Interview with Assistant Director

Can you briefly define your job to me?
I am a assisstant director. I'm responsible for running the set and maintaining a constant flow on set. I’m mainly in charge of arranging the cast and crew.

How did you get started in this business?
I attended USC (California) and graduated in 2004. After graduation, I started doing work with Courage. I later went on and interned with different producers. I was given the chance to go to the Tribeca Film Festival to intern. I would later come back to South Carolina and began work as a base camp director for Army Wives. After wrapping up Army Wives, I mainly traveled along the East Coast doing work. Now, I’m based in Georgia. Recently, I wrapped up The Conspirator directed by Robert Redford. The film deals with the assassination of President Lincoln. Other recent work includes working as a PA on Dear John (2009) and Meet the Spartans (2008). I was recently admitted into the Directors Guild of America.

How do you deal with someone who is not carrying an assigned task?
I would pull them aside and try to teach them. I believe in having a stable team when I work. I want my workers to feel comfortable with me, and not view me as a tyrant. I want them to be able to come and talk to me if they feel they need help, because that is how a team works. If the person is an intern, its expected for them to mess up because they are learning.

Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Follow your dreams and go for it. If this is something you want, you’ll find others that will be willing to help you. It’s all about building connections.