Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Valletta, Gozo, and Malta Film Studios.
The assistant director manages the unique logistics of Maltese production, where a compact island geography offers extraordinary period architecture, Mediterranean waters, and purpose-built studio facilities within minutes of each other. From coordinating water tank shoots at Malta Film Studios to managing crew through Valletta's narrow baroque streets, the 1st AD must maximize the island's density of filming opportunities.
NeedAFixer connects you with Maltese ADs who know every corner of the island's production landscape. Our network includes professionals experienced at Malta Film Studios — home to one of Europe's largest water tanks — and on location across Valletta, Mdina, and Gozo, with practical knowledge of the Malta Film Commission's cash rebate, heritage permitting in the walled city, and the logistics of island-based production.
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
Mediterranean Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on major international productions including Gladiator, Troy, and Game of Thrones. They bring proven expertise managing shoots across Malta's compact but versatile filming locations.
Water Tank & Heritage Knowledge
ADs familiar with Malta Film Studios' famous water tanks, Valletta's baroque architecture, and Mdina's medieval streets. They navigate the Malta Film Commission cash rebate and coordinate heritage permits with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
English & Maltese Communication
Malta's bilingual English-Maltese environment makes it highly accessible for international productions. Our ADs coordinate seamlessly with both local and visiting crews with no language barriers.
Island Logistics Scheduling
Expert schedule management maximizing Malta's compact geography. Our ADs coordinate water tank, coastal, and urban shoots within tight timeframes, managing Gozo ferry logistics and seasonal tourism considerations.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do in Malta?
The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, and ensuring the director focuses on creative decisions. In Malta, the 1st AD also manages water tank shoot logistics, coordinates Valletta heritage permits, and plans around the island's compact geography.
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 Malta Film Studios' water tank work for productions?
Malta Film Studios has some of Europe's largest outdoor water tanks, used for productions like Gladiator and Troy. Our ADs coordinate water fill schedules, safety dive teams, and the logistics of combining water tank work with nearby location shoots.
Do your ADs speak English?
Yes — English is an official language of Malta, making it one of the most accessible Mediterranean filming destinations. All our ADs are fluent English speakers with no language barrier 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 major productions at Malta Film Studios including Gladiator, Troy, and Game of Thrones, as well as features and commercials shot across Valletta, Mdina, and Gozo.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.