Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Iceland's extraordinary volcanic landscapes.
The assistant director faces unique challenges in Iceland, where productions must contend with extreme weather, limited daylight in winter, 24-hour sunshine in summer, and locations that range from glaciers to lava fields to black sand beaches. The 1st AD must combine rigorous scheduling discipline with the flexibility to adapt when Icelandic conditions demand rapid plan changes — skills that come only from genuine local experience.
NeedAFixer connects you with Icelandic ADs who understand the country's distinctive production environment. Our network includes professionals who have worked on Game of Thrones, Interstellar, and Prometheus, with practical knowledge of Film in Iceland permitting, the 25% cost reimbursement, and the logistics of shooting in remote highland locations where weather windows are measured in hours, not days.
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
Icelandic Location Expertise
Our ADs have credits on major international features including Game of Thrones and Interstellar. They bring proven expertise managing productions in Iceland's extreme conditions — from glaciers and volcanoes to highland plateaus.
Environmental & Permit Knowledge
ADs experienced with Film in Iceland permitting, Environment Agency protocols, and national park coordination. They navigate the 25% cost reimbursement and understand restrictions in fragile landscapes like Þingvellir and Vatnajökull.
Icelandic-English Communication
Fluent Icelandic and English speakers experienced in managing international crews in remote locations. They coordinate helicopter logistics, safety protocols, and communication in areas with limited connectivity.
Weather-Adaptive Scheduling
Expert schedule management built around Iceland's extreme and changeable conditions. Our ADs plan weather cover alternatives, manage 24-hour daylight summer shoots, and know when winter darkness creates scheduling opportunities.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do in Iceland?
The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, and ensuring the director focuses on creative decisions. In Iceland, the 1st AD must also manage extreme weather contingencies, coordinate with the Environment Agency for protected areas, and plan around seasonal daylight variations.
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 Iceland's weather affect production scheduling?
Icelandic weather can change dramatically within hours. Our ADs build weather cover days into schedules, maintain alternative shot lists, and work closely with local meteorological services. They know which locations offer shelter options and how to maximize shooting during weather windows.
Do your ADs handle remote highland shoots?
Yes. Our ADs regularly manage shoots in Iceland's remote highlands, coordinating 4x4 convoys, helicopter access, safety teams, and satellite communication. They understand the Environment Agency's strict stay-on-path requirements in fragile landscapes.
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 Game of Thrones, Interstellar, Prometheus, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. They have extensive experience managing international productions across Iceland's diverse and challenging locations.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.