THE ART OF HERDING CATS: A 1ST AD WORKSHOP
What does a First Assistant Director really do—and why are they involved long before
the cameras roll?
This one-hour workshop breaks down the essential responsibilities of the First Assistant
Director (1st AD) and explains how they help guide a film from preproduction through
production. Participants will learn how the 1st AD collaborates with directors, producers,
and department heads during preproduction to build schedules, break down scripts,
plan efficient shooting days, and prepare the set for success before day one.
The session also covers the 1st AD’s on-set role: running the floor, managing time,
maintaining safety, communicating across departments, and keeping the production
moving while protecting the director’s creative focus.
Designed for filmmakers, crew members, and anyone curious about set operations, this
workshop offers a clear introduction to how a 1st AD turns planning into execution—and
why having the 1st AD involved early in preproduction is critical to making the day and
getting the movie made.
Speaker: Randee Ramsey, Executive Director, Southwest Alternative Media Project (SWAMP)
Randee Ramsey is the Executive Director of the Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP), where she co-founded the Houston Media Conference and created the Young Filmmaker Bootcamp, a hands-on summer program that gives teens the chance to shoot a short film assisted by professional mentors. She has produced more than 20 ads for Mothers For Democracy/Mothers Against Greg Abbott
A filmmaker, educator, and community builder, Randee holds an MFA in Film from CalArts and brings over 25 years of experience in the industry as a screenwriter, director, production manager, and first assistant director. She also serves on the faculty of Houston City College’s Filmmaking Program, where she teaches courses in show running, production management, and television field production, inspiring the next generation of Houston storytellers to create boldly and collaboratively.