How to Get a Director to Do the Work They Don’t Want to Do
When working as a UPM or 1st AD
As a Producer, Unit Production Manager (UPM) or First Assistant Director (1st AD), part of your job is making sure things get done, whether or not the Director wants to do them.
Directors are visionaries, storytellers, and creative leaders, but that doesn’t mean they love every part of the filmmaking process. Maybe they hate dealing with studio notes. Maybe they avoid difficult conversations with actors. Maybe they drag their feet on reshoots, marketing obligations, or budget talks.
That’s where we come in. Our role isn’t just to manage logistics; it’s to make sure the director can actually direct, even if that means nudging them toward the tasks they’d rather ignore.
Understanding Director Resistance
Before you push a director to do something they’re resisting, understand why they’re resisting it. Some common reasons:
They don’t see the value – If it’s not creative, it feels like a waste of time.
They fear conflict – They’d rather avoid difficult conversations.
They feel overwhelmed – There’s too much happening, and this is just one more thing.
They think it’s someone else’s job – They assume producers or marketing teams will handle it.
The key to getting them on board is framing the task in a way that aligns with their priorities and their vision.
How to Get a Director to Do the Work They’d Rather Avoid
1. Reframe the Task as a Creative Decision
Directors are storytellers: so make the task about the story and get excited with them!
❌ Instead of: “Can you review the VFX shots that were sent over today?”
✅ Say: “Did you see the VFX shots we received on frame.io? A few of them look pretty epic! Do you have time today to give your notes?”
❌ Instead of: “I think we need to cut a scene or shot at the pace we are going.”
✅ Say: “What do you think about consolidating a few of our shots from the shot list so that we can try to get all the scenes we had scheduled today?”
When you bring a solution to a stressful situation, they’re more likely to engage.
2. Make the Decision easy by providing options
Most Directors don’t care about paperwork, scheduling, or admin work, but they do care about getting their film made at the highest level possible.
❌ Instead of: “How is the shot list coming? Did you meet with the DP?”
✅ Say: “I spoke with the DP and he said he can meet up with you on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to work on the shot list. Does that work for you?
Remind them that this isn’t about the task—it’s about what it enables.
3. Use the ‘Do It First’ Approach
If there’s something the director is avoiding, like a tough conversation with an actor, a studio call, or approving costume designs, get them to do it first thing in the day.
❌ Instead of: “Can you talk to _______ ? They won’t come out of their trailer!”
✅ Say: “We’re losing a lot of time waiting on _______ . I could talk with them, but I really think you should be the one to explain how important these scenes are. They’ll listen to you!”
Create a short-list of things you need answered and bring it to the Director’s attention early in the day. One of the best times may be after the first rehearsal when the departments are adjusting the set.
4. Set Boundaries and Time Limits
Some Directors can get sucked into creative rabbit holes, making tasks drag on. Set clear time limits.
❌ Instead of: “We need to go through the entire post-production schedule today.”
✅ Say: “I’ve got a zoom scheduled with a post house at 1pm. They said they can talk for about 30 minutes, so we will need to be brief and to the point.”
Make it feel manageable, not overwhelming.
5. Keep them updated with regards to time and money
Directors care about their vision but often forget about the schedule or budget they are working with. As a UPM or 1st AD you can bring schedule and budget issues to the Director periodically so they don’t need to worry.
“We have one hour before lunch. Do you think we can get this next shot or scene? We could always try and get the master at the very least…”
“I just spoke with art department, and the set for next week is going to cost more than planned. I did the math, and if we cut a few dozen background it will help us stay on track. What do you think?”
6. Offer Support Without Taking Over
Sometimes, directors don’t want to do something because they don’t know where to start. Offer to set things in motion for them.
🎬 Example:
If they’re avoiding a studio meeting, say:
“I’ll prep some talking points and sit in with you. You just need to be there to sign off on decisions.”
If they’re dreading reshoots, say:
“I’ll talk to the agents and see the availability for _________ ; If they can do it next month, then we can get back to editing.”
Make it easier for them to say ‘yes.’
7. Find Gratitude and Perspective
When things get stressful, remind the director why they’re here. They’re making a movie, something most people only dream about.
“Can you believe we get paid to work in these amazing locations and call this a job?”
“I know it’s frustrating, but imagine how great it’ll feel when its playing in theaters and you see the audience react.”
A little perspective shift can go a long way.
Final Takeaway: The Best Directors Do the Hard Work
The most respected filmmakers, whether it’s Spielberg, Chloé Zhao, Villeneuve, or Ava DuVernay, don’t just direct actors and frame shots. They do the tough, unglamorous work that ensures their films succeed.
As UPMs and 1st ADs, our job isn’t just to manage logistics; it’s to help directors navigate the challenges they don’t want to deal with. When we do our jobs right, they get to focus on what they do best: telling unforgettable stories.
Now, let’s get to work.
Phenomenal wisdom here. Take it to the bank!