The 1st AD You Never Had (Revised & Expanded)

The First AD You Never Had (Expanded & Revised Edition)
Your no-nonsense survival guide to running an indie film set like a professional.

If your film set feels chaotic…
If every day runs behind, communication breaks down, and morale drops…
If you’re exhausted from putting out fires instead of making your movie…

This book is for you.

Most indie filmmakers don’t fail because of talent — they fail because they don’t understand how a professional set actually works. And when you can’t afford a seasoned 1st Assistant Director, the entire production suffers.

The First AD You Never Had is the field-tested guide every filmmaker wishes someone handed them on Day One.

This expanded and revised edition pulls back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes — the systems, decisions, and leadership skills that keep productions on track, on budget, and out of chaos.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• How professional sets are structured — and why indie sets implode without that structure
• How to break down a script the right way so your schedule doesn’t fall apart
• How to communicate with cast and crew without yelling, micromanaging, or losing authority
• How to plan for problems before they cost you time and money
• How to run your set with clarity, confidence, and respect — even with a small crew
• What separates amateur productions from professional ones (and how to close that gap fast)

This is not film school theory.
This is not fluff.
This is real-world knowledge from a DGA-qualified 1st Assistant Director who has run high-pressure sets and knows exactly where productions break — and how to prevent it.

Whether you’re:

• A director tired of playing project manager instead of directing
• A producer overwhelmed by constant delays and miscommunication
• A PA or emerging filmmaker trying to level up
• Or an indie creator who can’t afford a 1st AD — but can’t afford to work without one either

This book gives you the mindset, language, and systems of a professional 1st AD — without the budget.

Because your film deserves more than chaos.
It deserves leadership.