A unit production manager oversees film, television, or theater projects from start to finish, ensuring they stay on budget and schedule. They estimate costs, create a budget, secure locations, hire staff, arrange equipment, and ensure compliance with regulations. They also write daily reports and delegate tasks.
A unit production manager, sometimes referred to as a UPM, is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the production of film, television, or theater projects. UPM basically oversees production from start to finish, with an emphasis on ensuring the project stays on budget and on schedule. In addition to these two main responsibilities, there are a number of other responsibilities that the plant production manager must assume.
Once a production is given the go-ahead to start, the job of the unit’s production manager begins. Breaking down the script and estimating costs to create a production budget is one of UPM’s initial responsibilities. Once a budget is established, it is the production manager’s responsibility to ensure that production does not exceed the budget. Creating a production schedule is another responsibility of the unit production manager and is connected to the budget; if production is delayed, costs usually increase. For this reason, it is the UPM’s job to ensure that the schedule is being followed.
Another responsibility of the plant production manager is finding locations for production. This is more for film and television productions than for theater productions. Once the locations are established, it is up to UPM to secure permissions and permission to use the locations. This may involve contacting local authorities, especially for large productions. For location shooting, it is also UPM’s responsibility to arrange housing and transportation for the cast and crew.
In addition to organizing the logistics of a production, hiring staff is usually another aspect of the job. The most common types of personnel hired by UPM are crew members, such as camera and lighting personnel. Getting contracts with the team is another duty of the job. It is helpful for UPM to know the basics of the technical aspects of the production, such as lighting, editing and camera work, as this will help with hiring decisions and allow UPM to provide technical assistance if needed during production.
Arranging for the proper equipment to be on set is another thing the production manager does. Ensuring that there is insurance coverage for everyone who needs it during production is another aspect of the job. Additionally, this position must ensure that all people involved comply with various production regulations, including safety, union, and guild regulations.
It is important that the unit’s production manager knows what is happening with production at all times. Writing daily reports of decisions, expenses, and activities is usually another UPM duty. Although the UPM is not involved in the creative side of the production, he or she is responsible for all other day-to-day decisions and must delegate tasks to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
