Assistant Director - 1st

Rachael Bagley

  • Large-scale action, second unit, marine, aerial, and water-based productions. Working with Children Blue Card, 30 years experience, supporting both DGA films and non-DGA local production.
Gold Coast
With nearly 30 years of experience in international film and television, Rachael Bagley specialises in delivering world-class stunt action sequences, marine, aerial on complex large-scale productions with precision leadership, elite safety management and proven on-set problem-solving expertise.

Kara Chandler

  • BA Media and Cultural Studies, Working With Children Check, First Aid.
Northern Rivers
1st Assistant Director with a number of independant projects under my belt.

Andrew McInally

  • 1st Assistant Director, features and series based in Brisbane, QLD.
Brisbane
1st Assistant Director experienced across Feature Films, TV Series, Feature Documentaries, Web Series and TVCs

Rachael Bagley

  • Large-scale action, second unit, marine, aerial, and water-based productions. Working with Children Blue Card, 30 years experience, supporting both DGA films and non-DGA local production.
Gold Coast
With nearly 30 years of experience in international film and television, Rachael Bagley specialises in delivering world-class stunt action sequences, marine, aerial on complex large-scale productions with precision leadership, elite safety management and proven on-set problem-solving expertise.

Lists as:

  • Assistant Director - 1st

Rachael Bagley is a highly experienced Australian First Assistant Director with almost three decades of international film and television production experience across Australia, Thailand, Fiji, Malaysia, Japan, and New Zealand. Rachael has worked on large scale DGA films and also supports non DGA local production.

She specialises in large-scale action, second unit, marine, aerial, and water-based productions, with a strong reputation for leadership under pressure, complex logistics management, and safety-focused execution on high-end international productions.

Her expertise includes:

  • First Assistant Directing for major US studio films, streaming productions, and international television series.
  • Managing complex action sequences, second unit operations, stunt coordination support, marine units, and remote-location productions.
  • Extensive experience in water environments, aerial units, and technically demanding shoots involving difficult terrain, weather, and large-scale logistics.
  • Advanced scheduling, crew leadership, production problem-solving, and on-set operational management.
  • Strong collaboration with internationally recognised directors, stunt coordinators, producers, and studios including Netflix, Disney+, MGM, Columbia Pictures, STX, Lionsgate, WWE, Paramount, and Universal Pictures.

Her recent credits include:

  • John Rambo — 1st AD, 2nd Unit/Action Unit in Thailand
  • Anaconda — 1st AD, 2nd Unit/Action Unit
  • Thirteen Lives — 1st AD for additional photography and second unit work under director Ron Howard
  • Nautilus — 1st AD
  • Kate — 1st AD for Action Unit in Thailand and Japan
  • Adrift — Key 2nd AD on major marine and remote-location production work in Fiji and New Zealand
  • The Shallows — Key 2nd AD on water-based production work

Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for calm leadership, precision scheduling, and the ability to deliver complex productions efficiently under demanding conditions. A testimonial from Millennium Media’s Line Producer on “John Rambo” specifically praised her for integrating reshoots into a compressed schedule while still achieving an early wrap and saving a shooting day.

Her career progression demonstrates deep industry experience, advancing from 3rd AD and 2nd AD roles on international productions in the late 1990s and early 2000s to leading major action units and main units on global studio projects today.

Please refer to my CV for list of credits and referrees.

IMDb profile: IMDb Pro Profile

Kara Chandler

  • BA Media and Cultural Studies, Working With Children Check, First Aid.
Northern Rivers
1st Assistant Director with a number of independant projects under my belt.

Lists as:

  • Assistant Director - 1st
  • Director's Assistant

Coming up through the independent film world has sharpened my creativity and resourcefulness—skills essential when working with limited time and budgets.

My varied career has helped me to develop a compassionate, emotionally intelligent leadership style, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and transparent atmosphere on set. I prioritise the well-being of the crew and am proactive in advocating for their needs, ensuring a collaborative and productive working environment.

My background spanned commercial and event videography, where I worked as a shooter, producer, and editor. This has equipped me with a sharp eye for visual storytelling and a practical understanding of how to balance creativity with logistical efficiency.

My approach as an Assistant Director is rooted in a deep respect for the story. I believe that fully understanding the narrative’s beats, character arcs, and set pieces allows me to anticipate challenges, streamline the shooting process, and support the director’s vision with precision and clarity.

2024 – It Will Find You (1st Ad) – Deadhouse Films – Feature Film
2024 – Resonance (1st AD) – Deadhouse Films – Feature Film
2024 – Role Of A Lifetime (1st AD) – Dreamchaser – ABC TV Series

Andrew McInally

  • 1st Assistant Director, features and series based in Brisbane, QLD.
Brisbane
1st Assistant Director experienced across Feature Films, TV Series, Feature Documentaries, Web Series and TVCs

Lists as:

  • Assistant Director - 1st

Over 30 years industry experience, primarily focused on Australian feature films and drama series.

Direct Enquiries: 0408 710 478
E: andrew@boilermaker.com.au

Qld Agent: Essential Crew
Ph: 07 3846 7788
E: info@essentialcrew.com.au

RECENT CREDITS:

2025
TWO YEARS LATER (8 x 1/2hr TV Series) Block 2
DESERTED (Webseries)
NOT RUSSIAN ANYWHERE (Webseries)

2024
ZOMBUCHA (Feature)

2023 / 2024 / 2025
ZOMBIE PLANE (F) /25 Add’l Scenes

2023
AUDREY (Feature)
APPLES NEVER FALL (MINI SERIES) – 2nd Unit/ PU

2022
IN OUR BLOOD (4 x 1hr Series) – Eps 3 & 4
TEN POUND POMS (6 x 1hr series) – Stand-in 1st AD across various Eps
THE CAPE (Feature Doco)