UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER IN FILM PRODUCTION… (In the Entertainment industry. Unit Production Manager in Film Production)

Unit Production Manager / Photo Credit: Justdial - Yousufguda - Hyderabad Film Studios

UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER IN FILM PRODUCTION… (In the Entertainment industry. Unit Production Manager in Film Production)

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Unit Production Manager in Film Production

A unit production manager (UPM) is the DGA–approved title for the top below-the-line staff position, responsible for the administration of a feature film or television production. Non-DGA productions might call it the production manager or production supervisor. They work closely with the line producer. Sometimes the line producer is the UPM. A senior producer may assign a UPM more than one production at a time.

The role of a unit production manager is similar to that of a line producer, in that the UPM is hired by the producer during preproduction to oversee the budget and scheduling of a film or television show through the end of principal photography. Line producer is a role recognized by the Producer’s Guild of America, but a UPM is a member of the Director’s Guild of America and works under a bargaining agreement between the union and the studio or production company.

Responsibility to a senior producer

A UPM is usually hired by a film producer or television producer, and is responsible for managing the production and regulating the costs of delivering the expected film or television show on budget at the end of principal photography. Based on a shooting script, the UPM will create a working budget during pre-production, prior to the start of principal photography, thereby charting a recommended budgetary course. Typically, a producer will oversee all the cost-related decisions, including above-the-line expenditures (especially during pre-production). However, the UPM is responsible for the more detailed planning and execution of the below-the-line costs (primarily for physical production). The film's director will select important department heads (keys) or support personnel related to his work, including the casting director, cinematographer, costume designer, production designer, and film editor. For below-the-line matters, the UPM often negotiates deals (for location, equipment, etc.) and hires the remaining crew, typically on the recommendation of the keys and/or based on prior experience with trusted individuals.

The UPM frequently does not have any direct responsibilities with the creative direction of the film's narrative, although in some cases he will and can be consulted. Many budget decisions affect the creative direction of the project. He or she is to support the director's artistic vision on a daily physical production level.

Before principal photography begins both the producer and UPM work to secure as many of the production elements as possible, including a workable schedule and budget. Usually from a production office during pre-production, they may later divide their time between the office and the set while the film is being shot. An on-set trailer may also be used as a makeshift production office. Like nearly all members of a film crew, UPMs will typically remain on the shoot until the end of principal photography and can return if there are any reshoots. It is not atypical for a UPM to work 80-100 (or more) hours per week while a film is in production.

In the US, a union UPM is represented by The Directors Guild of America. Certain conditions must be adhered to on a union shoot in order to remain in good standing with the DGA. These include expected salary rates, working hours, overtime penalties, required meals and other related criteria.

Highly experienced UPMs bring great value to a project for their strategic and creative problem-solving skills. These individuals will positively affect the film's budget as well as the final outcome and quality of the film on multiple levels.

Duties

In preproduction, the UPM is responsible for preparing a preliminary shooting schedule and below-the-line budget by breaking down the script and assessing time and cost. This person will also work with the location manager to search for and survey all shooting locations and secure permission contracts. The UPM will participate in the hiring of below-the-line crew and coordinate arrangements for housing and transportation, as well as obtaining rental agreements for gear and materials. During principal photography, the UPM will have final approval over all financial expenditures, approve salary and time sheets for crew, and sign off on each day’s call sheet. The unit production manager is also the producer’s eyes and ears on set; production reports are produced daily detailing the shoot’s progress, costs incurred, and changes made to the schedule or budget. If the film or show is lagging behind projected goals, the UPM must step in to identify the cause and take action to get the shoot back on track. Ultimately this person is responsible to the producer (the person signing the checks) to keep the project on time and on budget.

This is a logistical role that requires balancing what the director wants against what the budget will allow. If a scene is running over schedule, the UPM may have to cut staff or draw funds from one line item to give to another. When conflicts arise that threaten the smooth operation of the crew, the unit production manager will step in to mediate the situation and decide on a course of action. It’s not a creative role, but the person in it does have authority to terminate crew employment, alter the equipment and materials lists, or advise the director on what is and is not feasible under the budget and schedule.

Skills & Education

Production managers are highly experienced veterans of the film and television industry. A college degree in film/TV production is advantageous, giving you a firm knowledge of the equipment, job functions, and techniques related to the industry. Courses in finance, human resources, mathematics, statistics, and entertainment business are also invaluable to a UPM. The most important skill a unit production manager can have is the ability to look at the script and instantly know what each element will cost and how long it will take to shoot. That is not easily taught, but comes with experience and a good mind for numbers.

What to Expect

A unit production manager must be a skilled diplomat capable of devising compromises. The UPM controls the purse strings and must be prepared to say no when the director is insisting on six more hours of shooting and the crew is about to hit overtime. A UPM who goes over budget and over schedule will not get much work, but if you can offer creative solutions to complex problems, you will be a sought-after professional. You can reach this role on-set through experience as an assistant director or through the production office as a production coordinator or assistant production manager. A UPM can move up from small, low-budget productions to larger films and television series or can parlay his or her experience into work as a producer.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Career Planner,

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Unit Production Manager / Photo Credit: Justdial - Yousufguda - Hyderabad Film Studios