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Crowd AD / 2nd 2nd AD

Runs background artists on the floor (UK often “2nd 2nd” or Crowd AD).

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Brief and place crowd
• Cue background action
• Liaise Costume/HMU crowd
• Safety around crowd moves

Reports to

1st AD / 2nd AD

Works with

3rd AD, Crowd Costume/HMU, Background, Marshalls

Career path

Floor Runner / 3rd AD → Crowd AD / 2nd 2nd → 2nd AD

Day to day

Process background; costume/HMU waves; bring waves to 3rd/1st; keep holding areas decent.

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

Related roles

3rd AD, 2nd AD, 1st AD

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