What union or guild is the unit production manager associated with?

The unit production manager (UPM) is primarily associated with the Directors Guild of America (DGA). This organization represents the interests of directors and members of the production team who work closely with directors, including UPMs. The UPM plays a crucial role in overseeing the budget and scheduling of a film or television production, working directly under the director and alongside other crew members.

The connection to the DGA arises because the unit production manager is typically involved in the overall management of production, making them integral to the directing process. This ensures effective communication and coordination, which is fundamental for the successful execution of a project under the guidance of the director.

While options like the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) pertain to different facets of film production (producers and technical/ craft union workers, respectively), the specific roles and responsibilities of a unit production manager align more closely with the DGA’s focus on the directing side of production management.