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.