Assistant Directors
Skilled 1st and 2nd ADs managing shoots across Dublin, Wicklow, and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Here is how this works in practice. The assistant director is the organizational backbone of Irish shoots, setting up departments across Ireland's top-tier studio facilities and spectacular natural locations. From managing large-scale shoots at Ardmore Studios and Troy Studios to setting up location work along the Wild Atlantic Way or on the Skellig Islands, the 1st AD keeps shoots on track in what has become one of Europe's most sought-after filming destinations.
Here is the short of it. NeedAFixer connects you with Irish ADs who bring deep experience in the country's thriving production scene. Our network has pros who have worked on Vikings, The Tudors, and major global features, with practical knowledge of the Section 481 tax credit, Screen Ireland needs, and the logistics of shooting across Ireland's varied landscapes from Wicklow's mountains to Kerry's coastline.
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.
Irish Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on major global shoots including Vikings and The Tudors. They bring proven expertise managing shoots across Ireland's studios and dramatic natural locations.
02.
Studio & Incentive Knowledge
ADs familiar with Ardmore Studios, Ashford Studios in Wicklow, and Troy Studios in Limerick. They handle the Section 481 tax credit (up to 32%) and set up with Screen Ireland and regional film offices.
03.
Native English Communication
Native English speakers with deep knowing of global shoots expectations. Irish crews are known for their professionalism and adaptability. Our ADs make sure seamless joint work with visiting production teams.
04.
Coastal & Studio Scheduling
Pro schedule management balancing studio work at Ardmore and Troy with Ireland's weather-dependent outdoor locations. Our ADs plan around Atlantic weather patterns and manage the logistics of remote coastal and island shoots.
On Location
1st ADs running Vikings six-season call sheets, Game of Thrones Belfast units, Banshees Achill Island day-out-of-day boards, and Foundation Apple TV+ floor management
Here is how this works in practice. Ireland's first-assistant-director roster sits in the top tier of European prestige-series and feature crewing. The senior 1st ADs ran the Vikings six-season production at Ashford Studios Wicklow (Travis Fimmel and Katheryn Winnick era, many Primetime Emmy nominations), Game of Thrones at Titanic Studios Belfast and Paint Hall (many Primetime Emmy wins for outstanding drama series). Foundation across Troy Studios Limerick (Apple TV+ 320,000 sq ft stage site), Penny Dreadful and The Tudors at Ardmore Studios Bray.
Here is the short of it. Plus the recent Banshees of Inisherin (2023 many Oscar acting nominations) Achill Island and Inishmore unit, Belfast (2021 seven Oscar nominations including Best Picture), and An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl (2023 first Irish-language Best International Feature Oscar nomination). The 1st AD bench also covers Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi Skellig Michael shoots. Plus the Cartoon Saloon Kilkenny live-action voice-cast planning (the four Best Animated Feature Oscar-nom pipeline).
SIPTU union coverage applies to the working roster, with SDGI (Screen Directors Guild of Ireland) and Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) setting up the producer-buy-in side.
Here is the breakdown. Our 1st ADs deliver call-sheet authorship via Movie Magic Scheduling, StudioBinder, Scenechronize, plus the Final Draft Tagger pipeline for breakdown sheets. Daily Production Report (DPR) flow integrates with payroll via Cast & Crew Entertainment Partners, plus the Screen Ireland-recommended payroll houses. Floor running on stage at Ardmore, Ashford, Troy, Titanic, Paint Hall, and Linen Mill Banbridge runs the standard Hollywood-meets-Equity protocol. This has 12-hour standard day, 11-hour minimum turnaround, 6-day week on prestige series with late hours, IATSE-equivalent SIPTU breaks and meals.
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Permit-and-location-planning via the OPW (Office of Public Works), Wicklow Mountains National Park, Connemara National Park, Cork City Council, Galway City Council, plus the Dublin City Council film unit. Atlantic maritime climate weather-backup runs steady (the rain-cover-and-cover-set workflow that Banshees, Belfast, The Wonder, and The Quiet Girl shoots all needed). Section 481 32% tax credit qualifies AD spend through Irish-resident hires, plus the 40% regional uplift. EUR Eurozone and GBP NI dual-currency, English-first crews with Irish (Gaeilge) Gaeltacht capacity, plus CTA-borderless cross-border UK crew movement.
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 Ireland, the 1st AD also manages Section 481 compliance on set and sets up with Screen Ireland needs.
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 Ireland's Section 481 tax credit work on set?
Here is how the picture comes together. The Section 481 tax credit gives up to 32% on qualifying Irish expenditure. Our ADs know the records and crew nationality needs, working with line producers to make sure on-set operations support Section 481 eligibility.
How does Irish weather affect production scheduling?
Here is what we have to work with. Ireland's Atlantic climate means changeable weather is a constant factor. Our ADs build weather cover into each schedule, keep alternative shot lists, and leverage Ireland's compact geography to move between indoor and outdoor setups efficiently.
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 major global shoots shot at Ardmore, Ashford, and Troy Studios, as well as location shoots across Wicklow, Kerry, Galway, and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
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