Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions at Atlas Studios, across Ouarzazate, and the Sahara.
The assistant director is essential in Morocco's demanding production environment, where shoots span the vast backlots of Atlas Studios, the ancient medinas of Fez and Marrakech, and the Saharan desert. From managing large-scale period productions at Atlas Studios — one of the world's largest — to coordinating location work at the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, the 1st AD must combine logistical precision with cultural sensitivity.
NeedAFixer connects you with Moroccan ADs who bring deep knowledge of the country's legendary production infrastructure. Our network includes professionals experienced at Atlas Studios and CLA Studios in Ouarzazate, on location across the Atlas Mountains and Sahara, with practical understanding of CCM (Centre Cinématographique Marocain) authorization processes and the logistics of desert 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
Moroccan Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on major international productions at Atlas Studios including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. They manage complex shoots across desert, mountain, and medina environments with proven logistics experience.
Atlas Studios & Medina Knowledge
ADs familiar with Atlas Studios' massive backlots, CLA Studios, and the permitting processes for filming in medinas, kasbahs, and desert locations. They coordinate with CCM and navigate Morocco's production authorization system.
Arabic-French-English Communication
Multilingual ADs fluent in Arabic, French, and English — essential for Morocco's trilingual production environment. They coordinate between international crews, Francophone production teams, and Arabic-speaking local staff.
Desert & Medina Scheduling
Expert schedule management for extreme desert conditions and narrow medina streets. Our ADs plan around seasonal heat, coordinate camel and horse wranglers for period productions, and manage the complex logistics of Saharan location shoots.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do in Morocco?
The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, and ensuring the director focuses on creative decisions. In Morocco, the 1st AD also manages CCM authorization compliance, coordinates with local authorities in medinas, and plans around extreme desert conditions.
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 filming in Moroccan medinas work?
Medina filming requires CCM and municipal authorization, with restrictions on equipment size and shooting hours to minimize disruption to residents. Our ADs have direct experience managing these logistics in Fez, Marrakech, and Essaouira.
Do your ADs speak English?
Yes, all our ADs for international productions speak English alongside French and Arabic. Morocco's multilingual environment requires ADs who can communicate across all three languages, particularly when coordinating with local authorities and crew.
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 international productions at Atlas Studios, including Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones, as well as features and commercials shot across Ouarzazate, Marrakech, and the Sahara.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.