Positions: 3rd Assistant Director (3rd AD)
Rate: £150 per day (Breakfast and lunch provided on location)
Location: On-location between Manchester and Shrewsbury (Must be locally based/commutable)

Head of Department/Reporting To:  1st Assistant Director

 

Full Job Description:

We are seeking a highly organized, authoritative, and proactive 3rd Assistant Director (3rd AD) for the upcoming feature film Dreams of an Eleven Year Old Witch. The project is a powerful, historical look at a dark chapter of British history, following the haunting true story of Alice Glaston, a young milkmaid from Shropshire in 1500s Tudor England who became the youngest girl ever legally executed in the UK.

As the 3rd AD, you will serve as a crucial link between the production office, base camp, and the physical set. This role requires exceptional floor management skills, sharp logistical thinking, and a commanding yet professional presence to direct ground operations. You will be responsible for managing the daily movements of the cast and background extras, coordinating closely with the 1st and 2nd ADs to execute the daily shooting schedule without delays. Because this film depicts sensitive historical themes and features a large young cast, you must possess the maturity and leadership required to run a safe, orderly, and highly disciplined set.

Daily tasks:

• Taking full ownership of the hair and make-up department,
• Managing budgets, tracking expenditures, and overseeing the hiring and daily management of Hair Stylists, Make Up Artists and Assistants,
• Developing and executing comprehensive hair, and make-up designs for the entire cast, utilising strong artistic flair to bring 1500s characters to life realistically,
• Crafting looks with a deep respect for historical accuracy and the sensitive themes of the film, ensuring the depictions of Tudor-era hardship are impactful yet respectful.
• Establishing rigid continuity protocols, maintaining comprehensive continuity books with photographic logs, and overseeing precise touch-ups during filming,
• Working closely with the Costume Designer, Gaffer and Director of Photography to ensure hair and make-up designs complement the wardrobe textures and camera lighting.

Essential Criteria:

• Must hold, or be willing to undergo, a valid Enhanced DBS check,
• Willingness to participate in company approved safeguarding training,
• A proven track record in a similar role in fast paced TV, Film or Theatre Productions,
• High-level technical skill and extensive knowledge in hair and make-up designs, with a portfolio demonstrating this,
• Proven ability to manage a team under tight film schedules, foster a positive work environment, oversee department budgets, and maintain meticulous continuity records.
• Full availability for October and November 2026, a reliable commute to the Manchester/Shrewsbury areas, and the physical stamina required for production schedules.

Desirable Criteria:

• Full UK driving licence with a personal vehicle,
• Previous experience working with child actors in a HMUA capacity,
• Existing relationships with a trusted network of experienced hair and make-up assistants and dailies available across the North West and West Midlands.

To apply:

Please send a CV as well as a covering letter and portfolio to the attention of Maria at production@vitality-entertainment.com