newindiefilm.com

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David Freedman

First Assistant Director / Second Assistant Director

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• UK / London based with 10+ years' experience

• First-Assistant Directed Features, Shorts and more

• Studied film and practical filmmaking at London Met

• Trained in Production Management at NFTS

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I'm a skilled and experienced 1st AD with over 10 years’ experience, especially as regards low-budget productions, having firsted nearly two dozen features and fiction shorts, as well as docs and commercials, working with both experienced and debut directors. Notable 1st AD credits include drama feature Homeless Ashes (Dir. Marc Zammit), an award-winning drama about a young man growing up on the streets in London, which had a market screening at Cannes, a premiere at Raindance, and theatrical release with Everyman Cinemas. Plus, documentary feature Conscious, Dir Suki Chan, a forthcoming feature doc about consciousness and Alzheimer’s, funded by BFI Doc Society, Screen Scotland and the Sundance Institute. Previously, I firsted The Liberator, directed by Ben Lettieri, a UK low-budget action feature, which won multiple awards and was picked up by Leomark Studios. If you’re shoot has lots of moving parts, I’m the person, as I have lots of experience with shooting from vehicles, low-loaders, various grip rigs, cranes, jibs, stunts, SFX, Crowds and more. I have also stood in the director's shoes myself, having directed two shorts, which gives me a greater understanding of the supremely important director / 1st AD relationship. I’m a BAFTA member and also regularly professionally schedule features. Recent scheduling credits include The Thicket, (Dir. Elliott Lester), a Western starring Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis. I’m also a associate lecturer at London Met Film School and UCA teaching MA Filmmaking students. But I love being on set working with talent, managing and coordinating cast and crew to make sure a shoot runs smoothly and to schedule. Plus getting to be part of the magic of bringing quality films to life! I have a wealth of filmmaking knowledg, I'm responsible, know the importance of planning ahead, have good set etiquette and leadership and people management skills, and am always focused on delivering the director's vision whilst keeping talent and production happy and informed, and always trying to hustle, motivate and keep the process fun.

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Pre-Production:

Experienced at breaking down scripts and producing schedules from small shoots to complex filming with stunts, SFX and VFX. Extensive knowledge of the organisation and processes of film shoots, of each department as well as of production and postproduction techniques to advise on best allocation of time and funds for creative execution. Can offer insightful schedule suggestions to reduce time but maintain production value. Experienced in managing teams and can lead personnel through production meetings. Can utilise extensive industry knowledge to advise on pre-production including crew, kit, locations, vendors and more. Experienced at attending location scouts / recces with Director & HoDs to assess adequacy, facilities and identify potential problems. Can plan and coordinate shoot logistics in UK and abroad. Will regularly communicate and coordinate with Producers, Dir, HODs, Execs, Cast & Crew in all areas especially relating to achieving creative objectives and optimizing schedule and budget.

 

Production:

Experience running the show / managing the day-to-day shoot during the production phase to schedule. Will manage and supervise cast and crew and coordinate all departments so each is ready precisely when they are needed. Have great set etiquette and will set and maintain a rapid pace coupled with attention to detail. Will proudly bring the director's dream to life and on schedule, whilst making the process a fun and positive experience for all. Ensure talent is happy. Mediate any issues. Can offer quick and smart solutions to unforeseen problems and remain calmly adaptable throughout. Have experience working with action vehicles, animals, armourers, child actors, cranes, crowds, drones, green screens, motion capture, multi-cam, prosthetics, sets, SFX, stunts, underwater filming and more. Can oversee and facilitate last minute scheduling changes to keep the film on time and within budget. Will ensure production equipment and assets are secure and that the shoot adheres to health and safety requirements.

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