Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Lisbon, Porto, and Portugal's Atlantic coast.
The assistant director navigates Portugal's growing production scene, where exceptional Atlantic light, diverse architecture, and competitive costs attract increasing international attention. From coordinating shoots in Lisbon's Alfama district to managing location work at Sintra's UNESCO palaces or along the dramatic Algarve coast, the 1st AD works within a compact country that offers remarkable visual variety.
NeedAFixer connects you with Portuguese ADs who understand the country's evolving production landscape. Our network includes professionals experienced at MovieBox Studios in the Algarve and production facilities in Lisbon, with practical knowledge of the 30% Portuguese tax rebate, ICA coordination, and the permitting processes for Portugal's historic sites and Atlantic coastal locations.
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.
Portuguese Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on international features, Portuguese cinema, and European co-productions. They manage shoots across Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve with proven expertise in Portugal's cost-competitive production environment.
02.
Location & Incentive Knowledge
ADs familiar with MovieBox Studios, Tage Studios (under construction), and Sintra palace permitting. They navigate Portugal's 30% tax rebate and coordinate with the Portugal Film Commission and regional film offices.
03.
Portuguese-English Bilingual Communication
Fluent Portuguese and English speakers ensuring clear communication between international directors and local crews. Portugal's strong English proficiency and cultural affinity with both European and Brazilian productions makes it highly accessible.
04.
Atlantic Coast Scheduling
Expert schedule management leveraging Portugal's exceptional light and compact geography. Our ADs plan around Atlantic weather patterns, coordinate Sintra palace access windows, and manage the logistics of coastal shoots from the Algarve to the Douro Valley.
ACT 03
FAQ
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 Portugal, the 1st AD also manages ICA and DGPC heritage coordination and supports 30% tax rebate compliance.
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 Sintra palace permits work?
Sintra's UNESCO palaces (Pena, Quinta da Regaleira) require permits from PSML (Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua). Our ADs have experience with these processes and understand the restrictions on equipment and crew size at each site.
Do your ADs speak English?
Yes, all our ADs are fluent English and Portuguese speakers. Portugal has strong English proficiency among its production workforce, making it one of Europe's most accessible filming destinations for 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 international features, Portuguese cinema, and European co-productions shot across Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and Sintra's palace complexes.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.