NYWIFT Blog

By Tara “Miss PENK” Morrison

Welcome to NYWIFT, Patricia Hess!

Patricia Hess is an accomplished DGA UPM and line producer with extensive experience in feature films, TV, and streaming content. She is New York-based professional with both domestic and international credits, including Angels in America, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Philomena, and Raising Arizona, among many others. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Patty divides her time between her family farm in Virginia and New York.

During our interview, Patricia shared the remarkable story of her journey in the industry. We often admire the success of individuals who achieve their vision, yet rarely do we see the humble beginnings, the sacrifices made, the moments of doubt and fear, or the times they considered giving up.

Patricia’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience, perseverance, and mindset of gratitude and acceptance that often underpin true success.

Welcome to NYWIFT! What drew you to the organization?

The truth is, that my mentor and best friend, Celia Costas, was this year’s NYWIFT [Made in NY Muse Award] honoree and she invited me to attend the gala. I have known about your organization for years, but since moving from NYC to the DC/ Baltimore area. I hadn’t given enough thought to joining, but now I am a member.

Honoree Celia Costas at the 2025 NYWIFT Muse Awards (Photo Credit: Starpix)

Can you share your journey into the industry and what inspires you?

I started on a small Native American picture, (Arrowboy & the Witches, aka Estoyemut and the Gunedeyah), a Pueblo Indian story written by Leslie Marmoin Silko, that we filmed in 1980 in New Mexico. I fell in love with “storytelling” in general, which is the primary mechanism for our collective cultural evolution as a species.

While much of the Native American storytelling culture has been based on the oral tradition, I soon realized that film was the next logical step. I was studying to be an architect but did a quick pivot and switched to film. After college, I moved to NYC to start my career.

What have been some of your biggest challenges and successes you’ve experienced since starting your career?

The first challenge was to up and leave the desert Southwest, which I loved, and moved to NYC. I slept on my sister’s Tribeca loft floor (no man’s land at the time) and worked at Christie’s Skylight Gardens as a coat check person and read scripts for $5 a pop to make ends meet.

Once I finally got a break on an Elliot Gould movie (Over the Brooklyn Bridge), I just did the long hard grind and “earn while you learn” approach which was hard and not enough money. They say I invented craft service in New York, which I guess its tru,e but an odd highlight after 45 years in the business.

Can you walk us through the production process as an accomplished DGA UPM and line producer?

It’s always about the script and the director. I break down the script and generate the budget based on the director’s vision and intent. I try to think through and make the best team choices that fit the director’s needs and personality, and the specific challenges that the show presents. Once we get the core people in place and a production office and stage arranged, then the fun begins. The process starts to run itself organically at that point.

As a UPM and line producer, how would you describe your personal style evolving, and what key lessons have you learned?

I believe in engaging the crew in the process during production and empowering them to help me manage the show. That helps create trust and better morale on set, which is in turn better for the director, actors, and all that are involved. Maintaining respect is essential. Everyone is tired and under a lot of pressure, and with so many temperaments, a throughline of respect and integrity goes a long way.

As a PA, I witnessed firsthand how not listening and caring about the crew can really backfire. The show I was on had a UPM that didn’t want to provide drinks and snacks to the off-production set dressers. When they caught wind of it, they felt understandably disrespected, and said, “That guy doesn’t realize how much not providing those drinks just cost him!” And yes, they slowed down.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you see for UPM’s and line producers today?

We are undergoing the single biggest sea change in our industry’s history. In addition to the entertainment business model fundamentally changing, a lot of work has left the U.S. and after the disruption of COVID and two strikes, it is hard to identify where all the experienced crew are and what level of competence the new members have. The finances are much tighter than they had been, and the studios are really leaning on the line producers and UPM’s to cut way back from what had become a “new normal” pre-contraction.

Can you share any upcoming projects you are excited about or any new directions you plan on taking your career?

Like many of my other colleagues, I am waiting for the work to return to the U.S. I had been working a lot in Washington, DC after moving from New York but would like to expand from this geography. I wouldn’t mind returning to New York, where I began my career. I have a couple of possible shows on the horizon, but I am not at liberty to share currently.

With extensive experience in feature films, TV, and streaming content. What advice would you give to aspiring line producers who want to start journeys into this exciting world?

“Tuck and Roll!!” Nothing is very certain right now, and as a freelance person it never is. Flexibility and adaptability are your best skills. 

What does happiness mean to you?

Being a well-rounded person both personally and professionally makes me happy. I have an amazing husband who I adore, I am a parent of two great adult children, and we have a farm in Virginia, so my professional career needs to fit into those other elements in my life.

Lastly, what would you say is the Mantra that you live by?

Acceptance and Gratitude.

You can keep up with Patricia Hess on her Instagram @hess_patty.

After interviewing with Patricia Hess, I feel inspired by the depth of coordination and leadership required to bring a production to life. Patricia’s insights revealed how essential collaboration and problem-solving are behind the scenes. It’s clear that the success of any project hinges on their ability to balance creative vision with logistic precision.

(Images courtesy of Patricia Hess)