The bootcamp was aimed at those with some experience of the film industry

Farnborough International Studios has held an intensive training course for aspiring 3rd ADs.

Aimed at those with some experience in the film industry, The Becoming a 3rd AD – Skills Bootcamp was held in collaboration with All Spring Media Limited and Hampshire County Council, who manage the Skills Bootcamps training programme for the county.

Over two weeks, starting on 25 November, 10 people were coached and mentored by a range of industry professionals, as the successful candidates learned about the vital remit of a 3rd assistant director, that includes: responsibility for the movement of actors as required by the filming schedule; organising extras; supervising and directing production assistants; organising the messaging system on set and relaying information by walkie-talkie between cast and crew.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, councillor Nick Adams-King said: “Training in the creative industries like this is good for residents, businesses and the county as a whole. Our government-funded free Skills Bootcamps training not only supports people to improve their career opportunities it also helps a wide variety of industries to thrive.”

Martina Porter, managing director of All Spring Media, added: “All Spring Media is excited to partner with Farnborough International Studios to deliver the Becoming a 3rd AD Skills Bootcamp supported by Hampshire County Council and the DfE. Since launching our production Skills Bootcamps in 2023, we have supported over 150 learners and seen nearly 100 into jobs. The Skills Bootcamps provide an agile and nurturing way to support and grow diverse talent for our sector, which is a mission we share with our colleagues at Farnborough International Studios.”

With over 1,000,000 sq ft of external space for unit, crowd and crew, Farnborough International Studios has been the setting for several high-profile projects, including Ghostbusters – Frozen Empire, Fast & Furious – Hobbs & Shaw, The Devil’s Hour and Inside Man, and is currently being used for an indie production.

Images via Georgia Ward