Unit production manager
Encyclopedia
A Unit Production Manager (UPM) is an on-set manager responsible for the administration of a film's production.
or television show, 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 does not have any direct responsibilities with the creative direction of the film's narrative. 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 make-shift 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.
Overview
A UPM is usually hired by a Producer of a filmFilm
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
or television show, 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
Pre-production
Pre-production or In Production is the process of preparing all the elements involved in a film, play, or other performance.- In film :...
, prior to the start of principal photography
Principal photography
thumb|300px|Film production on location in [[Newark, New Jersey]].Principal photography is the phase of film production in which the movie is filmed, with actors on set and cameras rolling, as distinct from pre-production and post-production....
), thereby charting a recommended budgetary course. Typically, a Producer will oversee all the cost-related decisions, including above-the-line
Above the line (film production)
Above-the-line is a term that refers to the list of individuals who guide, influence and hopefully add to the creative direction, process and voice of a given narrative in a film and their related expenditures...
expenditures (especially during pre-production
Pre-production
Pre-production or In Production is the process of preparing all the elements involved in a film, play, or other performance.- In film :...
). However, the UPM is responsible for the more detailed planning and execution of the below-the-line
Below the line (film production)
Below the line is an accounting term used in filmmaking and television production, an imaginary line delineating those who have influence in the creative direction of a film's narrative from others who perform duties related to the film's physical production....
costs (primarily for physical production). The film's Director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
will select important department heads (keys) or support personnel related to his work, including the casting director, cinematographer
Cinematographer
A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera . The title is generally equivalent to director of photography , used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image...
, costume designer
Costume Designer
A costume designer or costume mistress/master is a person whose responsibility is to design costumes for a film or stage production. He or she is considered an important part of the "production team", working alongside the director, scenic and lighting designers as well as the sound designer. The...
, production designer
Production designer
In film and television, a production designer is the person responsible for the overall look of a filmed event such as films, TV programs, music videos or adverts. Production designers have one of the key creative roles in the creation of motion pictures and television. Working directly with the...
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 does not have any direct responsibilities with the creative direction of the film's narrative. 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 make-shift 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
A UPM's duties usually include the following:- Preparing the budget by breaking down the script into its essential elements
- Bearing the responsibility for most of the financial negotiations, such as for equipment procurement and concerning stage costs
- Preparing a preliminary shooting schedule; the 1st Assistant Director takes over this responsibility while discussing changes with the UPM
- Hiring the crew, except for those recommended by the director
Management duties
UPMs also have management duties to perform, which include the following:- Approving all production expenditures, usually submitted via purchase order, check request or petty cash envelopes
- Negotiating the crews' salaries and approving time cards
- Negotiating equipment procurement (for example, cameras, film stock and lights), while attempting to use the preferred vendors of the Director of Photography, Director or the UPM
- Approving each day's "call sheet" and "production report"
- Resolving/mediating personality conflicts among crew members (as needed)