
HELLO.
I'M ANDREW
1st AD / Production Manager in the GCC
raised in New Zealand
started in Post Production
moved to Production
and in Dubai for 19 years.... and counting
What I Do
I’m a New Zealand–born production and post-production professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry, both as a creator and a technologist. I began my career as an editor, but since moving to the Middle East 19 years ago, I’ve grown into a versatile 1st AD and Production Manager, leading projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, China, and Japan.
Over the years, I’ve collaborating with internationally renowned artists such as Jolin Tsai, Lay Zhang, Jason Derulo, Crash Adams, and JVKE, while also producing large-scale content for some of the world’s biggest brands. I've delivered films for a landmark partnership between Red Sea Global and Warner Bros Discovery, and served as Executive Producer on a feature-length documentary for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which is set for worldwide release. I’ve also created impactful material for the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to present to the United Nations.
Before that, I ran my own post-production company in Dubai, working with clients like Emirates, PepsiCo, PwC, and McDonald’s. That experience gave me a strong foundation in balancing creative vision with technical execution—something I continue to bring into every project I manage.
As a 1st AD and Production Manager, I excel at building and motivating teams, creating and maintaining schedules, and keeping productions running smoothly under pressure. I pride myself on clear communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail, while always keeping safety and efficiency at the forefront. Whether it’s a high-end film shoot or a complex live event, I bring professionalism, calm leadership, and a solutions-focused mindset to ensure every production delivers at the highest level.
Videos
A selection of projects I've been involved with:
"Human Tide"
feature film | Human Tide follows the deeply personal journeys of six groups of pilgrims, each with their own unique reasons for undertaking this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
- Executive Producer
"Fish Love"
music video for Jolin Tsai
- Production Manager
"Psychic"
music video for Lay Zhang
- Production Manager
"From the Islands"
music video for Jason Derulo, Frozy & Tomo
- 1st AD
"Your Endless Holiday with DAMAC Islands"
commercial for DAMAC
- 1st AD
"Hotel Party"
music video for Crash Adams
- 1st AD
"Optimist"
music video for Crash Adams
- 1st AD
"Beneath the Sea"
promo video for Red Sea Global & Warner Bros. Discovery
- 1st AD & Production Manager
"Dubai Fitness Challenge Returns"
commercial for DFC
- 1st AD
"This is what heartbreak feels like"
music video for JVKE
- 1st AD
"The Dubai Vibe with Broda Shaggi & Chigul"
tourism video for Dubai Tourism - Nigeria
- 1st AD
"World's Shortest Runway"
Red Bull stunt
- 1st AD
"Discover Dubai"
tourism video for Dubai Tourism - Brazil
- 1st AD
"Welcome on Board"
inflight video for Emirates
- Production Manager & Post Production Supervisor
"Qatar Japan Friendship"
promo video for Qatar Museum Authority across Tokyo and Doha
- 1st AD & Production Manager
"Jalboot"
corporate video for Jalboot Marine Services
- 1st AD & Production Manager
Freelance Work

Reach Out
Drop me a line so we can collaborate!
Andrew Durning © 2025

