ABOUT

The name’s Nico. Nico Yanakiev.

I am a Sofia, Bulgaria and D.C., USA based director’s assistant, fluent in English, Bulgarian, and French, open to travel.

Raised in USA, tertiary study at Virginia Commonwealth University, and forged in the Bulgarian film trenches, I bring a global perspective to every production (commercial, narrative, documentary, music promo), ensuring nothing gets lost in translation from communication through execution.

Whether you need logistical coordination, creative prep, BTS problem-solving, or plain emotional support, I’m here to streamline the process so you can focus on what you do best.

Your vision is the priority. My job: minimize the extra noise.

(And, if you’re wondering: Yes, I have both American and EU passports)

SKILLS

assembling clear, clean, yet fun briefs
strong intercultural communication, thereby bridging cultural and linguistic gaps
proactive problem solving and task completion
cross-departmental correspondence as director’s first point of contact to reduce the noise
talent coordination of up to 800 cast members through attentive correspondence and detailed documentation
creative ideation in alignment with your vision
doing everything you don’t want to

LANGUAGE

English

Bulgarian

French

📷༘ 📷༘ 📷༘ 📷༘ 📷༘

📷༘ 📷༘ 📷༘

TESTIMONIALS

“Nico is diligent, funny, hardworking and organized. She is tactful and prudent as a collaborator. ‘Creative sidekick’ is apt, yet somehow is an understatement.”

ALEX WAITE

Producer

“Nico is the perfect DA, and on big, complex jobs with constantly changing elements, she has supported the AD team with clarity, creativity and great communication. All this with warmth and intelligent fun.”

JIM COLE

1st AD

“Nico is a great communicator as well as a passionate and diligent professional. She’s a great addition to any crew.”

SAMI ABUSAMRA

Director – MISTER TIBBS

“Bottom line: Nico is smart. She’s the kind of DA who makes you wonder how you ever got through a shoot without her. Nico has sharp creative instincts, she’s super efficient; always thinking, always anticipating. Incredibly helpful with casting. She really does understand a brief and also try and elevate the vision and also protect it. I think every director that is lucky enough to work with Nico will conclude that she doesn’t simply support their process — she makes it better.”

GUSTAV GRASS

Producer

“We were in the thick of a mammoth job with a demanding client and a wild deadline when Nico stepped up as my go-to. She handled everything—casting, custom brief decks, spitballing scenes, even running B-unit on set. Her hustle, smarts, and good vibes made the whole thing possible. I seriously couldn’t have done it without her as my trusty co-pilot.”