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Base AD

AD covering unit base, transport departures and crowd holding (when used) 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
• Base calls and departures
• Holding areas
• Liaise transport and 2nd AD
• Information flow to floor

Reports to

2nd AD / 1st AD

Works with

Transport, Base Runner, Crowd holding, Production office

Career path

3rd AD / Floor Runner → Base AD

Day to day

Run base departures; holding; information hub between office and floor; problem-solve cast arrivals.

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

• Call sheets
• Transport lists
• Movie Magic Scheduling / Excel stripboards
• StudioBinder / Yamdu / call sheet tools
• Radio / WhatsApp discipline
• ChatGPT for draft background briefings (1st AD approves)

Related roles

2nd AD, 3rd AD, Transport Captain

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