

The First AD
A Swedish independent comedy about power. The 25-year-old idealist ANTON is First AD (First Assistant Director) on a feature film shooting. 10-year-old lead character KLARA has a strong fairness pathos and she and Anton become friends during filming. Anton's role as leader of the shooting is torpedoed from all sides and he gets more and more broken down by the job - and one day he just snaps! Klara sees what happens and is forced to use the great power she actually has, to really make a change.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the demanding and often overlooked role of the Assistant Director (AD) in filmmaking. It offers an intimate look at the daily lives and challenges faced by First ADs on various film sets, highlighting their crucial responsibilities in managing schedules, budgets, and personnel to bring a director's vision to life. The film features interviews with prominent directors and ADs who share their experiences and insights into this vital behind-the-scenes position.
Critical Reception
The First AD received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised its insightful portrayal of a critical but often unseen role in filmmaking. Reviewers highlighted its engaging narrative, accessible explanations of film production, and the compelling interviews with industry professionals.
What Reviewers Say
- Offers a fascinating and often surprising look into the world of Assistant Directors.
- Provides valuable insight into the complex logistics of film production.
- Features engaging interviews with both seasoned ADs and well-known directors.
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Fun Fact
The film was shot over a period of five years, giving director Thomas Wallace, who is also a working First AD, ample time to capture authentic behind-the-scenes moments across diverse productions.
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