The Eastern AD/UPM Council is the elected body that represents the more than 2,300 Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager members of the Guild who reside and/or work in film, television, commercials and new media the East and Midwest regions.
This section provides AD/UPM members with information that is specific to their categories; and the public with information about the activities of this council. Please click the "more" button for a welcome message from Eastern AD/UPM Council Chair Canella Williams-Larrabee. DGA Members, log in for meeting times and other Council information.
Eastern AD/UPM Council
From Script to Screen: A Seminar on Scheduling Film & Episodic TV
An Eastern AD/UPM Council Member Education Committee Seminar
See text and photos from this seminar that sought to demystify the task of figuring out the intricacies involved in getting everyone together to make a production.
Jun 3, 2025
Navigating the DGA: A Member Orientation
Assistant Directors and Unit Production Managers learned more about the workings of their Guild at the Eastern AD/UPM Council's Navigating the DGA member orientation.
May 3, 2025
From Script to Screen: A Seminar on Scheduling Film & Episodic TV
See text and photos from this seminar that sought to demystify the task of figuring out the intricacies involved in getting everyone together to make a production.
Feb 1, 2025
22nd Annual Meet the Directorial Teams of the DGA Award-Nominated Projects
See video and coverage from this event that honored Director's team members of the DGA Award-Nominated Projects.
Jan 8, 2025
DGA Announces Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for 2024
DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter announced the five nominees for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for 2024 Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Edward Berger (Conclave), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) and James Mangold (A Complete Unknown). The nominees for the Michael Apted Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Theatrical Feature Film were also announced.
Jan 7, 2025
The DGA announced the nominees in nine categories honoring outstanding directorial achievement in television, commercials and documentary for 2024.
Dec 12, 2024
DGA Announces Special Award Winners for 77th Annual DGA Awards
DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter announced that Unit Production Managers Mary Rae Thewlis and Thomas J. Whelan will be honored for decades of DGA service and career achievement.
Nov 21, 2024
Reminder: New Mandatory Safety Requirements for AD/UPMs and AD/SMs
As part of the Guild’s ongoing efforts to elevate the importance of safety in your workplaces, the 2023-2026 Basic Agreement (BA) and Freelance Live and Tape Television Agreement (FLTTA) include requirements for DGA employees to complete additional training courses.
Nov 21, 2024
2024 DGA Membership Meeting in Chicago
The DGA membership meeting and dinner in Chicago, IL provided an opportunity for members to network with their peers, meet staff, and hear what the Guild is doing to protect and extend their creative and economic rights.
Nov 16, 2024
Adding Volume: A Virtual Production Workshop
DGA members and trainees attended this seminar to gain valuable insight into how a large-scale, state of the art LED volume stage can be used to help achieve a Director’s vision.
Nov 16, 2024
2nd AD Skills Training: Resume Building, Expanding Your Network and Interviewing
This hybrid networking event featured discussions about building a resume and expanding networks.
Oct 26, 2024
Working with Background Actors in Georgia
DGA members and trainees attended a seminar that covered hiring and working with background actors led by DGA and ADTP staffers and representatives from Central Casting.
Oct 5, 2024
Navigating Drone Filming in NYC
DGA members and trainees gathered in New Jersey to learn more about what’s needed for a successful drone shoot.
Sep 21, 2024
Crossing the Hudson: An Overview of Filming in New Jersey
This hybrid event gave invited UPMs an opportunity to learn from their peers, network and ask questions.
Sep 20, 2024
Know Your Contract: Understanding “Distant Hire” Contract Provisions Under the BA & FLTTA
When working as a Distant Hire, it’s essential to understand your rights and benefits as the employer has responsibilities for your salary, travel, meals, incidentals, and accommodations
Aug 14, 2024
Financial and Mental Health Programs for DGA Members
The DGA supports these programs which are available to help members navigate challenging times and maintain their well-being,
Aug 14, 2024
Directors Guild Foundation Offers Free Financial Training
The DGF is bringing back its immensely popular free course: Financial Training for Freelance Employees.
Aug 3, 2024
DGA Membership Meeting in New Orleans
The DGA's recent membership meeting and dinner in New Orleans, Louisiana provided an opportunity for these members to network with their peers, meet staff, and learn what the Guild is doing to protect and extend their creative and economic rights.
Jul 24, 2024
As part of the DGA’s ongoing efforts to educate members on recent contract gains, in this installment we highlight an episodic Director’s creative rights when it comes to electronic transmissions.
Jun 1, 2024
Atlanta Coordinating Committee Hosts Kickoff Event
DGA members from the surrounding area gathered for this event marking the creation of the Atlanta Coordinating Committee (ATLCC).
Jun 1, 2024
DGA Hosts Welcome Event for MSNBC/NBC News Now
The event, held in two sessions, was designed to familiarize the members with the DGA’s operations and provide valuable insights into the long-standing history of the Guild.
May 30, 2024
Know Your Contract: Expanded Paid Post-Production Rights, New Juneteenth Holiday
As part of the DGA’s ongoing efforts to educate members on recent contract gains, we’re exploring the new Paid Post-Production for TV Directors and the addition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday.
May 11, 2024
See a recap and images from this event, where DGA members heard about how to demystify the budgeting process in a two-part workshop guided by UPM Sirad Balducci
May 4, 2024
CommuniTEA, the 11th Annual Second AD Tea
2nd AD DGA members from the Eastern region came together for this in-person version of their annual event.
Feb 24, 2024
See a recap and photos from this event, where DGA members heard about various paths current UPMs and Producers took to land their first AUPM or UPM position.
Contact
- Mary Hatch
Assistant Executive Director(212) 258-0801mhatch@dga.org - Hannah Donigan
Administrative Assistant(212) 258-0805hdonigan@dga.org
Council Side Links
Qualifications Links
Availability List
Production List
Reminder: New Mandatory Safety Requirements for AD/UPMs and AD/SMs
November 21, 2024
As part of the Guild’s ongoing efforts to elevate the importance of safety in your workplaces, the 2023-2026 Basic Agreement (BA) and Freelance Live and Tape Television Agreement (FLTTA) include requirements for DGA employees to complete additional training courses.
How to Report Work Online
A DGA Website Tutorial:
A step-by-step guide to using the members only navigation menu to report your work online.
DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans Information
Click here for information from the official website of the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans
Mary Rae Thewlis
Visual History Interview
Mary Rae Thewlis discusses her 25-plus year career as a unit production manager, including her work on Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Americans; as well as her extensive Guild involvement.
Kathleen McGill
Visual History Interview
Unit Production Manager Kathleen McGill discusses her 25-year career, highlighting her collaboration with director Ron Howard on features A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, Frost/Nixon and Angels & Demons; as well as her work in episodic television; and her extensive Guild service.