Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
The assistant director is the organizational force behind every Canadian production, converting the director's creative vision into a structured shooting plan. From managing large-scale features at Pinewood Toronto Studios to coordinating episodic television at Vancouver Film Studios, the 1st AD keeps the set running efficiently and frees the director to focus on performance.
NeedAFixer connects you with Canadian ADs who bring deep experience across the country's major production hubs. Our network includes professionals who have worked at Pinewood Toronto, MELS Studios in Montreal, and Vancouver Film Studios, with practical knowledge of DGC guild protocols, provincial tax credits, and the logistics of shooting across Canada's vast and varied landscapes.
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
Canadian Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on major Hollywood features, premium Canadian television, and international commercials. They bring proven expertise across Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal production environments.
Studio & Provincial Knowledge
ADs familiar with Pinewood Toronto, Vancouver Film Studios, and MELS Montreal. They navigate Ontario Creates, Creative BC, and SODEC incentive programs and understand provincial crew ecosystems.
Bilingual Communication
English and French speaking ADs ensuring clear communication on Montreal sets and across Canadian productions. They bridge the gap between international crews and local DGC-affiliated teams.
Multi-Province Scheduling
Expert schedule management across Canada's time zones and climates. Our ADs plan around seasonal weather, DGC turnaround requirements, and the logistics of remote location shoots from Banff to Newfoundland.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do on a Canadian set?
The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, calling shots, and ensuring the director focuses on creative decisions. In Canada, the 1st AD also manages DGC (Directors Guild of Canada) protocols and provincial safety requirements.
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 DGC guild rules affect scheduling?
DGC protocols set standard turnaround periods, meal breaks, and overtime rules that vary by province. Our ADs build these requirements into schedules from the outset, ensuring compliance while maximizing productive shooting time.
Do your ADs speak both English and French?
Many of our ADs are bilingual in English and French, which is essential for Montreal productions. For Toronto and Vancouver shoots, all our ADs are fluent English speakers with extensive experience on international productions.
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 major Hollywood features, premium Canadian series, and high-profile commercials across Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Many have managed productions at Pinewood Toronto and MELS Studios.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.