Who handles BTL deals?

• A. The Director
• B. The Actor's Agent
• C. The Line Producer or UPM
• D. The CFO of the production company

Answer: (C)

BTL deals are the contracts for below-the-line personnel and services—crew, gear, locations, and other production resources, handled on the ground by the production management team. The Line Producer or Unit Production Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the shoot, which includes negotiating and securing these BTL contracts, managing the budget, and ensuring everything stays within the approved plan. They work with unions, vendors, and crew to lock in rates and terms, making sure the logistical and financial aspects of production are aligned with creative goals.

The Director is primarily focused on the creative execution of the project and may influence how resources are used, but she or he typically isn’t the one who negotiates BTL contracts. The Actor’s Agent handles contracts for performers (above the line), not the crew or services covered by BTL. The CFO oversees financing and high-level budgetary decisions, but actual contract negotiations with crew, equipment, and vendors are handled by the line producer or UPM, who sits at the intersection of creativity, budgeting, and operations.