Assistant Directors
Bilingual 1st and 2nd ADs experienced with French crew practices, Paris studios, and location shoots across all regions.
Assistant directors in France navigate a production culture shaped by strong labor regulations, well-organized crew structures, and the collaborative traditions of the French film industry. French ADs understand the country's working hour requirements, union practices, and the specific protocols for shooting at heritage locations, Parisian streets, and major studios like La Cité du Cinéma and Bry-sur-Marne.
Our network includes bilingual French-English ADs experienced in international co-productions supported by the TRIP rebate, CNC-funded features, prestige television, and high-end commercials. They bridge the gap between international directors and French crew practices, ensuring efficient shooting days across Paris, Provence, the Côte d'Azur, and every region of France.
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
French & International Credits
ADs with credits on César-nominated features, Cannes selections, major international co-productions, and high-end commercials shooting across France.
French Labor Law Expertise
ADs who understand French working hour regulations, union practices, and the specific crew management culture that distinguishes French production from other markets.
Bilingual Set Leadership
Fluent French-English ADs who run sets efficiently, bridging international directors with French crews without translation delays or cultural miscommunication.
Heritage & Location Protocols
Experience scheduling shoots at Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel, Parisian street closures, and protected heritage sites — navigating France's specific permitting and access requirements.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do?
In France, the 1st AD runs the set within the country's specific production culture — managing French crew working hours, coordinating departments, and ensuring the director can focus on creative decisions at studios like La Cité du Cinéma or on location across Paris and the regions.
What's the difference between 1st and 2nd AD?
The 1st AD leads set operations while the 2nd AD manages logistics — call sheets, talent coordination, background artists, and paperwork that meets French production requirements. On large French productions, they work as a coordinated team bridging set and production office.
How far in advance should I book an AD?
For features in France, book 4-8 weeks before prep for script breakdown and schedule creation. French ADs experienced with TRIP productions and heritage location protocols are in high demand — earlier booking is recommended.
Do your ADs speak English?
Yes, all our ADs for international productions are bilingual French-English speakers. Many have extensive credits on American, British, and European co-productions shooting in France, understanding both international expectations and French set culture.
Can you provide AD teams for multi-unit productions?
Yes, we staff complete AD departments for multi-unit shoots across France — main unit at Parisian locations, second unit in Provence, splinter units at heritage sites — with consistent communication and scheduling standards.
What experience do your ADs have?
Our ADs have credits on major international features, César-nominated productions, premium television, and high-profile commercials shot across France. We match AD experience and personality to your production's scale and international crew dynamics.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.