What a Second AD Actually Does on Set
A Second AD is the engine behind the scenes. While the First AD manages the floor and directs the flow of shooting, the Second AD handles the paperwork, people, and logistics that make that possible. On any given day, your Second AD is responsible for distributing call sheets, coordinating with department heads on crew calls, managing background talent, and keeping a running log of the day's progress.
They also serve as the primary communication link between the production office and the set. When a location changes last minute or a cast member is running behind, the Second AD is the person absorbing that information and redistributing it calmly and accurately. A great Second AD anticipates problems before they reach the First AD or the director.
What to Look for When Hiring a Second AD in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has a growing production community, supported in part by Utah's film incentive programs that have drawn features, television series, and commercial productions to the state. That means there is a real local talent pool, but the best Second ADs book up quickly.
When reviewing candidates, look for:
- Demonstrated experience building and distributing accurate call sheets under tight deadlines
- Familiarity with SAG-AFTRA background coordination if your project involves union talent
- Strong references from First ADs or UPMs who can speak to their reliability under pressure
- Experience on productions at a similar scale to yours, whether that is a commercial, a feature, or an episodic series
- Local knowledge of Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, which matters when coordinating crew calls across spread-out locations
Rates for Second ADs in Salt Lake City
Day rates for Second ADs in Salt Lake City typically reflect the scale and budget of the production. On non-union commercial and independent projects, rates are generally more flexible and negotiated directly. Union productions covered by DGA or applicable guild agreements will have established minimums that set the floor. As a general rule, experienced Second ADs on mid-budget productions in the Salt Lake City market command day rates that are competitive with other secondary markets in the Mountain West, typically somewhat below major markets like Los Angeles or New York but commensurate with the local cost of doing business. Budget for prep days as well as shoot days, since a good Second AD does significant work before cameras roll.
Find and Book a Second AD Fast with NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and television production hiring. Every crew member on the platform has a verified profile, so you can review credits, location, and availability before you reach out. There are no agency markups or middlemen.
Ready to staff your Salt Lake City shoot? Post your project on NeedaCrew and start receiving responses from qualified Second ADs in the area. If you are a Second AD based in Salt Lake City or the broader Utah market, join NeedaCrew as a crew member to get in front of producers hiring right now.