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Second Assistant Director Agreement

For second assistant director work on a production, with agreed responsibilities, dates, and pay.

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About this contract

For second assistant director work on a production, with agreed responsibilities, dates, and pay. A second assistant director coordinates information and cast readiness, but should not assume authority to change the production plan. A crew agreement should identify who approves changes to call times, schedules, staffing, and spending.

Key points covered in this contract

  • Call sheets: call-sheet preparation, approval, and distribution.
  • Cast coordination: cast readiness and communication between base camp and the first AD.
  • Changes and approval: changes to second assistant director duties, additional dates, and who can approve them.
  • Payment and cancellation: payment timing and cancellation terms for this engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the second AD change calls or the schedule independently?
A second assistant director usually organizes call sheets and cast readiness within the production's approved schedule. Circulating a schedule is different from having authority to change it. A crew agreement can explain which decisions need approval from the first assistant director or producer.
What is a film crew kit fee?
A kit fee pays a crew member for bringing and using their own equipment, separately from their labor. It might cover a sound kit or specialist tools. Paying that fee does not mean the production owns the equipment, and insurance or damage responsibility is a separate issue.
Does a day rate include unlimited hours or extra shoot dates?
No. A day rate covers an agreed workday, not unlimited availability. Additional hours or dates may require extra pay, and mandatory overtime or rest rules can still apply. A flat fee does not automatically remove those protections.
Does a film crew contract replace required union paperwork?
No. Applicable law and binding collective bargaining terms still apply. A private contract cannot determine worker classification contrary to law or replace required union forms.