StudentFilmmakers Magazine: What are the most challenging aspects working as a First AD?
Liz Gill: Personalities! It’s always challenging to lead a combination of very different temperaments and it’s different on every job. It’s crucial to have empathy and also to admit mistakes.
StudentFilmmakers Magazine: Can you tell us about your transition from First AD to director?
Liz Gill: It was less a straight transition than a bit of back and forth – First AD was my day job when I was writing until I got my second film made. Then even after directing a number of TV series I firsted commercials as they were still useful and educational. Time on a set is always precious and as a director you get that less – and there are certain jobs where I’d prefer to be the First than the director!
StudentFilmmakers Magazine: What was one of the most important things you learned while working on set?
Liz Gill: Collaboration – understanding other people’s points of view and trying to help them do their best work.
StudentFilmmakers Magazine: If you could share your Top 3 Tips for aspiring ADs, what would they be?
Liz Gill:
(#1.) Listen carefully to instructions and report back when a task is complete.
(#2.) Ask the dumb questions.
(#3.) Mind your manners no matter how much pressure you’re under.
Interview conducted by Jody Michelle Solis. Associate Publisher for StudentFilmmakers Magazine (studentfilmmakers.com), HD Pro Guide Magazine (www.hdproguide.com), and Sports Video Tech (www.sportsvideotech.com) Magazine. “Lifelines, not deadlines. Motion Arts. Fusion Everything.” If you’re in Dallas, sign up for Jody’s Yoga Class.
