Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.
The assistant director is the organizational engine behind every Australian production, turning the creative vision into a workable shooting schedule. From managing large-scale features at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast to coordinating fast-paced commercial shoots in inner Sydney, the 1st AD keeps the set running and frees the director to focus on performance and storytelling.
NeedAFixer connects you with assistant directors who have deep experience across Australia's major production hubs. Our network includes ADs who have worked at Fox Studios Australia, Docklands Studios Melbourne, and on location throughout Queensland's studio complexes, bringing practical knowledge of local crew customs, Screen Australia requirements, and the logistics of shooting in diverse Australian landscapes.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Complete AD Services
From pre-production scheduling through wrap, our assistant directors provide the organizational leadership that keeps productions efficient and on track.
01
1st Assistant Director
- Set management & control
- Shooting schedule execution
- Director collaboration
- Crew coordination
- Safety oversight
Set Leadership
02
2nd Assistant Director
- Call sheet preparation
- Talent coordination
- Background management
- Paperwork & reports
- 1st AD support
Production Support
03
AD Team Services
- 2nd 2nd ADs
- Key set PAs
- Crowd marshals
- Base camp coordination
- Multi-unit support
Complete Teams
04
Pre-Production
- Schedule breakdown
- Day-out-of-days
- Strip board creation
- Location logistics
- Shooting order planning
Prep Excellence
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Assistant Directors
01.
Australian Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on major international features shot at Fox Studios and Village Roadshow, as well as Australian television and high-profile commercials across the Asia-Pacific region.
02.
Local Studio & Location Knowledge
ADs familiar with Fox Studios Australia, Docklands Studios Melbourne, and Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast. They understand Screen Australia requirements and Producer Offset logistics.
03.
International Crew Coordination
Native English speakers experienced in bridging international production teams with local Australian crews. They understand MEAA union protocols and local working customs.
04.
Multi-Climate Scheduling
Expert schedule management across Australia's varied climates and time zones, from tropical Queensland shoots to temperate Melbourne urban work and remote outback locations.
On Location
1st AD floor-running across Mad Max + Matrix + Pirates + Elvis scale productions plus boutique indie commercial workflows
Here is how this works in practice. Our 1st AD attachments cover features, prestige TV, commercials, and branded content with full MEAA representation and reciprocal DGA plan for US co-productions. Day-to-day workflow runs Movie Magic Scheduling, Showbiz Budgeting, Yamdu, and StudioBinder across Sydney's Disney Studios Australia, Village Roadshow Studios Gold Coast, Docklands Studios Melbourne, and Adelaide Studios under SAFC.
Here is the short of it. Productions structure through the federal Producer Offset 30 percent, Location Offset 30 percent (QAPE 30M+ AUD), and PDV Offset 30 percent stackable with Screen NSW 10 percent, Screen Queensland 10 percent, Film Vic 10 percent, ScreenWest 10 percent, Screen Tasmania 15 percent, and SAFC 5-10 percent rebates — combined good rates above 40 percent. 1st ADs run the floor, manage call sheets, drive shoot-day momentum, and interface with stunt coordinators (ScreenSafe industry guidelines for hazardous work), CASA Part 101 drone operators, and ACMA-licensed wireless ops.
Here is the breakdown. Heritage spans 1st AD departments servicing the Mad Max franchise (Miller — Fury Road 2015 6-Oscar Namibia + Village Roadshow build, Furiosa 2024), Matrix trilogy (Wachowskis 1999-2003 Disney Studios Sydney/Fox), Star Wars Episodes II and III (2002 + 2005 Sydney Fox), Moulin Rouge! (Luhrmann 2001), Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017 Village Roadshow), Thor Ragnarok and Love and Thunder (Waititi Gold Coast), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Wan Village Roadshow), Master and Commander (Weir 2003 10 Oscar noms), Hacksaw Ridge (Gibson 2016), Lion (Davis 2016 6 Oscar noms), and Elvis (Luhrmann 2022 Best Picture Oscar nom).
Here is what that looks like on the ground. AFTRS, VCA Melbourne, RMIT, and Griffith Film School train the AD bench. Aboriginal Land Council consultation under AIATSIS protocols mandatory for Country-set work; Safe Work Australia WHS Act, Fair Work Ombudsman labor framework, Superannuation 11 percent, GST 10 percent apply to engagements.
ACT 03
FAQ
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do on an Australian set?
The 1st AD runs the set—managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, calling shots, and ensuring the director can focus on creative decisions. In Australia, the 1st AD also manages compliance with Safe Work Australia guidelines and MEAA requirements.
What's the difference between 1st and 2nd AD?
The 1st AD runs the set during shooting, while the 2nd AD handles logistics off-set—preparing call sheets, coordinating talent movements, managing background artists, and handling production paperwork. On larger productions, they work as a team with the 2nd supporting the 1st's set management.
How do Australian crew unions affect scheduling?
MEAA (Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance) guidelines set standard working hours and turnaround periods. Experienced Australian ADs factor these into schedules from the start, ensuring compliance without losing shooting efficiency.
Do your ADs handle remote location shoots?
Yes. Our ADs regularly manage shoots in remote areas from the outback to tropical North Queensland. They coordinate logistics including crew transport, safety protocols for extreme conditions, and communication in areas with limited connectivity.
Can you provide AD teams for multi-unit productions?
Yes, we staff complete AD departments including 1st ADs, 2nd ADs, 2nd 2nd ADs, and additional support for main unit, second unit, and splinter units. We coordinate to ensure consistent communication across all units.
What experience do your ADs have?
Our AD roster includes professionals with credits on major studio features, premium television series, and high-profile commercials shot in Australia. Many have worked on internationally co-produced projects at Village Roadshow and Fox Studios.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.