What a Second AD Actually Does on Set
The Second AD is the engine room of your shooting day. While the First AD manages the floor and keeps the director on schedule, the Second AD handles the logistics that make that possible. They build and distribute the daily call sheet, coordinate department heads on crew calls and unit moves, and act as the communication hub between production office and set. On a busy shoot day in Memphis, that means tracking talent holds, managing background performers, relaying schedule changes in real time, and making sure every department is where it needs to be before the cameras roll.
A strong Second AD also keeps the production report accurate, logs in and out times, and flags problems before they become expensive delays. On smaller productions they often take on additional duties that would fall to a Second Second AD on a larger union show. Either way, their organizational precision directly protects your budget and your schedule.
What to Look for When Hiring in Memphis
Memphis has a working production community with crew who have experience on regional features, commercials, music videos, and documentary projects. When you are evaluating candidates, look for someone who is comfortable using standard scheduling software, has a track record of clean, accurate call sheets, and can communicate firmly but diplomatically with a range of departments. Experience with both union and non-union sets is a real asset in the Memphis market, where productions vary widely in scale.
Ask to see sample call sheets, check references from past First ADs and UPMs, and have a direct conversation about how they handle last-minute schedule changes. A Second AD who has worked in Tennessee or the broader Southeast will already understand the local vendor relationships, typical travel considerations, and regional production rhythms that can affect your day.
Rate Context for Memphis
Day rates for Second ADs in Memphis typically reflect a market that sits between major union hubs like Atlanta or New York and smaller regional markets. Non-union and low-budget productions typically see day rates in a range that is meaningfully lower than top-tier markets, while mid-range commercial and feature work lands higher. Rates vary based on union status, project budget tier, and the individual's experience level. Always confirm whether a rate is quoted as a flat day rate or whether it includes overtime, kit fees, or other adjustments before you lock in a deal memo.
Find and Book a Second AD Faster with NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and TV production hiring. Producers post projects, crew apply, and you can review profiles, credits, and availability in one place without chasing down referrals or waiting on agency responses.
If you are producing in Memphis and need a Second AD, post your project on NeedaCrew and start receiving applications from verified crew. Describe your shoot dates, budget tier, and any union requirements, and let qualified candidates come to you.
If you are a Second AD based in Tennessee or anywhere in the US and Canada, join NeedaCrew as a crew member to get discovered by producers actively hiring for projects in your area.