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3rd AD

Manages background artists and set movement; crowd control on the floor on UK film/TV units — radio discipline, schedule and safety culture.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Background
• Radios and locks
• Cueing extras

Reports to

1st AD / 2nd AD

Works with

Crowd AD, Floor Runner, Background artists, Locations marshalls

Career path

Floor Runner → 3rd AD → 2nd AD

Day to day

Brief background; move them to set; hold quiet; work with marshalls; support 1st on floor choreography.

Call times

1st AD often early for blocking/safety; 2nd AD works call-sheet nights; 3rd/crowd early for background; floor runners match the floor. Always read the call sheet header.

What to wear

Blacks; comfortable shoes; radio; weather layers; hi-vis when needed for crowd/traffic.

Tools & kit

Radio, sides, notebook, watch, comfortable bag, weather cover for call sheets.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• PDF sides
• WhatsApp (as directed)
• Movie Magic Scheduling / Excel stripboards
• StudioBinder / Yamdu / call sheet tools
• Radio / WhatsApp discipline
• ChatGPT for draft background briefings (1st AD approves)

Bectu rate cards for this role are in the app.

Related roles

1st AD, Floor Manager (studio TV)

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