Assistant Directors
Skilled 1st and 2nd ADs managing shoots across Lisbon, Porto, and Portugal's Atlantic coast.
Here is how this works in practice. The assistant director navigates Portugal's growing production scene, where top Atlantic light, varied build style, and competitive costs attract increasing global attention. From setting up 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 gives remarkable visual variety.
Here is the short of it. NeedAFixer connects you with Portuguese ADs who know the country's evolving production scene. Our network has pros skilled at MovieBox Studios in the Algarve and production facilities in Lisbon, with practical knowledge of the 30% Portuguese tax rebates, ICA planning, 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 global 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 handle Portugal's 30% tax rebates and set up with the Portugal Film Commission and regional film offices.
03.
Portuguese-English Bilingual Communication
Fluent Portuguese and English speakers making sure clear communication between global directors and local crews. Portugal's strong English proficiency and cultural affinity with both European and Brazilian shoots makes it highly easy to reach.
04.
Atlantic Coast Scheduling
Here is what we have to work with. Pro schedule management leveraging Portugal's top light and compact geography. Our ADs plan around Atlantic weather patterns, set up Sintra palace access windows, and manage the logistics of coastal shoots from the Algarve to the Douro Valley.
On Location
Portuguese first ADs running schedules across auteur, streaming, and visiting international features
Here is how this works in practice. Our 1st ADs come up through ESTC (Escola Best de Teatro e Cinema, the public film school in Lisbon), Universidade Lusófona, Universidade Católica, ETIC, and Restart, with set-floor track records spanning Pedro Costa's Vitalina Varela (Locarno Golden Leopard 2019), Miguel Gomes's Tabu (Berlin Silver Bear 2012) and Grand Tour (Cannes Best Director Prize 2024), João Salaviza's Mountain, and the visiting-feature roster on Indiana Jones 5: Dial of Destiny's 2023 Sintra and Tomar Templar unit, 1899 (Netflix 2022 Babelsberg-Portugal co-production), Frankie (Ira Sachs 2019 Sintra), Night Train to Lisbon (Bille August 2013), Lisbon Story (Wim Wenders 1994), Operation Finale (2018 partial), and Heads of State (Amazon Prime 2024 partial). They lead 2nd ADs, 3rd ADs, and runners through Movie Magic Scheduling and Scenechronize call-sheet workflows aligned to Portuguese 40-hour weeks, 22 paid vacation days, and 13 public holidays.
Here is the short of it. On the floor, 1st ADs set up with directors of photography Acácio de Almeida, Rui Poças, Carlos Lopes, and Luís Branquinho, with production designers Eduardo Brito (Indiana Jones 5 unit), Ana Cruz, and Maria José Branco, and with safety officers under ACT (Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho) and ANEPC (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil) frameworks.
Here is how the picture comes together. DGPC permits govern shoots at the seventeen UNESCO sites including Sintra Cultural Landscape, Évora's historic centre, Coimbra University, and Belém. ICNF site-level authorisations cover Algarve cliffs, Madeira Levadas, and Azores volcanic parks. ANAC handles drone permits. ANACOM covers wireless clearance for radios and walkies. 1st ADs deploy under STE terms with reciprocal DGA plan ready for US visiting shoots. ICA cash rebates (25-30%, €4M cap) and Segurança Social handled by our line producers for full ICA audit compliance.
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 Portugal, the 1st AD also manages ICA and DGPC heritage planning and supports 30% tax rebates compliance.
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 do Sintra palace permits work?
Sintra's UNESCO palaces (Pena, Quinta da Regaleira) need permits from PSML (Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua). Our ADs have experience with these processes and know the restrictions on gear 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 easy to reach filming destinations for global 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 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 global 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 skilled assistant directors.