aka: film production manager, production manager
It takes hundreds of people to make a film. So, every job role is essential in ensuring the film day runs smoothly and stays on schedule. One of these important roles is the unit production manager, who assists the producer as the chief admin in the production office.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to become a unit production manager, what the job entails, how much you can expect to earn, and more.
What Is a Unit Production Manager?
The unit production manager (or UPM) is in charge of managing the film set. Their responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, organizing, and general project maintenance. They also look after the below-the-line crew, which includes all creative job roles on a film set.
The UPM works directly under the line producer and producer. In fact, the unit production manager is one of the producer’s key assistants.
On any film set, the producer has a lot of work to do. Not only do they need to work with the director, but they also guide the entire crew and get everything ready for filming. Because of this, the producer hires many assistants to help them prep and run the set during filming.
The unit production manager’s job description will vary on every project. However, on most projects, they start working with a script breakdown and help hire crew members. In addition, they rent or buy equipment, create the filming plan, and scout locations.
They also have an important role to play when it comes to ensuring the cast and crew are prepared for the shoot. For starters, they arrange travel and housing prior to filming. Also, they make sure that everyone has an updated script.
What Does a Unit Production Manager Do?
| Pre-production | – Find and arrange locations – Create a shooting schedule – Make an initial film budget – Help to hire and organize crew – Set up cast and crew travel |
| Production | – Lead a team of office assistants – Manage production spending – Create film releases and paperwork – Oversee the film schedule – Create end of day reports |
| Post-production | N/A |
How to Become a Unit Production Manager
Essential unit production manager skills:
- Organization and planning
- Budgeting
- Attention to detail
- Project management
- Time management
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Relationship building
There are a number of ways to get started as a unit production manager. One way is to get a film degree. There are lots of film production courses that teach the basics of filmmaking.
Another way is to learn the job role through work experience as an intern or production assistant. This gives them a chance to learn by watching others do the job. On-the-job observation and training also helps with learning the skills needed to become a unit production manager.
This job is heavy on teamwork and collaboration, organization and planning, as well as budget-related duties. While some of these skills can be learned in entry-level roles, you’ll likely need to take courses (in person or online) to fill in any gaps in your work experience.
Finding Unit Production Manager Jobs
Unit production managers spend a lot of time in the production office. Because of this, you might want to start your search by looking for jobs as a production coordinator or unit production manager.
Production coordinators also organize and plan the film shoot. However, unlike a UPM who works with the producer on and off set, the production coordinator spends all their time in the office. So this experience would be invaluable in your training for the UPM role and would be an effective stepping stone into the role you desire.
As for where you should go to find work, check out film job sites. Networking can also be a good way to learn about new job openings in the film industry. For instance, if you had a good working relationship with a producer on a previous job, they may ask you to join them on future projects.
How Much Money Do Unit Production Managers Make?
Minimum pay rate for unit production managers: $1,017/day
The unit production manager position is a mid-level role, which means you will get paid more than a production assistant, but less than a producer.
There are different factors that can impact how much you earn. For instance, your rate will go up as the size of the production and budget do. Also, there are often different rates between, say, low-budget indie films and high-end TV projects. If you look at our crew rates, you can see how the rates vary.