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.