A unit production manager is a member of film production that plays an administrative role. The unit production manager reports to the line producer on the film, who oversees production and helps decide costs related to the day-to-day production. Unit Production Manager in Thailand is responsible for taking a big-picture budgetary plan- as laid out by producers and other above-the-line crew- and executing it on a day-by-day basis. Working in Filming production in Thailand unit production manager will spend most of their time responding to these factors by evaluating schedules, negotiating with department heads, and shuffling resources any way that they can in order to get the movie made.

From a technical perspective, the only possible answer is budgeting. UPMs may not always create the budget, but they are the ones most responsible for making it work on a day-to-day basis

If production accountants are the UPM’s eyes and ears, production coordinators are their hands, arms, feet, and legs. They get work done and keep production moving in accordance with the unit production manager’s direction.

Some typical responsibilities of a unit production manager in Thailand include:

Setting schedules

During film production, the unit production manager might help set the film schedule. As the lead administrator on the production, the manager handles many of the logistical aspects of a film production. The unit production manager tracks how much time the production has in a day and ensures that the crew receives scheduled breaks. A film production can incur substantial costs if a film crew enters over time and the unit production manager ensures that the line producer and director are aware of the schedule.

Selecting locations

A unit production manager often helps select film locations. This responsibility can vary based on the needs of the production. But, a unit production manager might set up locations for the creative to scout or present potential locations via images or video. The unit production manager also takes care of some of the financial aspects of securing the location if it’s private property.

Filing paperwork

Actors and crew members sometimes sign releases or other documents. The releases might protect the film production in case an injury occurs on set. Sometimes the paperwork might require that the cast and crew do not disclose details of filming. The unit production manager files this paperwork with the production office.

Creating a budget

A unit production manager has some involvement in the budget for aspects of the film. The unit production manager might work with the line producer to figure out a budget for different aspects of the production and crew. During production, the unit production manager monitors the cost of production and tries to ensure the film stays within its budget.

Providing transportation

A unit production manager organizes and provides transportation to film crew members and to creative members of the production. If filming is occurring in a remote area for a day, the unit production manager sets up transportation for the film production to the location. If a creative talent, such as an actor, is coming in for one day of filming, the unit production manager might ensure the actor has a ride from the airport.

Hiring crew members

A unit production manager has a role in hiring crew members. The line producer and unit production manager might decide what the film can afford and what type of crew to hire. The unit production manager then reviews resumes and conducts interviews to fill the positions to create the film crew. During production, the unit production manager also evaluates the performance of crew members.

Securing permits

Sometimes filming requires permits, which a unit production manager secures. If a film production, for example, plans to film at night in a residential neighborhood, they likely need a permit from the local municipality. Cities and local governments also require permits in other situations, such as filming on a public street or filming in a public park.

Creating reports

During filing, the unit production manager often files reports with the line producer. These reports, usually filed daily, might state how well the production is sticking to the shooting schedule. The report might also break down the status of the budget and costs. The production report provides a glimpse of how the film is progressing compared to expectations.

Facilitating communication

A unit production manager can facilitate communication between different aspects of production. The manager supervises front-line members of the crew and directly reports to the line producer. A unit production manager is a conduit of communication between the below-the-line employees and the above-the-line creative members of the production. If you work as a unit production manager, you also help deliver messages from the production office.

Operating the production office

The unit production manager organizes and supervises the production office. This might include hiring staff for the office and supervising their performance. The production office is the central communication hub of production. The staff answers phone calls, delivers messages and processes incoming paperwork. Sometimes meetings regarding film production occur at the production office.

Supervise crew members

The unit production manager supervises other members of the crew, including production assistants. The unit production manager addresses crew performance issues, hires crew members and schedules them. If a crew member has a concern or question, they often take it to the unit production manager, who can act as a liaison between the front-line crew and members of the creative team.

Organizing meals

Some film productions provide meals to the cast and crew. Often the production manager secures a vendor to provide meals and snacks. The extent of the food provided can depend on the size of the film production and the film’s budget. On smaller films, there might not be any food and on larger films, the production might regularly provide lunch and dinner. Sometimes the film production only provides such amenities for above-the-line creative members of the film production.