Third AD Skills Boost
Boost Your Skills as a Third AD this Summer with our fully funded training
Course Dates: Saturdays 9 & 16 August 2025, plus networking 29 August 2025
Application Deadline: Wednesday 2 July 2025, 9am
If you’re a Third Assistant Director working in Scotland, you know how demanding the role can be, and how little time you get to pause, reflect, and upskill.
That’s why BECTU Vision is offering a rare opportunity to step away from the high pressure of a live production and into an intensive, practical training experience designed specifically for you.
Introducing the Third AD Skills Boost
This two-day, in-person programme takes place in Glasgow and Dumbarton on 9 and 16 August 2025, with an industry networking event on 29 August 2025. The programme is entirely free to attend, and applications close at 9am on 2 July 2025.
Whether you’re already working as a Third AD or preparing to step into the role from Floor Runner, this programme will help you build confidence and sharpen your skills, especially in the complex and often high-pressure task of setting and directing background action.
This programme is funded by the ScreenSkills High-end Television Fund made up of contributions from high-end TV productions made in the UK, Scottish Union Learning, Progressive Broadcast Hire, Screen Scotland and the BFI Skills Cluster Fund.
Who it’s for
This programme is open to Scotland-based practitioners, including:
> Established Third ADs
> New Third ADs looking to build confidence across different production scales
> Experienced Floor Runners preparing to step up
We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the industry, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
What it covers
> Course 1: Third AD Theory
Led by experienced ADs Alex McKay and Mark O’Connor, this day will explore script breakdowns, planning and prep, working effectively on set, and best practices for communication within the AD team and wider crew.
This course is supported by Scottish Union Learning with funding from the Scottish Government.
> Course 2: Practical Simulation
You’ll work on a real set with scripted scenes, supporting artists, and a camera team to practice directing background action, with time for review and feedback in a supportive environment.
This course is supported by the ScreenSkills High-end Television Fund made up of contributions from high-end TV productions made in the UK in association with Progressive Broadcast Hire.
> Industry Networking
Wrap up the experience by connecting with peers and professionals during an industry networking event supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Skills Cluster Fund.
How to apply
> Step 1: Completing the online application form: https://bit.ly/3AD-SB
> Step 2: Complete the online anonymous equalities monitoring form: https://bit.ly/3AD-EM
Deadline for applications is Wednesday 2 July 2025, 9am
Contact information
If you have any questions, access needs for the application process or the training itself, please contact the team at vision@bectu.org.uk
This is your chance to develop your skills, expand your network, and take the next step in your HETV career.
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