Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and NEOM.
The assistant director navigates Saudi Arabia's rapidly expanding production landscape, where massive government investment is creating world-class studio infrastructure alongside ancient heritage sites and dramatic desert locations. From coordinating shoots at NEOM Studios and Jax Film Studios in Riyadh to managing location work at the UNESCO-listed Hegra site in AlUla, the 1st AD must combine modern production discipline with cultural awareness in the Gulf's fastest-growing film market.
NeedAFixer connects you with ADs experienced in Saudi Arabia's unique production environment. Our network includes professionals who have worked at NEOM Studios, Jax Film Studios, and on location across AlUla and the Red Sea coast, with practical knowledge of the 40% Saudi cash rebate, GCAM (General Commission for Audiovisual Media) permitting, and the cultural protocols essential for smooth production in the Kingdom.
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
Saudi Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on international features, major commercials, and Vision 2030 productions. They manage complex shoots across Saudi Arabia's new studio infrastructure and ancient heritage sites.
NEOM, AlUla & Permit Knowledge
ADs familiar with NEOM Studios, Jax Film Studios, and Film AlUla operations. They navigate GCAM permitting, the 40% cash rebate, and coordinate with the Saudi Film Commission and Royal Commission for AlUla.
Arabic-English Communication
Arabic and English speaking ADs who understand the cultural protocols of Saudi production. They manage prayer time scheduling, gender considerations, and coordinate with local authorities while maintaining international production standards.
Desert & Heritage Scheduling
Expert schedule management for extreme desert heat conditions. Our ADs plan around seasonal temperature windows, coordinate Hegra heritage site access, and manage the logistics of shooting at remote NEOM and Red Sea locations.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do in Saudi Arabia?
The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, and ensuring the director focuses on creative decisions. In Saudi Arabia, the 1st AD also manages GCAM permit compliance, coordinates prayer time breaks, and navigates the cultural protocols specific to the Kingdom.
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 cultural requirements affect production in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi productions must account for prayer times, cultural dress codes, gender considerations, and content guidelines. Our ADs build these requirements into every schedule and brief international crews on expectations before shooting begins.
Do your ADs speak Arabic?
Many of our ADs speak Arabic alongside English, which is essential for coordinating with local authorities, GCAM representatives, and Saudi crew members. All our ADs for international productions are fluent English speakers.
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 international productions at NEOM and AlUla, Vision 2030 projects, and high-profile commercials shot across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Red Sea coast.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.