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.
Complete AD Services
From pre-production scheduling through wrap, our assistant directors provide the organizational leadership that keeps productions efficient and on track.
1st Assistant Director
- • Set management & control
- • Shooting schedule execution
- • Director collaboration
- • Crew coordination
- • Safety oversight
2nd Assistant Director
- • Call sheet preparation
- • Talent coordination
- • Background management
- • Paperwork & reports
- • 1st AD support
AD Team Services
- • 2nd 2nd ADs
- • Key set PAs
- • Crowd marshals
- • Base camp coordination
- • Multi-unit support
Pre-Production
- • Schedule breakdown
- • Day-out-of-days
- • Strip board creation
- • Location logistics
- • Shooting order planning
Why Choose Our Assistant Directors
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.