Assistant Directing and Floor Managing (Taught)

All the training you need for a successful career as an Assistant Director and/or Floor Manager.

Delivered in partnership with the BBC Academy, this highly practical course will give you all the knowledge and know-how to get your career off the ground.

Being an Assistant Director or Floor Manager is a demanding role that requires a level head, self-confidence and strong communication to ensure a production is delivered successfully. You will be responsible for the operation of the shooting set or television studio. Your objective is to provide the director with everything they need to realise their vision, our objective is to give you all the skills and techniques you will need to provide this.

You will collaborate with fellow students in other specialisms to make films and TV entertainment shows. And you’ll also benefit from a minimum of 10 days of work experience in an Industry setting.

Course Facilities

You will be working at the only UK film school with its own Industry standard film studio and 4K Television and rehearsal studios, giving you invaluable on-set experience and the most up to date training.

This course combines practical experience on fiction films and television entertainment shows with industry work experience and intensive training.

During the course you will take part in a range of specialist workshops on a range of relevant topics, such as working with talent, supporting artistes, setting background action, digital FX, freelancer toolkit, CV and interview techniques, etc.

Specifically you will learn about:

• Reading a script and developing a shooting schedule
• How to use relevant industry software (e.g Movie Magic and Final Draft)
• The impact of budget, cast availability and script coverage on the shooting schedule
• Supporting the work of Camera, Locations, Art and all other film departments
• Leading a team and managing talent
• Set and Studio Floor protocols and etiquette
• Liaising with the production office to create call sheets, movement orders and other production paperwork
• Managing a set or studio floor with confidence during a shoot
• The importance of interpersonal skills, communication, flexibility and problem-solving
• Health & Safety Passport / First Aid Qualifications
• Working with the latest Covid-19 Protocols

Each student will complete a minimum of 10-days work experience. This is a requirement to pass the course. Students are encouraged and supported to complete further work experience as appropriate.