Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Veteran First AD for Spielberg and Scott Shares Insights

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On November 27, Oscar-nominated producer Adam Somner succumbed to anaplastic thyroid cancer at the age of 57. Renowned as one of the preeminent first assistant directors across several decades, Somner’s influence on the film industry was profound.

He established himself as the preferred AD for a remarkable roster of directors, including Steven Spielberg, with whom he collaborated on ten films, Paul Thomas Anderson on six, and Ridley Scott on an equal number. His extensive portfolio also includes multiple projects with Tony Scott, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and James Mangold. Among his recent works are Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, Steve McQueen’s Blitz, and an upcoming untitled film by Anderson featuring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Having accrued over 75 credits as an assistant director on feature films, shorts, and music videos, Somner earned an Oscar nomination alongside producer Sara Murphy for their contributions to Anderson’s Licorice Pizza in 2022.

Among the notable films to benefit from Somner’s expertise are Best Picture Oscar winners such as Birdman and Gladiator, as well as iconic works by Spielberg including West Side Story, Lincoln, and Indiana Jones sequels. His other collaborations spanned celebrated directors like Mangold, Redford, and Branagh, encompassing a diverse cinematic landscape.

Spielberg characterized Somner’s contributions as transcending the limitations of the title ‘assistant director,’ praising his blend of organizational acumen and creative vision. He described him as pivotal to the collaborative process, asserting that his ability to unite teams and diffuse tension was unparalleled.

Creatively, Somner was lauded for his exceptional handling of intricate scenes, exemplified by his meticulous choreography in the notorious airplane sequence from The Wolf of Wall Street. His skill in preparation allowed chaos to unfold within a controlled atmosphere, showcasing his adeptness in managing set dynamics.

A DGA scholarship honoring Somner’s legacy is set to be established, with details to be announced shortly. He is survived by his wife, Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro, their children Olivia and Bosco, and his brother Mark Somner.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Succumbed /səˈkʌm/ (verb): To fail to resist pressure temptation or some other negative force.
  2. Preeminent /priːˈɛmɪnənt/ (adjective): Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
  3. Acclaimed /əˈkleɪmd/ (adjective): Publicly recognized with approval or praise.
  4. Choreography /ˌkɔːr.iˈɒɡ.rə.fi/ (noun): The sequence of steps and movements in dance or performance.
  5. Transcending /trænˈsɛndɪŋ/ (verb): To go beyond the limits of; to exceed.
  6. Meticulous /məˈtɪk.jə.ləs/ (adjective): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

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