Second Assistant Directors
Skilled 2nd ADs keeping your Australian production on schedule from Sydney to the Gold Coast.
Here is how this works in practice. The 2nd Assistant Director on an Australian production manages call sheets, sets up background artists, and handles the logistical details that keep the 1st AD focused on the shooting floor. In Australia, 2nd ADs must handle Fair Work rules for crew hours and turnaround times, set up talent movements across cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and manage the specific administrative needs of shoots shooting under Screen Australia guidelines or accessing the Producer Offset.
Here is the short of it. Through NeedAFixer, we connect you with 2nd ADs who bring disciplined organisation and clear communication to each shoot days. Our network has pros skilled in managing large-cast features at Fox Studios and Village Roadshow, fast-paced episodic schedules across many Australian locations, and complex commercial shoots needing planning with local extras agencies and casting directors.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Complete 2nd AD Services
From call sheets to cast coordination, our 2nd ADs handle the essential logistics that support efficient production.
01
Call Sheets
- Daily call sheet creation
- Schedule distribution
- Crew notification
- Cast coordination
- Update management
Communication Hub
02
Talent Management
- Cast scheduling
- Makeup & wardrobe calls
- Transport coordination
- Holding management
- Actor liaison
Cast Coordination
03
Background Artists
- Extras coordination
- Check-in management
- Wardrobe flow
- Holding supervision
- Voucher processing
Crowd Control
04
Production Reports
- Daily reports
- Time tracking
- Scene status
- Cast & crew logs
- Production paperwork
Documentation
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Second Assistant Directors
01.
Communication Excellence
Clear, accurate call sheets tailored to Australian production standards. Our 2nd ADs make sure each department — from Fox Studios stages to remote outback basecamp — knows where to be and when.
02.
Talent Coordination
Pro management of cast movements across Australian shoots, from pickup through wrap. Smooth talent flow set up with local transport services and studio facilities.
03.
Background Expertise
Skilled handling of large crowd scenes with planning through Australian extras agencies. Efficient check-in, wardrobe flow, and holding management for shoots of any scale.
04.
Fair Work Compliance
Careful time tracking and reporting aligned with Fair Work rules and MEAA guidelines. Accurate records of crew hours, turnaround times, and penalty rate calculations.
On Location
Call sheets, background coordination, and base camp command across MEAA-organised Australian shoot days
Our 2nd AD attachments cover features, prestige TV, commercials, and large-scale global shoots with full MEAA representation and reciprocal DGA plan for US co-productions.
Here is how this works in practice. 2nd ADs handle call-sheet generation, advance-day prep, talent wrangling, background planning (often hundreds of extras for large-scale shoots like Mad Max Fury Road and Pirates Dead Men Tell No Tales), base camp command, forms flow into the production office, and interface with the 1st AD on shoot-day execution. Tooling stack has Movie Magic Scheduling, Showbiz Budgeting, Yamdu, StudioBinder, Cast & Crew, Castifi, and Final Draft. Working bases run through Disney Studios Australia Sydney, Village Roadshow Studios Gold Coast, Docklands Studios Melbourne, and Adelaide Studios under SAFC.
Here is the short of it. 2nd AD heritage stacks the Mad Max franchise (Miller. Fury Road 2015 6 Oscars, Furiosa 2024), Matrix trilogy (Wachowskis 1999-2003), Star Wars Episodes II/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), Master and Commander (Weir 2003), Hacksaw Ridge (Gibson 2016), Lion (Davis 2016), and Elvis (Luhrmann 2022 Best Picture Oscar nom).
Here is the breakdown. Productions structure through the federal Producer Offset 30 percent, Location Offset 30 percent (QAPE 30M+ AUD), and PDV Offset 30 percent stackable with state rebates above 40 percent good. AFTRS, VCA Melbourne, RMIT, and Griffith Film School train the AD bench. Aboriginal Land Council consultation under AIATSIS protocols required for Country-set work. Safe Work Australia WHS Act, Fair Work Ombudsman, Superannuation 11 percent, GST 10 percent apply.
ACT 03
FAQ
2nd AD Expertise
What does a 2nd AD do?
Here is the breakdown. The 2nd AD handles logistics and forms that support the 1st AD's set management. This has creating call sheets, setting up talent movements, managing background artists, wrapping production reports, and handling the administrative side of daily production.
How does the 2nd AD work with the 1st AD?
The 2nd AD works off-set to keep the 1st AD informed and supported. They manage cast and background ready for set, handle forms the 1st AD needs, and make sure logistical planning that allows the 1st AD to focus on running the shooting floor.
What information goes on a call sheet?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Call sheets have shooting schedule, cast calls, crew calls, location addresses, parking info, department notes, weather forecasts, safety info, and any special instructions. In Australia, call sheets also have UV index warnings, heat protocols, and Fair Work turnaround compliance notes.
Can you handle large background calls?
Here is how the picture comes together. Yes, our 2nd ADs are skilled with large crowd scenes across Australian shoots. They set up with local extras agencies, set up efficient check-in systems, manage holding areas, and make sure background artists are camera-ready when needed.
What production reports do 2nd ADs complete?
2nd ADs complete daily production reports logging scenes shot, cast work times, background numbers, hours worked, and any incidents. These reports are key for production tracking, accounting, and compliance with Fair Work rules.
Do your 2nd ADs speak English?
Yes, all our Australian 2nd ADs are native English speakers with extensive local production experience. They communicate clearly with global cast and crew while setting up local background artists and departments.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
Need a 2nd AD?
Tell us about your production needs and we'll connect you with skilled 2nd ADs.