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

- Solid 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.

📌 Assistant Director (1st AD) — Client Project (Sydney)
🏢 Aru Labs
📍 Sydney