UAE · freelance roster

Great work starts with a great crew.

We are building a trusted freelance roster across camera, production, post and on-screen talent for upcoming productions across the UAE.

disciplines open now

Last updated · 17 Jul 2026

The roster

26 disciplines. One roster.

One freelance roster across camera, production, post and on-screen talent. We contact suitable people when a project fits.

On-screen & voice

Actor / On-screen Talent

On-camera talent for commercials, brand films and Emirati events across the UAE.

Voice-over Artist

Arabic and English voices for ads, corporate films and government-grade work.

Direction & production

Director

Directors who shape story, performance and look on set.

Assistant Director (1st/2nd AD)

ADs who run the floor and keep a shoot day on schedule.

Producer

Producers who plan budgets, crew and logistics end to end.

Production Manager

Managers who handle scheduling, permits and paperwork across the UAE.

Production Assistant / Runner

Organised set support for call sheets, gear moves and client care.

Location Manager / Scout

Scouts who find and secure locations from Dubai to the Northern Emirates.

Casting Director

Casting for on-screen talent that fits the brief and the region.

Camera & lighting

DP / Cinematographer

Camera-led storytellers for commercials, brand films and premium productions.

Camera Operator

Operators steady on gimbal, tripod and handheld for any set.

1st / 2nd AC (Focus Puller / Camera Assistant)

Focus pullers and camera assistants for RED and Sony cinema packages.

Gaffer / Lighting Technician

Gaffers who light interiors, events and studio sets cleanly.

Grip

Grips for rigging, dollies and safe camera support.

Drone Operator

Licensed UAE operators for safe aerial coverage on approved productions.

Photographer

Stills photographers for weddings, brands and editorial across the UAE.

Sound

Sound Recordist

Location sound mixers for interviews, films and live events.

Boom Operator

Boom operators who keep dialogue clean on set.

Art, styling & looks

Art Department / Production Designer

Designers who build the world a scene lives in.

Set Dresser / Props

Set dressers and props hands for detailed, believable sets.

Stylist / Wardrobe

Stylists for wardrobe that suits talent, brand and culture.

Hair & Makeup (HMUA)

Hair and makeup artists, including women-only Emirati weddings.

Post-production

Video Editor

Story editors for cinematic, social and same-day delivery.

Colorist

Colourists who grade for mood, skin tone and brand consistency.

Motion Graphics / VFX Artist

Motion and VFX artists for titles, graphics and compositing.

Also welcome

Other media-production role (specify in notes)

Another craft on a media set? Tell us where you fit in the form.

How to join the roster

One form. Four steps.

Applications go through the verified freelancer form only. The form asks you to sign in with a Google account because it includes a file upload — that is expected.

01
Choose your roles
Pick the discipline (or disciplines) where you are strongest.
02
Add your portfolio, reel or CV
Upload links or files in the form so we can see your work.
03
Share your availability and rates
Tell us your UAE base and when you can work.
04
We contact you when there's a fit
Big Story reaches out to suitable people for upcoming productions.

Apply to the roster

The roster is open now. Joining does not imply permanent employment — we contact suitable freelancers project by project.

Wedding Production Crew · Separate

Emirati wedding production crew, kept separate.

These rosters are specifically for Emirati wedding production crews and run as two separate forms. If you are not interested in working weddings in the UAE, use the general roster above. Applying is not a confirmed booking, nor permanent employment.

Two separate forms

One form for male/general crew, one for female-only crew.

Form 01

Male / General Wedding Crew

For male and general UAE-based wedding production crew: camera operators, lighting, sound, runners, producers, photographers, editors, assistant directors and similar production roles.

Public form, no sign-in required to fill it in.

Apply as male / general wedding crew

Form 02

Female-Only Wedding Crew

For UAE-based female crew only, kept entirely separate from the male roster. Covers the same production roles (camera, lighting, sound, runners, producers, editors) specifically for female-only wedding productions.

Independent female-only form, no sign-in required to fill it in.

Apply as female-only wedding crew

Big Story is gradually building trusted freelance rosters across the UAE. Applying to either wedding form is not a confirmed booking and does not imply permanent employment. We reach out only when a project, shoot or backup call matches the freelancer in question.

FAQ

Are these permanent jobs?

No. This is a freelance roster, not permanent employment. Joining means we can contact you when a project, shoot or backup call matches your profile — project by project.

Do I need to live in Dubai?

UAE-based availability is preferred. Tell us where you are based and whether you can travel across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates.

What happens after I apply?

Your details go straight into our roster behind the form. We review it against upcoming productions and reach out only when the fit is relevant. Applying does not guarantee a booking.

Can I apply for more than one role?

Yes. Choose your strongest role in the form and mention any additional disciplines in the notes.