Assistant Directors
Skilled 1st and 2nd ADs managing shoots across Jakarta, Bali, and Indonesia's archipelago.
Here is how this works in practice. The assistant director navigates Indonesia's unique production challenges, setting up 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 setting up location work at Borobudur Temple or on Bali's beaches, the 1st AD must combine organizational discipline with the flexibility that Indonesian production demands.
Here is the short of it. NeedAFixer connects you with Indonesian ADs who know the country's production scene. Our network has pros skilled in managing global shoots across Java, Bali, and the outer islands, with practical knowledge of Indonesian Film Agency needs, local crew customs, and the logistics of working across many islands with different infrastructure levels.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Complete AD Services
From pre-production scheduling through wrap, our assistant directors provide the organizational leadership that keeps productions efficient and on track.
01
1st Assistant Director
- Set management & control
- Shooting schedule execution
- Director collaboration
- Crew coordination
- Safety oversight
Set Leadership
02
2nd Assistant Director
- Call sheet preparation
- Talent coordination
- Background management
- Paperwork & reports
- 1st AD support
Production Support
03
AD Team Services
- 2nd 2nd ADs
- Key set PAs
- Crowd marshals
- Base camp coordination
- Multi-unit support
Complete Teams
04
Pre-Production
- Schedule breakdown
- Day-out-of-days
- Strip board creation
- Location logistics
- Shooting order planning
Prep Excellence
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Assistant Directors
01.
Archipelago Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on global features, commercials, and documentary shoots across Indonesia. They manage complex multi-island shoots with proven logistics experience in challenging tropical environments.
02.
Local Knowledge & Permits
ADs familiar with Jakarta studios, Bali production infrastructure, and heritage site permitting at Borobudur and Prambanan. They set up with the Indonesian Film Agency and handle local authority needs across provinces.
03.
Bahasa-English Bilingual Communication
Fluent Bahasa Indonesia and English speakers making sure clear communication between global directors and local crews. They handle cultural protocols, set up with village authorities, and manage temple etiquette for heritage shoots.
04.
Tropical & Island Scheduling
Pro schedule management across Indonesia's tropical climate and island geography. Our ADs plan around monsoon seasons, set up inter-island logistics, and manage the unique challenges of shooting in high-humidity environments.
On Location
First assistant directors who run the floor on Indonesian productions, holding the schedule together across heritage-site protocols, village access and inter-island company moves.
Here is the layout. We supply first assistant directors for shoots across Indonesia, drawing on skilled floor talent based in Jakarta and Bali. The first AD is the engine room of the set: building the shooting schedule from the script breakdown, running the floor on the day, calling the shots, setting up each department, and protecting the director's focus on the creative work. Our team matches the first AD to the scale and genre of the project, from a tightly run commercial to a multi-unit feature.
Here is how the work shapes up. We make sure the AD department beneath them, including second and third ADs, is staffed appropriately. A first AD working in Indonesia carries more than scheduling: they manage heritage-site protocols at locations such as Borobudur, set up with village authorities for community access, and plan around the time inter-island travel adds to a day. Rates are settled in Indonesian rupiah. Our first ADs for global shoots communicate fluently in English and Indonesian, bridging visiting crews and local teams. The first AD's job is shaped by Indonesia's geography and culture.
Here is how it adds up. As the world's largest archipelago, the country spreads across some 17,000 islands with widely differing infrastructure. A first AD building a schedule has to weigh ferry crossings, domestic flights and gear shipping as with care as setups per day. The dry season, roughly April or May to September or October, is the prime shooting window, and a first AD plans backup around the wet monsoon when shoots run outside it.
Here is the run-down. Cultural fluency is part of the role: Indonesia has more than 1,300 ethnic groups, and a first AD working in a Balinese village or at a sacred site must respect local protocols and ceremony timing. The country's busy domestic industry and its film schools continually produce capable floor crew, giving first ADs a real depth of second and third ADs to draw on.
ACT 03
FAQ
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do?
Here is the breakdown. The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, setting up all departments, calling shots, and making sure the director focuses on creative decisions. In Indonesia, the 1st AD also manages heritage site protocols, sets up with local village authorities, and navigates inter-island logistics.
What's the difference between 1st and 2nd AD?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. The 1st AD runs the set during shooting, while the 2nd AD handles logistics off-set — preparing call sheets, setting up talent movements, managing background artists, and handling production forms. On larger shoots, they work as a team with the 2nd supporting the 1st's set management.
How does Indonesia's geography affect production logistics?
Here is how the picture comes together. Indonesia spans over 17,000 islands with differing infrastructure levels. Our ADs set up inter-island transport, manage gear shipping, and plan schedules that account for travel time between locations across Java, Bali, and more remote islands.
Do your ADs speak English?
Here is what we have to work with. Yes, all our ADs for global shoots are fluent English and Bahasa Indonesia speakers. They give key language bridge services between global crews and local teams, specific 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 extra support for main unit, second unit, and splinter units. We set up to make sure steady communication across all units.
What experience do your ADs have?
Our AD roster has pros with credits on global features, major commercials, and documentary shoots shot across Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, and Indonesia's outer islands including Komodo and Raja Ampat.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend skilled assistant directors.