfolio-building moves and key networking strategies you’ll need to level up.

Key Insights

Treating the PA role seriously — showing up on time, solving problems, and learning from ADs — builds the foundation for advancement.
Understanding the AD department hierarchy and responsibilities helps you navigate and accelerate your career path.
Leadership, scheduling, and time management are the essential skills you must develop to thrive as an Assistant Director.

Step 1: Master the PA Role (and Take Names)

Before you can fly, you have to learn to walk — and that’s what being a PA is. Even though it’s considered by many to be the ground-floor position of production, PAs are truthfully the unsung heroes who can make or break a set. And you know this is the absolute truth, because if a PA doesn’t do their job — and, let’s say, accidentally drops a camera on the actor’s dog — the set could descend into complete chaos. Not to mention the potential leaked memes.

So step one is really about treating your job like it matters: be on time, hustle, take copious mental notes, and be game for every task. Most significantly, study your AD and learn their lingo — like the difference between “rolling” and “rolling on rehearsal.” Watch how they master the art of managing chaos and getting everyone ready for a take, which is no small feat — especially if it’s a comedy shoot and, God forbid, people start doing bits. Be a problem solver, not a starter, and if you do that, you’ll become invaluable and top of mind for the next gig.

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Step 2: Learn the Chain of Command

Here’s where you gotta put your military hat on and learn the AD department’s hierarchy. If you’re aiming to be a 1st AD one day, you’ll likely pass through roles like Key PA, 2nd 2nd AD, and 2nd AD first. Now, this hierarchy isn’t the same on every set, but understanding the responsibilities at each level will help you move up the flagpole faster.

Let’s break these down individually: The Key PA leads the PA team, communicates directly with the 2nd AD, and often acts as the “PA Captain.” The 2nd 2nd AD is usually responsible for background talent and wrangling logistics for second units. The 2nd AD is the right hand of the 1st AD, and handles call sheets, movement orders and talent coordination. And lastly, the 1st AD oversees the entire on-set operation, from scheduling to safety. Think: air traffic controller meets drill sergeant (with a clipboard), and usually also … therapist.

Lastly, it’s important to point out that even though there is a structure here, you can leapfrog it depending on your commitment, connections, and how good you are at remembering everyone’ alternative milk preferences.

Step 3: Build Your Résumé and Portfolio Strategically

Now it’s critical to build your résumé and portfolio strategically — with the goal of becoming an AD in mind. That means having more on your résumé than just “PA” and “Knows about Google.” Make sure to include all the tasks you handled on set that align with responsibilities in the AD department. These could be things like: “Assisted in creating and distributing daily call sheets,” and “Supported 2nd AD with talent wrangling and logistics.”

Start keeping track of these credits in a separate Google Doc (this is where your Google knowledge actually comes in handy). And if you build a good rapport with the AD, don’t be shy — ask for a recommendation. A strong rec from someone respected in the industry is often more valuable than any résumé.

Step 4: Develop Essential Skills

Now that you’re learning vital skills, it’s time to really develop the core skills that’ll take you from PA to AD. Arguably the most overlooked — but most crucial — skill you’ll need is leadership. And you don’t have to wait until you have a fancy title to start practicing it. Show your confidence and leadership on set by guiding other PAs, taking initiative and managing background actors like a pro. Want more practice? Go home and treat your dog — or your most patient loved one — as a featured extra in your life. Block their movement, call out rehearsal takes and yell “Cut!” when they look super bored.

Next, start learning about scheduling. Programs like Movie Magic Scheduling will eventually become your best friend. Study how they work and start imagining how you’d structure a day on set. At the same time, get real cozy with time management. As an AD, your number-one job is to keep every department on track so you can shoot swiftly and intentionally — without spiraling into panic when lunch is late, or when a key scene takes place next to a live tap dance class.

Step 5: Network Like a Pro

Most importantly, network, network, and then do some more networking. Relationships are the engine that drive this industry, so get out there and be proactive. If being social “isn’t your thing,” just remind yourself that neither is “not working.” Stay in touch with the 2nd or 1st ADs you’ve worked with and ask if they need help on any upcoming projects. Use good judgment here — there’s a fine line between being persistent and being that person who ends up muted.

Join Facebook groups or forums for ADs and indie filmmakers. Go to film mixers, union events and wrap parties. Remind people of your magic by smiling, thanking them for the opportunity, and asking thoughtful questions. You’d be surprised how far genuine curiosity about someone else’s life will take you. But do it because you mean it — not because you think you’ll get something from it. That pivot will make all the difference.

Key Takeaways

Document and highlight AD-related tasks on your résumé to strategically position yourself for future roles.
Practice leadership early, whether by guiding other PAs or managing background talent, to prove you’re ready for more responsibility.
Build authentic industry relationships through networking, staying connected with ADs, and showing genuine curiosity about others.

Brendan Fitzgibbons is a comedy writer and actor living in Los Angeles. He’s written for Comedy Central, The Onion, NBC, HuffPost and Bravo. As an actor, he’s appeared on Comedy Central, MTV and “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.” His podcast, “Spiritual As****e” was named a Top Indie Podcast by Stitcher.