Second Assistant Directors
Experienced 2nd ADs keeping your UAE production on schedule from Dubai Studio City to Abu Dhabi.
The 2nd Assistant Director on a UAE production manages call sheets, coordinates background artists, and handles the logistical details that keep the 1st AD focused on the shooting floor. In the Emirates, 2nd ADs must factor extreme heat into all scheduling, coordinate with multicultural background pools reflecting the UAE's diverse expatriate population, and navigate the filming permit requirements of each emirate's film commission.
Through NeedAFixer, we connect you with multilingual 2nd ADs who bring disciplined organisation and cultural awareness to every production day. Our network includes professionals experienced in managing commercial shoots at Dubai Studio City, feature productions at twofour54 Abu Dhabi, and complex desert and coastal shoots requiring careful heat-adapted scheduling and crew welfare management.
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.
Multilingual Communication
Clear, accurate call sheets in Arabic and English with heat advisory protocols. Our 2nd ADs coordinate effectively across the UAE's multicultural production environment.
02.
Heat-Adapted Scheduling
Expert scheduling that accounts for extreme Gulf temperatures — optimising call times, managing mandatory midday breaks during summer, and ensuring crew welfare in outdoor environments.
03.
Diverse Background Management
Experienced coordination of the UAE's multicultural background artist pool, managing diverse nationalities and languages while ensuring smooth wardrobe, holding, and set flow.
04.
Film Commission Compliance
Meticulous paperwork aligned with DFTC and Abu Dhabi Film Commission documentation requirements. Accurate tracking of crew hours, permit compliance, and production accounting.
ACT 03
FAQ
2nd AD Expertise
What does a 2nd AD do?
The 2nd AD handles logistics and paperwork that support the 1st AD's set management. This includes creating call sheets, coordinating talent movements, managing background artists, completing 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 paperwork the 1st AD needs, and ensure logistical coordination that allows the 1st AD to focus on running the shooting floor.
What information goes on a call sheet?
Call sheets include shooting schedule, cast calls, crew calls, location addresses, parking information, department notes, weather forecasts, safety information, and special instructions. In the UAE, call sheets include heat index warnings, mandatory break schedules, and Ramadan-specific protocols when applicable.
Can you handle large background calls?
Yes, our 2nd ADs are experienced with managing diverse background artist pools for UAE productions — from luxury hotel scenes in Dubai to heritage market sequences in Abu Dhabi. They coordinate with local casting agencies across multiple emirates.
What production reports do 2nd ADs complete?
2nd ADs complete daily production reports documenting scenes shot, cast work times, background numbers, hours worked, and any incidents. These reports are essential for production tracking and film commission compliance documentation.
Do your 2nd ADs speak English?
Yes, our UAE 2nd ADs are fluent in English and Arabic. They communicate effectively in the Emirates' international production environment, coordinating with crews from diverse backgrounds while managing local departments and government liaison.
Related Services
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ACT 04 — On Set
Need a 2nd AD?
Tell us about your production requirements and we'll connect you with experienced 2nd ADs.