How to Become an Assistant Director in India: A Career Guide

Behind every film, web series, ad shoot or music video there is someone keeping the set on schedule, the cast ready and the crew moving. That person is the assistant director, often called the AD. It is one of the most demanding jobs on a production, and also one of the best ways to learn how films are really made. Many directors in India started their careers as assistant directors.

This guide explains what an assistant director does, the different AD roles, the skills you need, how to get your first assisting job in India and how to grow from there.

What does an assistant director do?

The assistant director helps the director turn a script into a shoot that runs on time and within budget. While the director focuses on performances and the creative vision, the AD team handles the planning and the flow of the set. Typical tasks include:

• Breaking down the script into scenes, locations, characters, props and costumes.
• Helping prepare the shooting schedule and the daily call sheet.
• Coordinating with departments such as camera, art, costume, make-up and production.
• Making sure actors are ready and on set when needed.
• Keeping track of time on set and calling “rolling”, “action” cues and breaks as directed.
• Managing background artists and crowd scenes.
• Maintaining continuity notes so shots match from one take to the next.

Types of assistant director roles

On larger productions, the AD team is split into levels. Titles vary between productions, but a common structure is:

First assistant director

The first AD runs the floor. They build the schedule with the production team, keep the day moving and are the main link between the director and the crew.

Second assistant director

The second AD prepares the call sheets, coordinates actor timings, and handles much of the paperwork and communication so the first AD can stay focused on set.

Third assistant and other assistants

Third ADs and junior assistants run errands between departments, manage extras, relay messages over walkie-talkies and help wherever they are needed. Many people also start as a continuity or script supervisor assistant, tracking details such as costumes, props and dialogue between takes.

Smaller shoots, such as short films and ads, may have just one or two assistants who do all of these jobs together.

Skills you need to become an assistant director

Organisation and planning

Schedules, call sheets and breakdowns are the backbone of the job. Being comfortable with spreadsheets and calendars helps a lot.

Communication

ADs talk to everyone on set, from lead actors to light boys. Clear, calm and respectful communication in Hindi, English and often a regional language is a real advantage.

Understanding of filmmaking

You do not need to be a camera expert, but you should understand shot types, coverage, lighting setups and how editing works. This helps you predict how long each scene will take.

Attention to detail

Continuity mistakes, such as a glass that is full in one shot and empty in the next, are easy to miss. Good ADs notice them.

Stamina and calm under pressure

Shoot days are long and plans change because of weather, locations or actors’ timings. The ability to stay calm and re-plan quickly is essential.

Qualifications: do you need a film degree?

There is no fixed qualification to become an assistant director in India. Some ADs have degrees or diplomas in filmmaking or mass communication, while many others learn on the job. What matters most is practical experience on sets, a working understanding of production and a reputation for being reliable. A structured filmmaking course can speed things up by teaching you scripting, shooting and editing together, and by giving you projects to show.

How to become an assistant director in India: step by step

1. Learn the basics of filmmaking. Understand scripts, shot lists, storyboards and editing. Our guide on how to make a storyboard is a good place to start.
2. Practise script breakdowns. Take any short film script and list every scene, location, character and prop. Then try writing a simple shooting schedule.
3. Work on small shoots. Volunteer on student films, short films, YouTube productions and college events. Every set teaches you how departments work together.
4. Make your own short film. Directing even a two-minute film shows you what an AD has to manage.
5. Build contacts. Most AD jobs come through references. Stay in touch with people you work with, attend screenings and film festivals, and join relevant online communities.
6. Prepare a simple resume. List the projects you assisted on, your role and your skills. Our guide to a media resume for freshers explains the format.
7. Apply as an assistant or intern. Reach out politely to production houses, ad agencies and independent directors. Be ready to start with long hours and small tasks.

Where assistant directors work

• Feature films in Hindi and regional languages.
• Web series and OTT productions.
• Television serials and reality shows.
• Advertising and corporate film shoots.
• Music videos and branded content for social media.

Career growth for ADs

With experience, assistants move up to second and first AD roles. Some stay in assistant direction as a long-term career, since experienced first ADs are in steady demand. Others move into direction, line production, casting or scriptwriting. The skills you build, such as planning, people management and problem-solving, are useful across the media industry.

Tips for women entering assistant direction

Film sets have traditionally had fewer women in crew roles, but that is changing. Ask about working hours, travel and transport arrangements before you take on a project, keep trusted contacts informed during late shoots, and build a network of women working in the industry for advice and references. Confidence grows quickly once you have a few sets behind you.

Learn filmmaking with Karuna Media

At Karuna Media, run by Puppets Picture Education Trust (PPET) in Noida, the 12-month Karuna Media Master Program trains women from underprivileged homes in filmmaking, cinematography, editing, audio and AI tools, with hands-on projects and job placement support. If you, or someone you know, want to work behind the camera, apply to the program. If you would like to help more women get there, you can support our work with a donation.