Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New York's studios.
The assistant director is the indispensable organizational force on New York sets, where productions navigate the world's most demanding urban filming environment. From coordinating at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn Navy Yard — the largest studio complex on the East Coast — to managing location shoots across Manhattan's congested streets, the 1st AD must combine DGA professionalism with the street-level logistics knowledge that only comes from deep New York experience.
NeedAFixer connects you with New York ADs who bring extensive credits in the city's prolific production scene. Our network includes professionals experienced at Steiner Studios, Silvercup, and Kaufman Astoria, with practical knowledge of MOME (Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment) permitting, DGA protocols, IATSE coordination, and the block-by-block logistics of shooting across all five boroughs.
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
New York Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on major studio features, premium television, and high-profile commercials. They bring proven expertise navigating New York's complex production environment across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Studio & Borough Knowledge
ADs familiar with Steiner Studios, Silvercup, Kaufman Astoria, and Broadway Stages. They navigate MOME permits, precinct coordination, and understand the logistics of shooting across all five boroughs.
Union & Guild Communication
Experienced with DGA, IATSE, and SAG-AFTRA protocols. Our ADs manage union relationships seamlessly, handling complex crew coordination across multiple guilds while maintaining production efficiency.
Urban Production Scheduling
Expert schedule management in the world's most demanding filming city. Our ADs coordinate MOME street permits, manage NYPD liaison requirements, and plan around the unique challenges of shooting in Manhattan's dense urban grid.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do in New York?
The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, and ensuring the director focuses on creative decisions. In New York, the 1st AD also manages DGA protocols, coordinates with MOME for location permits, and handles NYPD liaison requirements for street shoots.
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 New York union rules affect production?
New York productions work with DGA (directors), IATSE (crew), and SAG-AFTRA (talent) protocols. Our ADs have deep experience with these union requirements, managing turnaround times, meal penalties, and overtime calculations that are critical for on-budget production.
How does MOME permitting work for street shoots?
The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment issues permits for filming on New York City streets. Our ADs manage the application process, coordinate with local precincts, and handle the logistics of traffic control, parking, and community notification required for location shoots.
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 DGA members with credits on major studio features, premium television series, and high-profile commercials shot across New York. Many have managed productions at Steiner Studios, Silvercup, and on location throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.