Taking on the role of First Assistant Director for this feature was a defining chapter in my career: one that demanded precision, discipline, and a deep respect for the story being told. The film follows a documentarian who returns to his hometown to uncover the truth behind a mass shooting, and the gravity of that subject matter shaped every decision made on set, from scheduling to tone to the smallest logistical details.
Leading a crew of over 100 on this SAG-UPA production required orchestrating a wide range of moving parts simultaneously: department coordination, safety protocols, cast needs, and the overall rhythm of production. Building a three-week schedule to shoot 95 pages meant carefully sequencing complex material so that every department had the time and space to execute at a high level, without compromising the production's momentum.
The most demanding days were those involving prop weaponry, special effects, and stunt work — sequences that left no margin for error. Each required rigorous coordination with safety personnel, precise communication with cast, and a schedule built to honor the time these moments truly required. Executing these scenes safely and seamlessly, without sacrificing efficiency, remains one of the achievements I take the most pride in.
Equally significant were the large-scale party sequences involving 50+ background extras, where the challenge shifted from technical precision to large-scale orchestration — ensuring safety, clarity, and cohesion across dozens of moving parts while staying true to the story's vision.
This project reinforced my belief that strong leadership on set is about more than logistics — it's about safeguarding the integrity of the story while empowering a large team to do their best work. It remains one of the experiences I'm most proud of in my career as an Assistant Director.
