(PICTURE: Tom Ivy on a filming site survey at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, in Jerusalem, Israel)

Why Am I Blogging?

WHY AM I BLOGGING?

I'd much prefer to be standing beside a camera calling "Action" or in the director's booth of a giant arena, watching the stage manager call the cues to a big show I've designed... But when I'm NOT doing those things, I'm sometimes privileged to be asked to share some of what I know -- and what I'm still learning -- about this craft, about working with people in the entertainment business, and, more fundamentally about life in general... It's full of surprises, some of them delightful, some of them devastating, all of them capable of making me a better professional, a better friend, a better husband and father. So from time to time I'll share some of these 'lessons from life' with the particular slant of a guy who loves what he does and has learned some lessons (too many of them the hard way) about writing, producing, directing, and about this often-confusing journey called life. I welcome your comments and viewpoints in this conversation...

Tom Ivy

Monday, September 15, 2014

'WHAT I EXPECT FROM AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR"

The other day I ran across something I put together after working with a young assistant director who seemed to care more about getting my job than doing his.  He was actually a very talented young professional, but his attitude earned a proverbial 'DO NOT HIRE' mark in my book, sad to say.  It was because of him I decided to write up a summary of what I expect from an AD for anyone wanting the job.  If you are an assistant director now or aspire to be one or to be a director someday, this may be helpful.  If you're a director now, feel free to copy it, add to it, and make it your own orientation tool for new staff.   Enjoy!

WHAT I EXPECT FROM AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
1.     ...Your creative genius.
2.     ...Your professional opinion
3.     ...Absolute loyalty to me as the director  (no taking the crew side in a conflict, even in jest)
4.     ...No 'Director' attitude  (when it's your job, you'll understand)
5.     ...Your sense of humor (if we don't have fun, we should change professions)
6.     ...Your service to the production, to the cast and crew, to me!
7.     ...Your help to foster a creative, energized set for everyone.
8.     ...Your care to make non-professionals and newcomers feel welcome and important.
9.     ...Your acknowledgement that ultimately I'm the boss!  (When YOU'RE the director, you'll be!)
10.   ...Your recognition that EVERYONE is important and has a contribution to make to the process.

Follow these ten rules and every director will want you.  What's more, you'll have more fun while you work harder than ever before in your life.  Ultimately you'll be amazed at the doors that will open to your future.  Trust me...!


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