Membership

AD/UPM Qualification Lists

To provide Employers with experienced Assistant Directors ("ADs") and Unit Production Managers (“UPMs”), the DGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers ("AMPTP") maintain several regional and category Qualification Lists (“QLs”) of individuals who have met the specified minimum requirements to work as ADs and UPMs in the motion picture, dramatic television and commercial industries. 

The requirements for placement on the Southern California, New York Area, Third Area Film and Multi-Camera QLs are negotiated by the DGA and the AMPTP.  Companies signatory to the DGA Basic Agreement must give preference of employment to individuals on the applicable QL.  

There are also Commercial Qualification Lists (“CQLs”) for Commercial ADs and UPMs.  The requirements for placement on the Southern California, New York Area and Third Area CQLs are negotiated by the DGA and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers ("AICP").  Companies signatory to the DGA National Commercial Agreement must give preference of employment to individuals on the applicable CQL.  

Prior to performing work as a UPM, First AD or Second AD (including 2nd Second AD and Additional Second AD), an individual must be placed on the applicable QL or CQL for the project.  Exceptions to QL requirements may include employment with a DGA signatory company signed to certain low budget agreements or basic cable projects where the QL requirement is based on the program’s budget. You should contact the Guild to confirm whether the QL provisions apply before accepting any DGA-covered employment.

Special administrative offices, separate from the Guild, are responsible for confirming eligibility for QL placement. For information on QL placement, please contact the following: