Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Vienna, Salzburg, and the Austrian Alps.
The assistant director is the linchpin of on-set organization, converting the director's creative ambitions into a structured shooting plan. In Austria, this means coordinating productions that move between Viennese palaces, Alpine landscapes in Tyrol, and the historic streets of Salzburg — each environment demanding careful logistical planning and familiarity with local permitting.
NeedAFixer connects you with Austrian ADs who bring deep knowledge of the country's production landscape. Our network includes professionals experienced at Rosenhügel Studios in Vienna and on location across all nine federal states, with practical understanding of Austrian Film Institute incentives and the local crew ecosystem across Central Europe.
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
Central European Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits spanning international features, Austrian television, and European co-productions. They bring proven expertise managing shoots across Austria's varied production environments.
Austrian Location & Studio Knowledge
ADs familiar with Rosenhügel Studios, Vienna's imperial locations, and Alpine filming logistics. They navigate Austrian Film Commission incentives and local permitting efficiently.
German-English Bilingual Communication
Fluent German and English speakers ensuring seamless communication between international directors and Austrian crews. They bridge the cultural gap for smooth on-set collaboration.
Alpine & Urban Scheduling
Expert schedule management for productions spanning Viennese interiors and Alpine exteriors. Our ADs understand seasonal considerations, mountain weather windows, and Austrian labor regulations.
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 are 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.
Do your ADs speak English?
Yes, all our ADs for international productions are fluent English and German speakers. Many have worked extensively with American and British productions shooting in Austria and understand the expectations of international crews.
How do Austrian labor regulations affect scheduling?
Austrian productions follow strict labor regulations including mandatory rest periods and maximum working hours. Our ADs build these requirements into schedules from the outset, ensuring compliance without sacrificing efficiency.
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 European co-productions, Austrian features, and major international commercials. Many have managed complex shoots at historic Viennese locations and in the Austrian Alps.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.