S24 - Ep 10 - F1: The Movie - Assistant Directing

What does it take to shoot Formula 1 at Formula 1 speed? For 1st Assistant Director Toby Hefferman, it meant precision, improvisation, and a crew running at full throttle. This week on Below the Line, Toby Hefferman joins Skid to talk about his work on F1: The Movie, the high-octane feature that merges scripted drama with real-world racing. From on-track logistics to high-pressure resets, Toby shares how he and the crew captured the energy of Formula 1 without slowing it down. The conversation races through: Preparing for race-day chaos with limited takes and no second chances Coordinating with the F1 organization for track access and safety Balancing authentic racing with scripted storytelling beats Working with the broadcast crew and integrating into their coverage footprint Collaborating closely with director Joseph Kosinski to shape coverage and keep pace with the story Navigating the unique demands of filming alongside professional F1 drivers in active race environments What it means to “make the day” when the cars set the schedule — not the crew What emerges is a portrait of an Assistant Director balancing structure with flexibility — drawing on lessons from Rogue One, Mission: Impossible, and now F1: The Movie. 🎧 Press play and go Below the Line on F1: The Movie. For more, visit belowtheline.biz.