photos by Ryan Jensen
On September 21, Unit Production Managers gathered for the Eastern AD/UPM Council’s UPM Committee annual breakfast gathering. Held both online and in the Guild’s New York boardroom, the invitation-only event, Crossing the Hudson: An Overview of Filming in New Jersey, gave them an opportunity to learn from their peers, network and ask questions.
Noting that production is on the rise in the state of New Jersey, this year's breakfast featured a discussion about members' recent experiences shooting there. In a conversation moderated by UPM Committee Member Daniel Hank, special guests Jon Crowley and David Schoner of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, and production tax credit consultant John Hadity shared information about the New Jersey Film Commission and the State’s recently raised tax incentives designed to bring more production jobs to the area.
The participants spoke about New Jersey’s “Film Ready” program which educates local municipalities on the benefits of welcoming film and television productions. They also shared information about the extensive availability of friendly filming locations, new soundstage construction, and the state-sponsored industry training programs.
Other UPM members such as Michael Kriaris and Thomas Whelan, who have also filmed in New Jersey, shared their experiences with the tax credit diversity bonus, the successful sourcing of crew and equipment, and shared advice on how to navigate state compliance.
About the Committee
The Eastern AD/UPM Council UPM Committee is co-chaired by Lynn Appelle, Leslie Gyson and Patricia Doherty Hess and alternate co-chair Brian Papworth. The Committee members are Adam Brightman, David Chambers, Frank Covino, Parry Creedon, Joe Guest, Jennifer Haire, Daniel Hank, Jennifer Jimenez, Michael Kriaris, Rosemary Lombard, Stephen Lippross, Claudine Marrotte, Kathleen McGill, Carla Raij, Kelsi Russell, Carlos Vazquez, Thomas Whelan, Canella Williams-Larrabee and Dana Zolli.
