OFA LAB - Assistant Director

This Lab provides an overview of the Assistant Director department and its role in planning, organising, and managing the day-to-day running of a shoot. It introduces the AD department’s relationship with directors, producers, production teams, crew, cast, locations, and safety requirements. Moderated discussions consider the practical pressures of managing time, communication, safety, and people on set, alongside the skills and behaviours needed to progress within the AD department. 

The OFA Labs have been developed as part of the Malta Film Commission’s commitment to taking the film industry to the next level through the upskilling of Malta’s screen workforce. As the industry continues to evolve and Malta attracts increasing levels of international film and television production, the development of a highly skilled, adaptable, and professionally recognised workforce has become essential to sustaining long-term growth and competitiveness. Strengthening local crew capacity, supporting career progression, promoting professional standards, and deepening specialist knowledge across all production departments are key priorities in building a resilient and future-ready screen sector.

Responding directly to these priorities, the OFA Labs provide targeted professional development opportunities for local practitioners, offering practical insights, industry knowledge, and exposure to international best practices. Delivered as part of the Mediterrane Film Festival 2026 in collaboration with the Malta Film Commission and Film London, the programme is designed to support the continued growth of Malta’s film crews and help ensure they are equipped to meet the creative, technical, and operational demands of an increasingly global screen industry.

For further information kindly send an email to [email protected].