Stepping Off Set With.... First Assistant Director, Zoe Liang

🎬 How did you break into the film industry/what was your first job?
​My cousin was working at the BBC and managed to get my work experience on a BBC drama called Holby City. After a weeks work experience they asked me to come back when I had breaks from uni, this then turned in to a film time job after graduating as a Production Runner (photo copying scripts, and general admin tasks).

🎬 Did you always know you wanted to be an Assistant Director, or was there another department you were interested in?
​I started in production so would take paperwork up to set and I always loved the energy of the floor so I asked if I could be considered as a floor runner when a position came up, luckily one did.

🎬 What advice would you give to PAs and new crew members who want to move up in the AD department?
​CallTime is a great platform to get a foot in the door, then it’s down to you to be proactive, positive and generally helpful when at work, don’t be lazy it’s really obvious when PA’s are lazy.

🎬 What do you look for in your AD team?
​It’s really important to me my team are kind, nice helpful people.

🎬 What's a common misconception about the AD role?
​That you have to run a floor by shouting. I think it’s the opposite people just stop listening if you shout all the time.

🎬 What's the most rewarding part of being a 1st AD?
​So much is rewarding: working as part of a close knit team, constant problem solving, meeting such a variety of talented people and often in truly amazing locations.

🎬 How do you balance efficiency with keeping the set a positive environment?
By constantly prioritising the requests that come in whilst keeping perspective on the overall project.
Treating everyone with respect, being professional but also keep things light if you can.

🎬 What's the most challenging part of being an Assistant Director?
Trying to keep everyone happy, I think being up front with crew and explaining reasons things change helps everyone pull together.

🎬 What's one piece of advice you wish you had when you started, or the biggest lesson you've learned in your career?
​Trust you gut it’s normally right.

🎬 Can you share a memorable experience or "pinch me" moment from a past project?​
When I was a crowd 3rd on Hereafter, a film Directed by Clint Eastwood. I had set some background action and he said 'good job' to me. I was so pleased that he had acknowledged my work, as I was a fan of his work.

To see more of Zoe's career journey whose credits include We live in Time, Good Grief, Enola Holmes 2 and 2nd Unit 1st AD on Fantastic Beasts: The Secret of Dumbledore click: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2484749/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1​

*CallTime Company have made a donation to the UK Film and TV Charity on behalf of Zoe Liang to thank Zoe for her time, knowledge and insight https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/​