Production Manager VS a Unit Production Manager

Table of Contents

In the film industry, there are various roles involved in the production process, including the Production Manager and the Unit Production Manager (UPM). While these positions may seem similar, they have distinct responsibilities and functions. Understanding the differences between a Production Manager vs a Unit Production Manager is crucial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in film production. This article will explore the key differences between these roles and shed light on their respective duties and skills.

Production Manager and Unit Production Manager are two distinct roles in the film industry. While both positions are involved in the production process, they have different responsibilities and functions.

Here are 30 differences between a Production Manager vs a Unit Production Manager:

Production Manager:

Oversees the entire production process.
Ensures that the production runs smoothly.
Manages the budget for the entire production.
Works closely with the director and producer.
Coordinates with various departments, including art, camera, and sound.
Hires crew members and negotiates contracts.
Ensures that the production stays on schedule.
Handles any issues that arise during production.
Manages the post-production process.
Ensures that the final product meets the director’s vision.
Focuses on the creative aspects of filmmaking.
Works on both small and large productions.

Unit Production Manager:

Manages the budget for a specific unit or units.
Ensures that the budget is executed on a day-to-day basis.
Works closely with the Production Manager.
Coordinates with various departments, including transportation and locations.
Hires crew members for the specific unit or units.
Ensures that the unit stays on schedule.
Handles any issues that arise within the unit.
Manages the logistics of the production.
Ensures that the unit has the necessary resources.
Focuses on the operational aspects of filmmaking.
Works on both small and large productions.
Reports to the Production Manager.

Additional Differences:

The Production Manager is responsible for the entire production, while the Unit Production Manager is responsible for a specific unit or units.
The Production Manager focuses on the creative aspects of filmmaking, while the Unit Production Manager focuses on the logistical aspects.
The Production Manager works closely with the director and producer, while the Unit Production Manager works closely with the Production Manager.
The Production Manager oversees the post-production process, while the Unit Production Manager does not.
The Production Manager hires crew members for the entire production, while the Unit Production Manager hires crew members for a specific unit or units.
The Production Manager manages the budget for the entire production, while the Unit Production Manager manages the budget for a specific unit or units.
The Production Manager ensures that the final product meets the director’s vision, while the Unit Production Manager ensures that the unit stays on schedule.
The Production Manager handles any issues that arise during production, while the Unit Production Manager handles any issues that arise within the unit.
The Production Manager coordinates with various departments, including art, camera, and sound, while the Unit Production Manager coordinates with various departments, including transportation and locations.
The Production Manager is responsible for the overall success of the production, while the Unit Production Manager is responsible for the success of a specific unit or units.
The Production Manager works on both small and large productions, while the Unit Production Manager works on specific units within small and large productions.
The Production Manager has a broader scope of responsibilities than the Unit Production Manager.
The Production Manager is responsible for the creative vision of the production, while the Unit Production Manager is responsible for executing that vision.
The Production Manager is responsible for the overall budget, while the Unit Production Manager is responsible for a specific portion of the budget.
The Production Manager is responsible for the entire production schedule, while the Unit Production Manager is responsible for the schedule of a specific unit or units.
The Production Manager is responsible for the overall success of the production, while the Unit Production Manager is responsible for the success of a specific unit or units.
The Production Manager is involved in all aspects of the production, while the Unit Production Manager is involved in specific aspects of the production.
The Production Manager and Unit Production Manager work together to ensure the success of the production.

What are the responsibilities of a Production Manager?

A Production Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all logistical and financial aspects of a film, TV, or commercial production. They work closely with the producer and director to make sure their creative vision is achieved within the allotted budget and schedule.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing and monitoring the production budget and schedule. This involves breaking down the script, estimating costs, scheduling shooting days, and tracking actual spending.
Hiring crews and production staff like assistant directors, unit production managers, production coordinators, and production assistants.
Overseeing location scouting, set building, props, wardrobe, transportation, and catering.
Coordinating the work of various production departments and resolving any conflicts or issues that arise.
Managing vendor relationships and negotiating deals for equipment rentals, stages, and post-production services.
Ensuring compliance with union rules, permits, insurance requirements, and safety regulations.
Arranging travel and accommodations for cast and crew as needed.
Overseeing wrap and post-production activities like returning rentals, paying bills, and storing props/wardrobe.
Providing progress reports and financial tracking to producers and studio executives.

What are the responsibilities of a Unit Production Manager?

A Unit Production Manager (UPM) works under the main Production Manager to coordinate all the daily operations of a designated “unit” during production.

Responsibilities include:

Breaking down the shooting schedule for their unit and planning the crew, equipment, and logistics needed to execute it efficiently.
Serving as the key liaison between the studio production office and the daily filming unit.
Managing the budget for their unit during shooting and approving the unit’s expenditures.
Coordinating cast, crew, and vendor call times, locations, and schedules for the unit.
Overseeing health/safety protocols and union regulations for the unit.
Arranging unit travel and on-location accommodations as needed.
Coordinating unit-specific staff like Assistant Directors and Production Assistants.
Troubleshooting any issues that arise in the unit and reporting to the Production Manager.
Providing detailed progress reports on the unit’s scheduling and budget status.

How does a Production Manager differ from a Unit Production Manager in terms of budget management?

The Production Manager oversees the budget for the entire production, while the Unit Production Manager oversees the budget for their specific unit(s).

The Production Manager creates the comprehensive budget during pre-production, breaking down costs by department, personnel, equipment, locations, and other expenses across the whole production timeline. They monitor actual spending versus the budgeted amounts daily and authorize any significant budget changes.

The Unit Production Manager receives a budget allocation for their unit(s) from the Production Manager. They are accountable for overseeing and approving only the expenditures related to running their unit, like crew and equipment costs for the designated shooting days. They ensure their unit stays within the allocated budget but do not control the overall budget.

How does a Production Manager differ from a Unit Production Manager in terms of scheduling?

The Production Manager is responsible for developing the master shooting schedule and calendar for the entire production during pre-production. This covers all units and scenes.

The Unit Production Manager receives the shooting schedule for their designated unit(s) from the Production Manager. Their role is overseeing the scheduling of crew, cast, equipment, and logistics to make sure their unit stays on schedule day-to-day during production.

If issues threaten to delay their unit, the Unit Production Manager quickly troubleshoots and reports any changes to the Production Manager, who adjusts the master schedule accordingly.

How does a Production Manager differ from a Unit Production Manager in terms of personnel management?

The Production Manager conducts hiring for department heads and production staff like assistant directors and production coordinators who work across multiple units.

The Unit Production Manager only hires crew members specific to their unit like camera operators or assistants. However, they oversee and provide direction to all crew working within their unit each day, while coordinating with different department heads.

The Production Manager handles any higher-level personnel issues that arise, while the Unit Production Manager manages daily personnel coordination, conflicts, and needs within their unit.

How does a Production Manager differ from a Unit Production Manager in terms of creative input?

The Unit Production Manager focuses on logistics and has less creative input than the Production Manager. The Production Manager sits in on concept and story meetings, providing creative input on budget, scheduling, and logistical realities. They collaborate closely with the director and producer to execute the creative vision within limitations.

The Unit Production Manager’s role is turning the creative vision into an on-schedule shoot each day. They relay unit issues to the Production Manager to solve through creative adjustments, rather than making those creative calls themselves. Their creative input is limited to troubleshooting logistics.

How does a Production Manager differ from a Unit Production Manager in terms of logistical input?

The Production Manager oversees logistics like transportation, equipment, and locations for the entire production. This involves big-picture coordination between multiple units and departments.

The Unit Production Manager provides logistical input and problem-solving specifically for their unit. For example, they arrange unit travel, equipment, and personnel needs for each day’s shoot. While the Production Manager secures overall equipment rentals, the Unit Manager specifies which ones their unit needs each day.

What are the key skills required for a Production Manager?

Key skills for a successful Production Manager include:

In-depth knowledge of the filmmaking process and production department roles
Strong budgeting and scheduling expertise
Ability to develop budgets and schedules for complex productions
Resourcefulness in finding creative solutions to production issues
Leadership and team-building skills to oversee diverse departments
Diplomacy to collaborate with directors, producers, and studio executives
Multi-tasking and time management abilities
Contract and vendor negotiation skills
Thoroughness in implementing safety protocols, union rules, permits, etc.
Problem-solving and crisis management capabilities

What are the key skills required for a Unit Production Manager?

Essential skills for an effective Unit Production Manager include:

In-depth understanding of the production process, set operations, and crew needs
Budgeting and scheduling proficiency specific to the unit
Logistical coordination abilities – able to quickly arrange crew, equipment, and logistics
People management and leadership skills to oversee the unit crew
Collaboration with department heads like camera, lighting, art, etc.
Diplomacy to work with producers and resolve conflicts
Thorough knowledge of union regulations and safety protocols
Excellent communication skills to liaise between unit and production office
Time management and multi-tasking abilities
Meticulous attention to detail and diligent record-keeping

How does a Production Manager work with the director and producer?

The Production Manager works very closely with the director and producer throughout the process. Early on, they provide input on the preliminary budget and schedule based on the script, locations, and other creative needs.

During pre-production and shooting, they collaborate to translate the creative vision within logistical and financial limitations. The PM needs to align with the director creatively but also realistically guide them on what is feasible. They discuss creative adjustments if issues arise that threaten the budget or schedule.

The PM provides progress reports and budget tracking to the producer. They discuss any deviations from the approved budget or shooting schedule. Together they problem-solve production issues and present unified decisions to the crew and studio executives. This requires maintaining an open dialogue and relationship built on trust and collaboration.

How does a Unit Production Manager work with the Production Manager?

The Unit Production Manager has frequent meetings and conversations with the Production Manager leading up to and during the shoot. In pre-production, they receive essential information like safety protocols, department contact lists, casting and crewing requirements, and approved vendors from the PM.

Once shooting starts, the UPM provides daily progress reports on their unit to the PM. They flag any issues that arise so the PM can quickly adjust the master schedule or budget accordingly. The UPM seeks guidance from the PM when facing unanticipated unit delays, expenses, or problems.

The UPM keeps their unit on track according to the PM’s overall plan. Strong communication and coordination between the PM and multiple UPMs is crucial for keeping all shooting units aligned and the production on target.

How does a Production Manager ensure that the final product meets the director’s vision?

The Production Manager helps ensure the director’s vision is achieved through:

Developing a thorough budget and schedule aligned with the vision early on
Regularly communicating with the director to understand their evolving needs
Finding creative solutions during production to accommodate new directorial ideas within limitations
Hiring crew members and department heads who understand and can collaborate on the director’s vision
Overseeing departments like production design, cinematography, costumes, etc. to construct sets, establish the visual style, select shooting locations, and develop other elements that bring the vision to life
Providing detailed progress reports so the director can assess if they are on track to meet the vision
Troubleshooting issues that arise and guiding adjustments so the final product aligns with the initial creative goals

How does a Unit Production Manager ensure that the unit stays on schedule?

A Unit Production Manager keeps their unit on schedule by:

Thoroughly planning shooting day logistics and staffing needs in advance
Confirming and distributing call times, directions, parking information, and schedule for cast and crew
Arriving early on shoot days to set up base camp and troubleshoot any issues
Closely monitoring the progress of the call sheet schedule as scenes are shot
Enforcing discipline on set so that scenes are completed efficiently
Adjusting call times or shot lists as needed if falling behind
Providing regular updates to the Assistant Director on the unit’s scheduling progress
Working with department heads to ensure scenes are covered from all required angles and elements
Proactively flagging any scheduling issues to the Production Manager as early as possible

How does a Production Manager handle issues that arise during production?

The Production Manager troubleshoots problems that arise during production through:

Assessing the scope and impact of the issue across all units
Convening key department heads to brainstorm solutions
Consulting producers on acceptable adjustments to the budget or schedule
Working with studio executives if necessary for approvals or additional resources
Adjusting the master schedule, shooting order, or unit allocations
Hiring additional crew or services if needed
Securing alternate locations, props, equipment etc.
Presenting the solution to the director and affected crew members
Following up to ensure the adjustments address the issues completely
Updating budgets and schedules to keep everything on track

How does a Unit Production Manager handle issues that arise within the unit?

The Unit Production Manager troubleshoots issues within their unit by:

Identifying the cause of delays or problems as early as possible
Working with the Assistant Director to assess and contain the impact on the unit
Consulting immediately with department heads to find solutions using available resources
Making minor schedule or shot list adjustments within their authority if needed
Arranging alternate equipment rentals, crew, or other services for the unit
Keeping the Production Manager updated on significant issues and proposed solutions
Presenting solutions to the director and affected crew members
Following up on execution and status until the issue is fully resolved

How does a Production Manager coordinate with various departments?

The Production Manager coordinates across production departments by:

Conducting prep meetings with department heads to define budgets, staffing, equipment, scheduling needs, and creative goals
Resolving any conflicts or overlaps between department plans
Distributing shooting schedules, call sheets, budgets, contact lists, and other vital information
Arranging appropriate office spaces and technology for departments
Fielding questions and issues from departments and triaging them to appropriate personnel
Meeting with department heads throughout production to ensure needs are being met
Securing necessary crew, equipment, or other resources requested by departments
Reviewing dailies and progress with department heads to identity potential problems

How does a Unit Production Manager coordinate with various departments?

The Unit Production Manager coordinates with different unit departments by:

Distributing the unit call sheets, schedules, directions, and other information
Conducting advance location walks with department heads to identify needs
Fielding department requests for equipment, supplies, or crew for the unit
Resolving any scheduling or logistical conflicts between departments
Acting as a central point of contact for unit departments on shoot days
Meeting with unit department heads before and after shoots to identify issues
Working with the Assistant Director to ensure scenes are covered by all departments
Accommodating reasonable department requests and escalating major needs to the Production Manager
Troubleshooting any missing coverage or conflicts between departments

How does a Production Manager ensure that the production runs smoothly?

A Production Manager ensures smooth production operations by:

Conducting extensive planning and logistical coordination in pre-production
Assembling experienced department heads and crew members
Clearly defining responsibilities and chains of command for all staff
Coordinating communication and information distribution across units and departments
Maintaining oversight of budgets, schedules, equipment rentals, and other logistics
Acting quickly and decisively if unforeseen situations arise
Making prudent financial and scheduling adjustments while minimizing disruption
Managing personalities and resolving interpersonal conflicts or disputes
Motivating and supporting crew morale through long hours and stress
Monitoring dailies and reports from all units to catch potential problems early

How does a Unit Production Manager ensure that everything that goes into shooting runs smoothly without a hitch?

A Unit Production Manager ensures smooth unit operations by:

Creating comprehensive prep plans for equipment, staffing, schedules, and logistics
Confirming all cast, crew, and vendor call times, directions, parking, and details
Conducting thorough location walks and tech recces to identify needs
Arriving early on shoot days to set up base camp and resolve any issues
Closely monitoring the call sheet schedule and adjusting as needed
Distributing appropriate meal and break times but keeping the set moving
Coordinating department setups and needs proactively throughout the day
Directing background talent and extras efficiently on set
Troubleshooting problems immediately and decisively as they arise
Reporting any delays or mishaps transparently to the Production Manager

How does a Production Manager manage the post-production process?

The Production Manager oversees post-production tasks like:

Coordinating the turnover of materials between production and post such as camera negatives/files, audio, logs, etc.
Working with the post-production supervisor to start logging, organizing, and backing up materials
Hiring and overseeing post staff like editors, visual effects artists, composers, sound mixers etc.
Arranging post-production space, equipment rentals, and technology needs
Monitoring post-production budgets and schedules similar to production
Facilitating test screenings and reshoots if needed
Coordinating delivery of final masters, trailers, and deliverables to the studio/distributors
Managing contracts, payments, insurance, unions, etc. during post
Overseeing the wrap out – archiving materials, returning rentals, paying bills, canceling vendors, storing props/sets/wardrobe, etc.

How does a Unit Production Manager manage the logistics of the production?

The Unit Production Manager manages unit logistics by:

Establishing base camp locations at each shooting site
Coordinating unit travel, parking, and catering
Planning appropriate staffing, equipment, and supplies for daily shoots
Arranging unit rentals for vehicles, generators, lighting, grip, extras, porta potties, etc.
Creating efficient shooting schedules within location and budget constraints
Obtaining permits for locations, parking, road closures, fire/pyro, stunts, etc.
Serving as the unit’s central point of contact for logistical questions or needs
Troubleshooting any unforeseen logistical issues quickly as they arise
Adjusting plans as needed while minimizing expense and delays

How does a Production Manager hire crew members?

The main steps a Production Manager takes to hire production crew are:

Meeting with department heads to identify staffing and skill needs
Developing specific job descriptions and compensation ranges within budget
Posting openings through industry contacts, job boards, unions, and other resources
Reviewing resumes/reels and interviewing promising candidates
Checking references on short-listed candidates
Extending official offers contingent on any negotiations
Contracting crew – forms, pay rates, schedule, scope of work, etc.
Coordinating any travel, equipment, or onboarding needed
Introducing department heads and facilitating orientation

How does a Unit Production Manager hire crew members?

The Unit Production Manager is responsible for hiring crew specific to their unit like:

Camera operators, assistants, grips, electricians, drivers
Production assistants, interns, office staff
Equipment technicians
Temporary or daily crew like stand-ins and background talent

They hire unit crew by:

Conferring with the Production Manager on staffing budget and needs
Developing job descriptions and potential rates/fees
Requesting recommendations or using existing crew contacts
Interviewing promising candidates by phone or in person
Making hiring selections based on skills, experience, and cost
Extending offers to new unit crew members
Contracting them and getting any required forms/paperwork completed
Coordinating equipment, schedule, orientation etc.

How does a Production Manager ensure that the production stays on schedule? (continued)

Enforcing discipline on set and incentivizing efficiency
Allocating additional resources like crew or equipment to pick up the pace if needed
Working with post-production to condense the editing and delivery timeline if required
Overseeing reshoots rapidly if crucial scenes are missing or unsatisfactory
Monitoring unit production reports closely to catch delays early
Having open communication with the director on creative adjustments that can save time
Providing schedule updates proactively to department heads and producers
Staying nimble and willing to make tough decisions for the sake of the timeline

How does a Unit Production Manager ensure that the unit stays on schedule?

The Unit Production Manager keeps their unit on schedule by:

Planning shooting days in detail with realistic pace estimates
Monitoring scene progress closely against the call sheet throughout the day
Enforcing on-set discipline around take limits and meal times
Adjusting call times or shot lists as needed if falling behind
Communicating with the Assistant Director to identify causes of delay
Requesting additional resources like crew or gear if it will accelerate the pace
Escalating major scheduling issues and solutions to the Production Manager promptly
Coordinating with other departments to ensure scenes are covered fully
Compressing the schedule through compromises like scaled-back locations
Motivating the crew to work efficiently together as a team

How does a Production Manager manage the budget for the entire production?

For the entire production budget, the Production Manager:

Creates the comprehensive budget during pre-production based on script, concept art, expenses
Monitors actual spending daily and approves overages to various department budgets
Requires multiple bids and negotiates rates with vendors and service providers
Seeks discounts, sponsorships, or deferred payments to reduce costs
Reports regularly on budget status to producers, studio executives and investors
Makes adjustments during production like trimming shooting days, locations, gear, or crew
Enforces frugality on set while protecting resources needed for quality
Manages petty cash disbursements and reimbursement processing
Oversees billing and payments to vendors and contractors
Completes a thorough cost accounting at end of production

How does a Unit Production Manager manage the budget for a specific unit or units?

For their designated unit budget, the Unit Production Manager:

Receives an allocation from the Production Manager during pre-production
Plans crew, equipment, and other expenditures carefully within that allocation
Tracks and logs all spending for their unit during production
Requires multiple bids for unit rentals, purchases, and contractors
Enforces spending discipline among crew while shooting
Monitors petty cash needs closely but provides quick reimbursements
Reviews all unit invoices and bills for accuracy before approving
Provides spending updates to the Production Manager regularly
Alerts the Production Manager immediately of any issues threatening the unit budget
Recommends realistic compromises if necessary to keep unit costs contained

How does a Production Manager oversee the entire production process?

The Production Manager oversees the entire production process by:

Guiding creative development, budgeting, staffing, and scheduling in pre-production
Coordinating key department heads like camera, lighting, art direction, etc.
Arranging production office space, equipment, insurance, financing, and other needs
Hiring unit production managers to handle discrete sections of the shoot
Distributing production paperwork like call sheets, schedules, contact lists, etc.
Overseeing principal photography for all units and troubleshooting issues
Monitoring progress against budgets, schedules, and creative goals
Liaising between production and studio/network/investors
Managing post-production and delivery logistics per the distribution plan
Wrap out – collecting and archiving materials, paying bills, completing paperwork

How does a Unit Production Manager oversee a specific unit or units in the production process?

The Unit Production Manager oversees their designated unit(s) by:

Breaking down the shooting schedule and creating a workflow plan
Hiring unit production assistants, scouts, office staff, and daily crew
Coordinating unit equipment, locations, permits, parking, catering, etc.
Distributing call sheets, directions, and paperwork to the unit
Running the set operations, scheduling, budget, and safety of the unit
Interfacing constantly with the Director and Assistant Director during shoots
Fulfilling unit crew and department requests promptly
Providing progress reports and updates to the Production Manager
Troubleshooting any issues that arise in the unit immediately
Ensuring scenes are delivered on schedule, on budget, and meeting creative goals

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both the Production Manager and the Unit Production Manager play vital roles in the film production process. While the Production Manager oversees the overall production and ensures its smooth operation, the Unit Production Manager focuses on the logistical aspects of filmmaking.

Production Manager VS a Unit Production Manager

The UPM handles the coordination, facilitation, and oversight of the production unit or units assigned to them. They are responsible for managing budgets, schedules, locations, and personnel. Understanding the distinctions between these roles is essential for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals alike. Consider reading >>>>>>> Difference Between a Production Manager and a Line Producer to learn more.

Dennis Gayirah

I am a highly experienced film and media person who has a great deal to offer to like-minded individuals. Currently working on several exciting projects, I am a film and media practitioner for over a decade. I have achieved a great deal of success in my professional career.