Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and the Adriatic coast.
The assistant director brings order to the creative process, turning scripts into workable shooting plans across Croatia's stunning locations. From coordinating shoots within the walls of Dubrovnik Old Town to managing productions at Jadran Film Studios in Zagreb, the 1st AD navigates Croatia's unique combination of historic urban environments and dramatic Adriatic coastal settings.
NeedAFixer connects you with Croatian ADs who bring firsthand knowledge of the country's production landscape. Our network includes professionals experienced on Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Succession location work, with practical understanding of HAVC cash rebate requirements, EU Schengen crew logistics, and the permitting processes for Croatia's UNESCO heritage sites.
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
Adriatic Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on major international productions including Game of Thrones and Succession. They bring proven expertise managing complex shoots across Croatia's medieval cities, islands, and coastal locations.
Heritage Location Knowledge
ADs familiar with Jadran Film Studios, Dubrovnik Old Town permitting, and Diocletian's Palace logistics. They navigate HAVC cash rebate requirements and coordinate with municipal film offices across Croatia.
Croatian-English Bilingual Communication
Fluent Croatian and English speakers ensuring seamless communication between international directors and local crews. They bridge cultural expectations and coordinate across Schengen zone crew logistics.
Coastal & Island Scheduling
Expert schedule management across Croatia's archipelago and mainland. Our ADs coordinate ferry logistics, manage heritage site time windows in Dubrovnik, and plan around Adriatic weather patterns for coastal shoots.
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 Croatia, the 1st AD also manages strict heritage site time windows and coordinates with municipal and national film permitting authorities.
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 filming in Dubrovnik Old Town work?
Dubrovnik Old Town has strict filming protocols including limited time windows, crew size restrictions, and equipment limitations to protect the UNESCO heritage site. Our ADs have direct experience navigating these requirements and coordinating with the Dubrovnik Film Commission.
Do your ADs speak English?
Yes, all our ADs for international productions are fluent English and Croatian speakers. Many have worked extensively with American and British productions including Game of Thrones and understand the expectations of international crews.
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 international productions shot across Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. Many gained experience during the Game of Thrones and Star Wars shoots that established Croatia as a top filming destination.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.