Trainee Assistant Director Course (TAD)
The TAD course (or 20 days worked as a TAD) is a prerequisite for the 3rd Assistant Director Course.
In this course, you will learn the role and responsibilities of the Trainee Assistant Director (TAD) throughout the production process. The relationship of the AD department with other film departments and the hierarchical nature of a film crew will be explored. We will look at the paperwork created by the AD department and will examine the major union contracts with an emphasis on the key articles (rules) you will need to know as a TAD. The role and rules of Background Performers will be explained in depth, and you will have the opportunity to practice completing a BG voucher. Walkie inventory and management, resumes and interview skills will also be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the role of the Assistant Director department in a Production
- Explain the responsibilities of the TAD during prep, shoot and wrap
- Understand the importance of establishing good relationships with other departments
- Describe the paperwork that is generated and distributed by the AD department
- List the major BC film unions and the categories they each represent
- Create cheat sheets for the major film union contracts
- Organize and manage a walkie inventory
- Differentiate between the different categories of background performers
- Complete a BG voucher
- Reflect on how to plan for a successful future in the film industry