MARCO CIGLIA, DGA First Assistant Director
About Me.
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Three Decades of Teamwork, Storytelling, and Leadership
With over 30 years in feature film and high-end television production, I have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the industry’s most talented directors, producers, and crews. Each project has been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and refine the craft of visual storytelling at scale.
As a First Assistant Director, I have helped bring more than 70 major productions to life — including Emmy Award–winning series such as Game of Thrones, The Wheel of Time, and Carnival Row — with budgets exceeding $150 million. I take pride in providing steady, solutions-focused leadership that keeps complex, multi-episodic and feature-length productions on schedule and on budget, while safeguarding the director’s creative vision. A long-standing member of the Directors Guild of America, I am deeply committed to the highest professional and safety standards in every aspect of production.
Expertise in Complex Action, Stunts, and VFX Integration
My core specialism lies in coordinating and managing high-risk, high-complexity sequences involving stunts, SFX, Creature FX, and VFX — ensuring flawless collaboration across departments. I have extensive experience in large-scale battle sequences, pyrotechnics, wire and gimbal work, open-water and underwater filming, and vehicle-based action.With multiple DGA, CSATF, and UK safety certifications, I maintain a “safety through preparation” philosophy — integrating comprehensive risk assessment, detailed safety briefings, and on-set vigilance into every stage of production. This disciplined approach allows creative ambition to flourish within a safe, controlled framework.
International Filming on Global Productions
My work has spanned more than 20 European countries, leading diverse and multilingual teams across international co-productions in Hungary, Ireland, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, and the UK. As a dual UK–Italian national, I combine technical precision with cross-cultural fluency and diplomatic leadership, ensuring alignment and cohesion among global teams. I maintain professional bases in Hungary, Prague, the UK, and Milan, providing strategic flexibility for international production.
Leadership Philosophy: Calm, Clarity, and Collaboration
My leadership approach is grounded in professionalism, transparent communication, and mutual respect. I believe effective direction stems from preparation, calm under pressure, and the ability to maintain focus and morale across every department. My aim is always to cultivate an environment where efficiency, creativity, and teamwork thrive — even under the most demanding conditions.
Strategic Scheduling and Production Planning
I provide strategic scheduling, consulting, and script-to-schedule planning for feature films and episodic television using Movie Magic Scheduling. My expertise lies in translating scripts into detailed, actionable plans that align creative objectives with logistical and financial realities. I also advise on development and budgeting processes, helping producers and studios optimize resources and maximize production efficiency.
Safety Leadership and Risk Management
Having managed a wide range of technically demanding productions, I uphold an unwavering commitment to on-set safety. My training with the Directors Guild of America, California Studio Safety Training Academy (CSATF), and BBC underpins a proactive approach to risk management. Through meticulous pre-production planning and rigorous daily briefings, I ensure every crew member operates within a secure, well-informed environment that prioritizes wellbeing without compromising creativity.
Career Foundations and Personal Interests
Raised in an Italian–English family, I built my career from the ground up — from Floor P.A. to Key 2nd AD, and onward to 1st Assistant Director, 2nd Unit Director, and Co-Producer. This progression has given me a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process and the collaborative effort required to bring complex productions to completion. Beyond the set, I lead an active, fitness-driven lifestyle and maintain a strong interest in martial arts, chess, philosophy, and cinema. I value time with family and friends, good conversation, and the enduring spirit of La Dolce Vita that inspires balance and creativity in all aspects of life.
