Career as an Assistant Director in India: Role, Courses and How to Begin

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)Design & Digital Media

Updated

At a glance

An assistant director runs the shooting schedule and coordinates the film set, keeping actors, crew and shots on time; many start through a film course or as a set runner.

An assistant director (AD) runs the shooting schedule and coordinates the film set, making sure each scene is shot on time and the director's plan holds on the day. In India, ADs work on films, web series, TV serials and ad films, and most move up from roles such as set runner or 3rd AD.

The job is built on planning and communication. Before a shoot, the AD breaks the script into scenes, works out the schedule and tells each actor and department when and where to report. During the shoot, they keep the day moving and flag delays early so the director and producer can adjust.

This career suits people who are organised, calm under pressure and comfortable with long, irregular hours, including late nights and outdoor locations. Progress is gradual and depends on work reputation, so building a network and a record of on-time shoots matters as much as a qualification.

Minimum Qualification
Class 12 pass (any stream) for diplomas
Typical Degree
Film or media diploma, or any graduation
Expected Entry Salary
Around ₹2 - ₹4 Lakh/annum, project-based
Entry-level to Senior
Runner or 3rd AD to 1st AD, then Director
Job Demand Growth
Steady, tied to film, OTT and ad output
Work Hours
Long and irregular, especially on shoot days
Places of Work
Film sets, studios, OTT and ad production houses

What Does an Assistant Director Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Break the script into scenes and plan the shooting schedule with the director and producer.

  • Prepare the daily call sheet that tells each actor and crew member when and where to report.

  • Coordinate with department heads such as camera, lighting, art, sound and costume so each set-up is ready on time.

  • Keep the shoot to schedule by tracking completed shots and flagging delays early.

  • Maintain continuity notes and manage set discipline, including who enters the set and where people wait.

  • Handle location, permit and safety arrangements with the production team.

  • Relay the director's instructions to crew and manage actors' readiness before each take.

Where They Work

ADs work for film production houses and studios across India, including Hindi cinema in Mumbai, Tamil cinema in Chennai, Telugu cinema in Hyderabad, Malayalam cinema in Kochi and Bengali cinema in Kolkata.

Many also work on OTT platform originals, TV serials, ad films and music videos. Most ADs are hired project by project and move between productions, so long-term relationships with reliable producers and production houses are important.

How to Become an Assistant Director in India?

After Class 12

Finish Class 12 in any stream. Many film diplomas accept any stream, and you can start building a portfolio of short films or volunteer set work while you study.

Undergraduate

A BA or BMM in mass communication, film studies or a related subject is useful but not always required. Many ADs enter the industry after a non-film degree.

Film Course or Diploma

Join a diploma or postgraduate course in film production or direction at a recognised film institute to learn set etiquette, scheduling and crew structure.

Set Experience

Start as a set runner, production assistant or 3rd AD on short films, ad films and web series, and learn how call sheets and shoot schedules work in practice.

First Job and Progression

Move up to 2nd AD and then 1st AD as you show you can run a unit reliably. Many ADs later direct their own short films, ad films or series.

You might also
want to explore.

Set Designer

Design & Digital Media

Camera Operator

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Costume Designer

Fashion, Textiles & Apparel Tech

Sound Designer

Music Production & Audio Engineering

Set Designer

Design & Digital Media

Camera Operator

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Costume Designer

Fashion, Textiles & Apparel Tech

Sound Designer

Music Production & Audio Engineering

Set Designer

Design & Digital Media

Camera Operator

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Costume Designer

Fashion, Textiles & Apparel Tech

Sound Designer

Music Production & Audio Engineering

Set Designer

Design & Digital Media

Camera Operator

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Costume Designer

Fashion, Textiles & Apparel Tech

Sound Designer

Music Production & Audio Engineering

Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

  • No fixed stream is mandatory for most film diplomas. Class 12 in any stream is commonly accepted, but check each institute's rules.

  • Arts, humanities and commerce backgrounds are common in this field. Science is not required.

  • Interest in film, OTT and TV production, along with a portfolio of short films or set work, helps your application.

Minimum Qualification

  • Class 12 pass (any stream) for diploma courses, as is typical.

  • Graduation in any discipline for many postgraduate diplomas and some institute programmes.

  • No licence is needed. The job is learned through training and on set. Minimum marks vary by institute and should be checked on each institute's notice.

Courses and Degrees for Assistant Director

  • Undergraduate Degrees
    • BA in Film Studies (3 years)
    • BA or BMM in Mass Communication (3 years)
    • BFA in Film Production (3 to 4 years, where offered)
    Postgraduate Degrees
    • MA in Film Studies or Media Production (2 years)
    • PG Diploma in Film Direction or Production (1 to 2 years)
    Diplomas
    • Diploma in Film Direction or Filmmaking (1 to 3 years)
    • Diploma in Film Production Management (1 year)
    • Diploma in Television Production (1 year)
    Certifications & Short-term Courses
    • Short course in set etiquette and production paperwork (weeks to 3 months)
    • Workshop in shoot scheduling and call sheet preparation (a few weeks)

Top Colleges for Assistant Director

Government Institutes

  • College
    Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)
    Location
    Pune, Maharashtra
  • College
    Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI)
    Location
    Kolkata, West Bengal
  • College
    MGR Government Film and Television Training Institute
    Location
    Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Private Institutes

  • College
    Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT)
    Location
    Noida, Uttar Pradesh
  • College
    Whistling Woods International
    Location
    Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • College
    Xavier Institute of Communications
    Location
    Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • College
    Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication
    Location
    Pune, Maharashtra

Skills Required to Become an Assistant Director

Technical Skills

  • Shooting schedule and script breakdown planning
  • Call sheet preparation and distribution
  • Basic continuity tracking across scenes
  • Understanding of how camera, lighting, sound and art departments work
  • Basic budgeting and resource tracking
  • Spreadsheets and scheduling tools (Excel, Google Sheets)
  • Knowledge of production paperwork, permits and set safety

Soft Skills

  • Staying calm under pressure
  • Clear communication with cast and crew
  • Time management and prioritising
  • Leadership without ego
  • Practical problem-solving
  • Patience and physical stamina

Assistant Director Salary in India

0 to 2 years

Entry Level

₹2 - ₹4 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: Set Runner, Production Assistant, 3rd Assistant Director, 2nd Assistant Director
  • Work involves helping with call times, set discipline, props movement and daily paperwork under senior ADs

3 to 7 years

Mid Level

₹5 - ₹10 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: 2nd Assistant Director, 1st Assistant Director
  • Work involves preparing schedules and call sheets, managing the set during shoots and coordinating with department heads

8 or more years

Senior Level

₹12 - ₹25 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: Senior 1st Assistant Director, Unit Production Manager, Line Producer
  • Work involves running large productions, managing budgets and schedules across units, and advising directors on feasibility

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

2nd Assistant Director

Manages call sheets, cast and crew movement, and the schedule paperwork for a shoot day.

1st Assistant Director

Runs the set day to day, works closest to the director and keeps the shoot on schedule.

Production Manager

Handles budgets, crew hiring, logistics and contracts so the production runs smoothly.

Unit Production Manager

Oversees the production unit on location, coordinating travel, accommodation and resources.

Line Producer

Manages the budget and schedule across the whole production and reports to the producer.

Film Director

Leads the creative vision of a film, series or ad film after building experience as an AD.

Scope and Future of Assistant Director in India

Demand for trained assistant directors follows the volume of films, web series, TV serials and ad films being made. Media coverage in October 2026 of film and OTT training paths, such as AAFT Noida's set-to-screen programme, shows that institutes are still promoting these careers to students.

Growth is strongest in OTT originals, regional-language cinema and branded content. Government-run institutes such as FTII in Pune and SRFTI in Kolkata train students in production, and state training bodies such as the MGR Government Film and Television Training Institute in Chennai offer similar programmes. Check each institute's current intake before applying.

Some Indian ADs work on international co-productions and foreign shoots, where crew rules, visas and union norms differ. Building a showreel and a record of on-time, well-run shoots makes it easier to find this work. Check the entry requirements of the local film industry before planning a move abroad.

Is Assistant Director
the Right Career for You?

Assistant Director can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?

Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

See how well this career fits you

Related Careers

More careers in Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX) that students read about.

VFX Artist

VFX Artist

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Film Director

Film Director

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Lighting Technician

Lighting Technician

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Cinematographer

Cinematographer

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Film Editor

Film Editor

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Colourist

Colourist

Cinematography & Visual Effects (VFX)

Assistant Director: Frequently Asked Questions

What does an assistant director do?

An assistant director plans the shooting schedule, prepares the daily call sheet and makes sure actors, crew and equipment are ready for each scene. On set they keep the day moving, track which shots are complete and alert the director and producer when the schedule slips. The work is mostly organisation, communication and calm problem-solving rather than creative decisions, though ADs often help the director with practical staging.

Do I need a film degree to become an assistant director?

No single degree is mandatory. Many ADs start with a diploma in film production or direction, while others enter with a general graduation and learn on set as runners or 3rd ADs. A film course helps you understand production paperwork, crew structure and scheduling, and it can give you contacts and a showreel. Check each institute's eligibility and fees directly before applying.

What is the difference between a 1st, 2nd and 3rd assistant director?

The 1st assistant director (1st AD) is the senior AD who runs the set day to day and works closest to the director. The 2nd AD handles the call sheet, cast and crew movement and schedule paperwork. The 3rd AD and set runners look after actor call times, set discipline and small logistics. Titles and duties can vary by production, so check the crew list for each project.

How much does an assistant director earn in India?

Pay varies with project size, city and experience, and many ADs are paid per project or per day rather than on a fixed monthly salary. Entry-level ADs on smaller productions can earn far less than those on large feature films or OTT originals. The salary section of this page gives indicative ranges, which are a starting guide only, since actual pay depends on the project.

Can I become an assistant director after Class 12?

Yes. Many students join a diploma in film production or direction after Class 12, which lets them learn the basics early. You can also work on sets as a production assistant or runner while you study, building experience and contacts. A degree is useful but not always required. Choose a course that is recognised and includes practical shoots, not only theory.

Is assistant director work stable?

Most ADs work project to project, so income and workload can be uneven. Shoots often run long hours, sometimes overnight, and travel to outdoor locations is common. Experienced ADs build steady work by staying in demand with reliable production houses, OTT platforms and ad agencies. Saving during busy months and keeping in touch with past crew helps manage the gaps between projects.

How long does it take to move from assistant director to director?

There is no fixed timeline. Many ADs spend several years as 2nd or 1st AD, learning how a unit runs, before they direct a short film, ad film or web series. Progression depends on your work, reputation and access to funding. Some move into production management or line producing instead of direction.

Book a Free Counselling Session to Know Your Perfect Career Fit!