What is a Unit Production Manager?
Unit Production Managers work across the production process managing the production’s budget and schedule ensuring that the film makes it from conception to reality.
Budgets make the world go round
Although the role of a Unit Production Manager is largely managerial, people skills are essential for this role. As a Unit Production Manager you will take charge of all budgeting and scheduling issues, both of which are directly impacted by the people working on the production. Conflicts on the production lead to unmotivated staff, unmotivated staff lead to decreased efficiency and mistakes, both of which wreak havoc for the schedule and budget. As a result, Unit Production Managers often act as the mediators between departments, resolving issues and motivating staff.
Unit Production Managers work in constant conflict, negotiating between the wants of the Director and Producer and budget restrictions. Often Unit Production Managers will estimate budgets by examining the script, time-scale and associated costs. Building budgets through script reading is an essential skill for this role, and it is a skill that can only be developed through a lot of practice. The Unit Production Manager is also responsible for signing off location costs, equipment rental agreements, daily call sheets and crew salaries.
Great Unit Production Managers deliver creative solutions. Rather than refusing an activity because it falls outside the budget, they will work to find a creative compromise, ensuring that the production is always working to its full potential.
Key Skills
- Good people management skills
- Ability to motivate a team
- Good negotiation skills
- Numerical abilities
- Excellent knowledge of the production process
- Creative approach to problem-solving
How to Become a Unit Production Manager
While a degree is not a necessity to become a Unit Production Manager, those that do have a degree undertake it in a related subject such as media, film or theatre. Unit Production Managers are highly experienced, with exceptional knowledge of the production process, equipment and individual job specifications. Before becoming a Unit Production Manager you will usually work as an Assistant Director, Production Coordinator or Assistant Production Manager.
Become a Unit Production Manager today
If you are ready for the next step in your career, why not take a look at the latest Unit Production Manager vacancies on our jobs board? You can view our latest vacancies here.