Assistant Director

My blog, so it can be me sounding off on the little things that bother me on and off set. If you think they’re petty, whatevs. I do what I want.

1. Being late. Dont kill yourself getting to set, but do allow time for showing up. Just do your best to prevent this. Wake up calls, alarms. Most of the job is showing up on time.

2: Staples that stick out in the sides. Now this is actually half pet peeve, half I’ve almost cut straight through a major artery when I went to reach into my cargo pants for sides and ended up cutting through my wrist because a staple was sticking out. When I get them from the office, the first thing I do is take a leatherman and use the pliers to smash all of them down flat. I know the office does their best, but I’ve seen more than a few ADs and actors flinch when reaching for sides, and notice that I’ve stamped them down.

3. “Whatever.” Never say whatever. Never say no, never dismiss someones request. Always redirect them to the appropriate department to help them out. If theres an issues, like lost equipment, or the sides are messed up, dont just shrug your shoulders and blow someone off if they’re trying to show you how to correct that in the future. Every department can chip in to make the best film possible, and one of the great things about a Key Grip I work for, is they always listen to the AD department, or whoever has an issue and helps redirect them, or help in them in the best way the grip department can.

4. ” Can I go home?” I’ve said this before. I dont want to be there any longer than you do. Do the job you’re hired for, help me finish our day, and lets go get beer.

5: “Where’s my ____?” What department am I? AD department. Not the paycheck department, not the camera rental house. I can get you to who you need, but do not complain to me about paycheck issues. Unless your paycheck is in the shot, its not my deal.

6. “This food tastes like_______” Also, I’m not the caterer. Or production. Should you have an issue with the food, you may address it with them. Not with me, in the middle of a giant set up. I cant do nothing for you man.

7. “We did it this way on another movie.”/ “No, this is the right way to do it.” Put a 100 grips in a room and ask them how to rig something, and you’ll get 100 different answers. Same with being a DP, or an AD. Just because the way I do something is unconventional, doesn’t mean its incorrect. 

Unless you refuse to Block/Light/Shoot. Then you’re just fucking with me.

- Griffin