Coordinating Schedule with Director (Taylor Braun)
Still from the Film's Underwater Sequence
Reflection and Project Information:
Working as the First Assistant Director on Angler required a high level of coordination, foresight, and adaptability, and I took an active leadership role in building the structures that allowed the entire team to succeed. From the outset, the project presented ambitious technical demands, including underwater stunt work and a full practical suit monster, each requiring rigorous scheduling, safety planning, and cross-departmental alignment. I worked closely with department heads to establish clear communication pipelines, anticipate logistical needs, and maintain a detailed roadmap for the shoot. As schedules, locations, and technical requirements evolved, I ensured that the team remained informed, prepared, and unified, allowing our prep process to stay focused and productive.
Once we entered production, my role became even more central to the set's momentum and efficiency. Complex underwater setups, live creature performance, and shifting weather conditions required precise time management and decisive problem-solving, and I guided the team through each challenge with clarity and consistency. I prioritized talent care and safety, especially during physically demanding sequences, while keeping the crew aligned on daily goals and adjusting operations as needed to preserve our schedule. Even with the scale and pressure of the project, I maintained a positive and organized set environment that kept morale high and communication strong.