Second Assistant Directors
Skilled 2nd ADs keeping your Saudi production on schedule from Riyadh to Jeddah.
Here is how this works in practice. The 2nd Assistant Director on a Saudi production manages call sheets, sets up background artists, and handles the logistical details that keep the 1st AD focused on the shooting floor. In Saudi Arabia, 2nd ADs must handle Saudi Labour Law for crew hours, set up talent across varied locations, and manage the administrative needs of shoots accessing local film incentive programmes.
Here is the short of it. Through NeedAFixer, we connect you with Arabic and English-speaking 2nd ADs who bring disciplined organisation and clear communication to each shoot days. Our network has pros skilled in managing features and series at NEOM Studios and Film AlUla, multi-site shoots, and global co-productions that Saudi Arabia's rebates scheme attracts.
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.
Arabic and English-speaking Communication
Clear, accurate call sheets in the local language and English. Our 2nd ADs make sure seamless communication between global crews and local Saudi departments, vendors, and background artists.
02.
Talent Coordination
Pro management of cast movements across Saudi shoots, from studio pickups in Riyadh to location transfers across Saudi Arabia. Smooth talent flow set up with local transport and lodging services.
03.
Background Expertise
Skilled handling of crowd scenes with planning through local extras agencies in Saudi Arabia. Fast check-in, wardrobe flow, and holding management for shoots of any scale.
04.
Administrative Precision
Careful forms and reporting aligned with Saudi Labour Law and local film incentive records needs. Accurate crew hour tracking and production accounting.
On Location
Saudi 2nd AD background and call sheets — modest-dress compliance, prayer-time scheduling, multilingual crew
Here is how this works in practice. Our Saudi 2nd ADs build call sheets, handle cast wrangling, and set up background across the kingdom's main facilities. Studios have NEOM Bajdah Studios (9,000 m², the largest in MENA, four sound stages), MBC Studios Riyadh and Jeddah, Telfaz11 Studios (behind Sattar, the 2022 Saudi box-office record, dir. Ali Kalthami), and Manga Productions Riyadh (a Saudi-Japan Toei Animation JV).
Field shoots also need strong 2nd AD coverage. Locations have AlUla and Hegra (UNESCO 2008), where Kandahar 2023, Desert Warrior 2024, Cherry, Hellraiser plates 2022, and Born a King 2019 all shot.
Here is the short of it. Background extras cast through GEA (General Entertainment Authority) performer registry. Saudi has no domestic film actor union. The kingdom's many-tongue workforce feeds the pool. Languages cover Arabic MSA plus Najdi (Riyadh), Hejazi (Jeddah), and Eastern (Dammam) dialects. Other languages have English, Urdu (from the large Pakistani expat pool), Filipino, Hindi, Bengali, Tagalog, and Indonesian.
Here is the breakdown. Saudi-resident actors feed lead and supporting roles. Names have Mila Al Zahrani (The Perfect Candidate), Waad Mohammed (Wadjda), and Fatima Al-Banawi (Barakah Meets Barakah). Hisham Fageeh, Fahad Albutairi, Saeed Saleh, Khalid Saqer, Sumayya Sabbagh, and Bayan Al-Zahrani are also in the network, plus the Telfaz11 ensemble.
Schedules handle prayer-time pauses five times daily (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha) plus Friday around 12:00-13:30. During Ramadan, the iftar-to-suhoor 9pm-2am window is peak production time. October-April is the ideal shoot window at 15-30°C. June-September brings 45-50°C heat, with required heat-illness protocols.
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Modest dress for female on-camera talent on domestic broadcast (MBC, Saudi Broadcasting Corporation) is standard. Wardrobe sets up abaya layering, sleeve and neckline construction, and no skin exposure. Religious site restrictions apply too — no non-Muslim background within the Mecca or Medina Haram.
Heritage background work is a steady call. Bedouin-tribal, Najdi, Hejazi, and Asiri heritage background work feeds Saudi National Day (Sept 23) and Founding Day (Feb 22) commercial campaigns.
Here is how the picture comes as one. Compliance covers many bases. GCAM type, Ministry of Human Resources work permits, Iqama residency, GOSI payroll sign-ups, and 15% VAT all apply. Saudization Nitaqat quotas matter — Saudi-national background hires drive a 5% rebates uplift on the Cultural Development Fund's 40% cash rebates. Medical insurance routes through Tawuniya or Bupa Arabia. The workweek runs Sunday-Thursday. Global DGA and DGGB 2nd AD work routes via Dubai EPS bureaus (Entertainment Partners ME, Talent Bank Dubai).
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?
Call sheets have shooting schedule, cast calls, crew calls, location addresses, parking info, department notes, weather forecasts, safety info, and any special instructions relevant to Saudi production needs.
Can you handle large background calls?
Yes, our 2nd ADs are skilled with large crowd scenes across Saudi shoots. They set up with local extras agencies and manage fast check-in, wardrobe flow, and holding logistics.
What production reports do 2nd ADs complete?
2nd ADs full 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 incentive compliance records.
Do your 2nd ADs speak English?
Yes, our 2nd ADs in Saudi Arabia are fluent English speakers with strong local language skills. They communicate clearly with global cast and crew while setting up with local Saudi departments, extras, and authorities.
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.