On February 28, DGA members filled the boardroom of the Guild's New York offices for the AD/UPM Council East’s UPM and Member Education Committees jointly hosted event, The Business of Filmmaking: A UPM Masterclass. During the half-day seminar, seasoned DGA Unit Production Managers shared their expertise on subjects close to their hearts and gave practical advice for shooting in New York.
The Business of Filmmaking featured conversations with UPMs Jeff Bernstein (The Following) and Kristin Bernstein (The Good Wife), who spoke about the pros and cons of working in a New York City flooded with production; UPM Committee Co-Chair Scott Ferguson (The Normal Heart), who discussed ways to develop creative partnerships with directors; AD/UPM Council East Second Vice Chair Lyn Pinezich (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) gave tips on how to effectively interface with sister unions such as SAG-AFTRA and the IATSE locals; and former AD/UPM East Council Chair Thomas Whelan (Gotham), who lent his expertise on the day-to-day management of an episodic television production. Each discussion included an open forum where the attendees could ask the speakers questions.
About the Council
The The AD/UPM Council East is the elected body that represents the nearly 1,700 Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager members of the Guild who reside /or work in film, television, commercials and new media the East and Midwest regionsAssistant Director Committee addresses issues that concern the members of this category and encourages dialogue amongst members in an effort to bring awareness, devise solutions to problems and continue education and growth.