Second Assistant Directors
Experienced 2nd ADs keeping your Mexican production on schedule from Mexico City to Guadalajara.
The 2nd Assistant Director on a Mexican production manages call sheets, coordinates background artists, and handles the logistical details that keep the 1st AD focused on the shooting floor. In Mexico, 2nd ADs must navigate Mexican Federal Labour Law (LFT) for crew hours, coordinate talent across diverse locations, and manage the administrative requirements of productions accessing local film incentive programmes.
Through NeedAFixer, we connect you with Spanish and English-speaking 2nd ADs who bring disciplined organisation and clear communication to every production day. Our network includes professionals experienced in managing features and series at Baja Studios and Estudios Churubusco, complex multi-location shoots, and international co-productions that Mexico's competitive incentive programme attracts.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Complete 2nd AD Services
From call sheets to cast coordination, our 2nd ADs handle the essential logistics that support efficient production.
01
Call Sheets
- Daily call sheet creation
- Schedule distribution
- Crew notification
- Cast coordination
- Update management
Communication Hub
02
Talent Management
- Cast scheduling
- Makeup & wardrobe calls
- Transport coordination
- Holding management
- Actor liaison
Cast Coordination
03
Background Artists
- Extras coordination
- Check-in management
- Wardrobe flow
- Holding supervision
- Voucher processing
Crowd Control
04
Production Reports
- Daily reports
- Time tracking
- Scene status
- Cast & crew logs
- Production paperwork
Documentation
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Second Assistant Directors
01.
Spanish and English-speaking Communication
Clear, accurate call sheets in the local language and English. Our 2nd ADs ensure seamless communication between international crews and local Mexican departments, vendors, and background artists.
02.
Talent Coordination
Expert management of cast movements across Mexican productions, from studio pickups in Mexico City to location transfers across Mexico. Smooth talent flow coordinated with local transport and accommodation services.
03.
Background Expertise
Experienced handling of crowd scenes with coordination through local extras agencies in Mexico. Efficient check-in, wardrobe flow, and holding management for productions of any scale.
04.
Administrative Precision
Meticulous paperwork and reporting aligned with Mexican Federal Labour Law (LFT) and local film incentive documentation requirements. Accurate crew hour tracking and production accounting.
On Location
2nd ADs running cast call-sheets, background pulls (1,500+ on Spectre Zócalo opening), and bilingual on-set marshalling through STIC + STPC + DGADUM framework
Here is how this works in practice. Mexican 2nd ADs anchor cast logistics on the deepest LatAm crew base. Our 2nd ADs have run Cuarón's Roma 2018 (CDMX Roma/Condesa cast and large background pulls), del Toro's Pinocchio (2022 AnimaEstudios Toluca), Iñárritu's Bardo (2022 CDMX), the Spectre 007 Day of the Dead Zócalo opening (1,500+ background performers — one of the largest crowd-scene 2nd-AD pulls in current feature production), Apocalypto (Mel Gibson 2006 — Yucatec Maya indigenous-language cast coordination through INALI certification), Sicario / Sicario 2 CDMX-Sonora, and Narcos: Mexico CDMX-Guadalajara-Tijuana Netflix multi-season. 2nd ADs train through CCC (est. 1975 — del Toro, Reygadas alumni), CUEC/ENAC-UNAM (founded 1963), and the telenovela-trained Televisa San Ángel and TV Azteca daily-cast-pull infrastructure that built generations of large-cast coordination discipline.
2nd AD scope: cast call-sheet production (bilingual Mexican Spanish / English), cast pickup and wrap coordination, background pulls (Mexico's deep telenovela-trained extras pool delivers top-tier large-crowd scenes. The list covers Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán mariachi pulls, Aztec dancer pulls for ceremonial scenes, Lucha Libre wrestler pulls, indigenous-community pulls via INALI certification across Nahuatl, Maya Yucatec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Tzotzil, Tarahumara communities), talent care, and ANDA actors guild signing contract liaison. We set up IMSS workers' comp registration (mandatory federal), 16% IVA, ISR income tax bracket-based, peso settlement (MXN ~17-18:1 USD), Monday-Friday + Saturday-optional working-week standard. STIC, STPC, DGADUM (directors guild. 2nd ADs apprentice under DGADUM trajectory), ANDA, and USMCA framework with DGA reciprocal plan via the 12-minute Tijuana-LA border govern contracts. INM work permits for foreign cast and crew.
ACT 03
FAQ
2nd AD Expertise
What does a 2nd AD do?
The 2nd AD handles logistics and paperwork that support the 1st AD's set management. This includes creating call sheets, coordinating talent movements, managing background artists, completing production reports, and handling the administrative side of daily production.
How does the 2nd AD work with the 1st AD?
The 2nd AD works off-set to keep the 1st AD informed and supported. They manage cast and background ready for set, handle paperwork the 1st AD needs, and ensure logistical coordination that allows the 1st AD to focus on running the shooting floor.
What information goes on a call sheet?
Call sheets include shooting schedule, cast calls, crew calls, location addresses, parking information, department notes, weather forecasts, safety information, and any special instructions relevant to Mexican production requirements.
Can you handle large background calls?
Yes, our 2nd ADs are experienced with large crowd scenes across Mexican productions. They coordinate with local extras agencies and manage efficient check-in, wardrobe flow, and holding logistics.
What production reports do 2nd ADs complete?
2nd ADs complete daily production reports documenting scenes shot, cast work times, background numbers, hours worked, and any incidents. These reports are essential for production tracking, accounting, and incentive compliance documentation.
Do your 2nd ADs speak English?
Yes, our 2nd ADs in Mexico are fluent English speakers with strong local language skills. They communicate clearly with international cast and crew while coordinating with local Mexican departments, extras, and authorities.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
Need a 2nd AD?
Tell us about your production requirements and we'll connect you with experienced 2nd ADs.