aka: UPM, film production manager, production manager
A unit production manager (UPM) is responsible for the day-to-day running of a film or TV production. They sit between the creative side and the logistics, making sure the shoot stays on schedule, on budget, and legally compliant.
If something practical needs solving during production, it usually falls to the UPM.
What Does a Unit Production Manager Do?
A UPM oversees the physical production once a project is greenlit. They turn plans into workable schedules, manage crew logistics, and deal with the realities of filming on the ground.
| Stage | Typical responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Pre-production | Break down the script, create shooting schedules, help build the budget, hire crew, secure locations and permits, arrange insurance, and plan logistics such as transport and accommodation. |
| Production | Oversee day-to-day operations, manage the production office, track spending, handle schedule changes, solve problems as they arise, and ensure the production complies with union rules and local regulations. |
| Post-production | Wrap the production, close accounts, finalise paperwork, and make sure all contractual and legal obligations are completed. |
Who Does the Unit Production Manager Work With?
- Producer / Line Producer – manages budgets, schedules, and overall production planning.
- Director – supports the creative vision while managing practical constraints.
- Department heads – coordinates crew needs, schedules, and resources.
- Production office team – supervises coordinators and assistants.
- Locations, legal, and unions – ensures compliance and permissions.
How the Role Changes on Smaller Productions
On smaller or independent productions, the UPM role often overlaps with other production management jobs. They may also act as the line producer, production coordinator, or handle tasks normally split across multiple people on larger sets.
This usually means more hands-on problem solving and less separation between planning and execution.
Unit Production Manager vs Line Producer
A line producer focuses on building and controlling the budget and schedule at a high level. The unit production manager is responsible for executing those plans day to day on set.