"I think that the greatest secret of being a good assistant director is personality—being able to get along with people, love people, and be on the alert all the time,” said legendary assistant director Francisco “Chico” Day. He was a natural at assisting directors, as he memorably did for Cecil B. DeMille on his 1956 production for The Ten Commandments. Interviewing for that job he said: “You know, Mr. DeMille, I want you to know that I’m not afraid of you - and I’m used to working under fire.” The acclaimed director shot back: “Young man, at least that’s a step forward.” Day, the Guild’s first Mexican-American member, was active in helping the next generation of ADs and hosted many seminars for assistant directors/unit production managers. He was awarded the Frank Capra Achievement Award in 1981 for his dedication to AD/UPMs.