I’m Zoltán Gyovai, freelancer first assistant director, welcome to my website.

Before my film career, I played the Bass Clarinet in a youth symphonic band for 13 years. In 2008, the film industry found me, and I soon realised that there are a great deal of similarities between the operation of a 60+ member orchestra and a film production. Feeling the rhythm of the scene, directing the background while running a film set with numerous cast and crew members, departments, adrenaline, the hierarchy, the chain of command, they are all pieces of a big puzzle – but in film, you often have more than just one good solution. In music there were zero obstacles in collaborating with musicians from all parts of the world. Everyone was able to speak the same language, the one written in music notes. In film, the only crucial language is filmmaking itself.

I strongly believe that

• understanding the director’s concept, prepping each project with the same commitment and meticulous attention to every single detail is the foundation of good production
  reinforced with these, it will be a joy working on set and you’ll be able to support the director and dop in fulfilling their vision in any part of the world on this strange huge playground we call a film set –  even if it is a Hollywood Blockbuster, an indie picture, a commercial, or a short student film
• every production is different, being aware of every possible outcome makes you prepared for all unforeseen events like weather conditions or any sudden illness – if you see the big picture, it’s easy to adapt
• the essential foundation of effective coordination of head of departments and a film crew is flawless communication – keep everything consistent, straightforward and clear
• there’s always a way to keep the balance between the pressure of the race against time to complete the daily schedule and keeping a good mood and a smooth workflow on set
• it’s not enough to be a professional, building a professional team is everything – I’m very fortunate to still have my long-time collaborator 2nd AD Gáspár Németh on board, we celebrated 10 years of working together in January 2024
• keeping the cast and the crew safe at all times is full priority
• the target for every take is to shoot the perfect take

For further information, feel free to contact me and don’t forget to check my references.

Trivia: my favourite shooting style is the long take.

Thank you for visiting,
Zoltán Gyovai
first assistant director

Budapest, April 14, 2024