What Is the Difference Between an Associate Director and an Assistant Director?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the associate director is in charge of overall creative decisions whereas the assistant director is the second-ranking authority for such decisions. Associate and assistant directors have different levels of responsibility.

The executive director is in charge of the entire vision, and often hires an associate director, assistant to share the responsibilities of running a large show or film. Associate directors assist the executive with major decisions, while the assistant often helps with day-to-day operations. Directors, in general, are in charge of business decisions for any type of film, television or stage project. Their duties include working with actors and actresses to help them develop their. Depending on the complexity of the show, the crew can include everyone from a costume designer and choreographer to a set director. Associate directors assist the executive directors with duties such as selecting the different camera angles, and costume choices, while assistant directors complete tasks given to them by the associate directors.

Usually, the associate director has worked on all stages of production from pre-production to post-production. The associate director helps to execute the creative flow and appearance of the scenery and actors. The responsibilities of the associate director and the assistant director will vary.