Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs keeping your production running smoothly in Japan.
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
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do?
The 1st AD is responsible for running the set—managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, calling shots, and ensuring the director can focus on creative decisions. They're the operational leader who keeps production on track and maintains set discipline and safety.
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 far in advance should I book an AD?
For features and episodic work, book your 1st AD 4-8 weeks before prep begins—they need time for script breakdown and schedule creation. For commercials, 2-3 weeks is typical. In-demand ADs book quickly, so earlier is always better.
Do your ADs speak English?
Yes, all our ADs for international productions are fluent English speakers. Many have worked extensively with American and British productions and understand the expectations and working styles of international crews.
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 Japan. We match AD experience level to your production's scale and complexity.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.