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.