Second Assistant Directors
Skilled 2nd ADs keeping your New Zealand production on schedule from Wellington to Auckland.
Here is how this works in practice. The 2nd Assistant Director on a New Zealand production manages call sheets, sets up background artists, and handles the logistical details that keep the 1st AD focused on the shooting floor. In New Zealand, 2nd ADs must handle New Zealand Employment Relations Act for crew hours, set up talent across varied locations, and manage the administrative needs of shoots accessing local film incentive programmes.
Here is the short of it. Through NeedAFixer, we connect you with English-speaking 2nd ADs who bring disciplined organisation and clear communication to each shoot days. Our network has pros skilled in managing features and series at Stone Street Studios and Avalon Studios, multi-site shoots, and global co-productions that New Zealand's rebates scheme attracts.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Complete 2nd AD Services
From call sheets to cast coordination, our 2nd ADs handle the essential logistics that support efficient production.
01
Call Sheets
- Daily call sheet creation
- Schedule distribution
- Crew notification
- Cast coordination
- Update management
Communication Hub
02
Talent Management
- Cast scheduling
- Makeup & wardrobe calls
- Transport coordination
- Holding management
- Actor liaison
Cast Coordination
03
Background Artists
- Extras coordination
- Check-in management
- Wardrobe flow
- Holding supervision
- Voucher processing
Crowd Control
04
Production Reports
- Daily reports
- Time tracking
- Scene status
- Cast & crew logs
- Production paperwork
Documentation
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Second Assistant Directors
01.
English-speaking Communication
Clear, accurate call sheets in the local language and English. Our 2nd ADs make sure seamless communication between global crews and local New Zealand departments, vendors, and background artists.
02.
Talent Coordination
Pro management of cast movements across New Zealand shoots, from studio pickups in Wellington to location transfers across New Zealand. Smooth talent flow set up with local transport and lodging services.
03.
Background Expertise
Skilled handling of crowd scenes with planning through local extras agencies in New Zealand. Efficient check-in, wardrobe flow, and holding management for shoots of any scale.
04.
Administrative Precision
Careful forms and reporting aligned with New Zealand Employment Relations Act and local film incentive records needs. Accurate crew hour tracking and production accounting.
On Location
Second ADs — talent wrangling, call-sheet generation, unit-base operations Wellywood and Auckland
Here is how this works in practice. Our second assistant directors create and distribute call sheets through Set Hero and Studio Binder, run unit base ops (talent trailers, HMU base, costume base, catering tent setup), handle talent wrangling from green room through set, set up with HMU and costume departments on talent ready-times, and run the chain to third ADs handling background extras and runners managing on-floor ops.
Here is how this works in practice. Bases have Stone Street Studios Wellington, Auckland Film Studios, Kumeu Film Studios (Avatar 2/3 scale), Avalon Studios, Henderson Studios, and on-location unit bases across Mackenzie Country, Fiordland, Tongariro, Hobbiton Matamata, and The capital / Auckland urban precincts. Second ADs interface with talent agents (Equity NZ / MEAA reciprocal), production-office forms chains (release forms, child-actor compliance, intimacy-coordinator scheduling for NZAVA-accredited engagements), and the first AD's daily plan against the director's shot list.
Here is the short of it. DEGNZ contracts cover second AD engagements with reciprocal DGA / IATSE terms for US co-productions. Iwi consultation runs through second-AD workflow for shoots touching marae, wāhi tapu, or taonga-major content with kaumātua liaison built into unit-base setup (pōwhiri / karakia lodging, kawa-compliance protocols). Child-actor compliance under NZ employment law and Equity NZ guidelines governs minors on set including the Whale Rider precedent (Keisha Castle-Hughes age 12-13 youngest-ever Best Actress Oscar nom). Pacific community talent liaison covers Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, and Niuean diaspora networks. Intimacy coordinators accredited through NZAVA / IPA support scenes needing closed-set protocols. ACC universal accident cover protects all crew. WorkSafe NZ governs unit-base safety. GST 15 percent applies on NZD invoicing. Privacy Act 2020 governs talent release and on-set visuals handling.
ACT 03
FAQ
2nd AD Expertise
What does a 2nd AD do?
Here is the breakdown. The 2nd AD handles logistics and forms that support the 1st AD's set management. This has creating call sheets, setting up talent movements, managing background artists, wrapping production reports, and handling the administrative side of daily production.
How does the 2nd AD work with the 1st AD?
The 2nd AD works off-set to keep the 1st AD informed and supported. They manage cast and background ready for set, handle forms the 1st AD needs, and make sure logistical planning that allows the 1st AD to focus on running the shooting floor.
What information goes on a call sheet?
Call sheets have shooting schedule, cast calls, crew calls, location addresses, parking info, department notes, weather forecasts, safety info, and any special instructions relevant to New Zealand production needs.
Can you handle large background calls?
Yes, our 2nd ADs are skilled with large crowd scenes across New Zealand shoots. They set up with local extras agencies and manage efficient check-in, wardrobe flow, and holding logistics.
What production reports do 2nd ADs complete?
2nd ADs complete daily production reports logging scenes shot, cast work times, background numbers, hours worked, and any incidents. These reports are key for production tracking, accounting, and incentive compliance records.
Do your 2nd ADs speak English?
Yes, our 2nd ADs in New Zealand are fluent English speakers with strong local language skills. They communicate clearly with global cast and crew while setting up with local New Zealand departments, extras, and authorities.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
Need a 2nd AD?
Tell us about your production needs and we'll connect you with skilled 2nd ADs.