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Shadow Director

Trainee director shadowing a block — often a funded scheme; may direct a scene under supervision.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Shadow prep, shoot and edit
• Observe and take notes
• Direct scenes where agreed

Reports to

Director / Producer

Works with

Director, 1st AD, Editor

Career path

Shadow Director → Episode Director

Day to day

Attends prep, set and the cutting room; learns workflow and directs agreed material.

Call times

Director calls with the 1st AD before unit call for blocking; wraps after rushes/next-day prep. Prep and post follow office/edit hours.

What to wear

Smart-casual in the office; practical layers and comfortable shoes on set.

Tools & kit

Laptop, phone, notebook, budget and schedule documents.

Tips

Confirm credit, fee, schedule of payments, exclusivity and any backend on a signed deal memo or contract before starting.

Software

• Scriptation / PDF annotation
• Shot Designer / storyboard tools
• Movie Magic Scheduling (read-only)
• ChatGPT for draft shot-list notes (Director approves)

Related roles

Episode Director, Director's Assistant

More Directors roles