Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Jakarta, Bali, and Indonesia's archipelago.
The assistant director navigates Indonesia's unique production challenges, coordinating shoots across the world's largest archipelago where logistics span volcanic islands, tropical jungles, and chaotic urban centers. From managing studio shoots in Jakarta to coordinating location work at Borobudur Temple or on Bali's beaches, the 1st AD must combine organizational discipline with the flexibility that Indonesian production demands.
NeedAFixer connects you with Indonesian ADs who understand the country's production landscape. Our network includes professionals experienced in managing international shoots across Java, Bali, and the outer islands, with practical knowledge of Indonesian Film Agency requirements, local crew customs, and the logistics of working across multiple islands with varied infrastructure levels.
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
Archipelago Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on international features, commercials, and documentary productions across Indonesia. They manage complex multi-island shoots with proven logistics experience in challenging tropical environments.
Local Knowledge & Permits
ADs familiar with Jakarta studios, Bali production infrastructure, and heritage site permitting at Borobudur and Prambanan. They coordinate with the Indonesian Film Agency and navigate local authority requirements across provinces.
Bahasa-English Bilingual Communication
Fluent Bahasa Indonesia and English speakers ensuring clear communication between international directors and local crews. They navigate cultural protocols, coordinate with village authorities, and manage temple etiquette for heritage shoots.
Tropical & Island Scheduling
Expert schedule management across Indonesia's tropical climate and island geography. Our ADs plan around monsoon seasons, coordinate inter-island logistics, and manage the unique challenges of shooting in high-humidity environments.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do?
The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, calling shots, and ensuring the director focuses on creative decisions. In Indonesia, the 1st AD also manages heritage site protocols, coordinates with local village authorities, and navigates inter-island logistics.
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 does Indonesia's geography affect production logistics?
Indonesia spans over 17,000 islands with varying infrastructure levels. Our ADs coordinate inter-island transport, manage equipment shipping, and plan schedules that account for travel time between locations across Java, Bali, and more remote islands.
Do your ADs speak English?
Yes, all our ADs for international productions are fluent English and Bahasa Indonesia speakers. They provide essential language bridge services between international crews and local teams, particularly when working with village authorities outside major cities.
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 international features, major commercials, and documentary productions shot across Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, and Indonesia's outer islands including Komodo and Raja Ampat.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.