Assistant Director (1st AD) — Client Project

1st Assistant Director (1st AD) — Client Project

Aru Labs | Project-based opportunity

Aru Labs is looking for a 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) for an upcoming independent web-series project being produced for a client.

This is a project-based opportunity, not a permanent position at Aru Labs.

The series is a character-driven story exploring startups, ambition, relationships, friendship, money and life.

We are looking for someone who can help turn the creative vision into a well-organized, efficient and professionally executed production.

What you'll do

Work directly with the Director and DOP during pre-production

Break down scripts and scenes for production

Build the shooting schedule and daily production plan

Prepare call sheets

Coordinate actors, crew and locations

Manage the shooting day and keep the production on schedule

Coordinate with the DOP and other department heads

Help identify production requirements and potential issues before filming

Coordinate production assistants and supporting crew

Communicate schedule changes and requirements across departments

Help keep the production lean, practical and on budget

Support the Director in maintaining a smooth set environment

What we're looking for

Previous experience as a 1st AD, 2nd AD, production coordinator or similar production role

Strong understanding of film, television, web-series or commercial production

Excellent organization and communication skills

Comfortable working with a small, independent production team

Strong time-management and problem-solving ability

Comfortable coordinating multiple departments simultaneously

Experience working with independent filmmakers is a plus

We're not looking for someone who only knows how to work within a large production company.

We want someone who can help build the production structure from the ground up.

Working arrangement

Remote: Yes, during pre-production

Travel: Required during production

Engagement: Project-based / contract

Production window: Late November – early December

Potential locations: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, London, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bali and other global creative and startup hubs

International and India-based candidates are welcome.

Who you'll work with

You will work closely with:

Creator / Writer / Director

Director of Photography

Production team

Actors and creative talent

Location and production teams

Sound and post-production teams

The production will be intentionally lean and collaborative, with a small core team supported by project-based crew.

Ideal candidate

You might be a good fit if you:

Enjoy working on independent productions

Can take a script and turn it into a practical shooting plan

Are comfortable making decisions under time pressure

Know how to keep a set moving without creating unnecessary complexity

Enjoy working directly with creative people

Want to help build a new series rather than simply execute an existing studio workflow

How to apply

Please send:

CV / profile

Previous production experience

Relevant credits or portfolio

LinkedIn / Instagram

Current location

Availability during late November / early December

Expected project fee or day rate

Apply with the subject: 1st AD — Web Series Client Project

Aru Labs is coordinating this opportunity on behalf of the client.

Project-based. Remote-first. Travel required during production.

If you're interested in helping build and execute an ambitious independent web series with a lean team, we'd love to hear from you.

Originally posted on Himalayas