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Film Production Accounting 101

Intensive Week-End Workshop, Followed by 6 Pre-recorded On-Line Training Webinars  

Note: Each webinar is recorded live and can be reviewed later at your convenience.

20% RE-SIGN DISCOUNT

                    

( CPE 15 Hrs + the 6 Senior Recorded Webinars, 9 Hrs)


                          

Introduction: This is the defining course for the fundamentals of Film Accounting. The course is a very practical hands-on workshop of 2 intensive days followed up with a series of 6 Live On-Line Training webinars. This is the toughest course I give, so bring your roller skates! We’ll start from the ground up, practicing all activities associated with an assistant accountant, gaining a thorough practical understanding of the entertainment general ledger software. Finally, the live on-line training webinars bring you into a senior level of Film Accounting through managing the Film Budget and Cost Report (the financial statements of film productions). The classes are small and all attendee's questions and what-if scenarios are welcomed. Click here to see videoed testimonials.

Course Objective: You will understand and have practiced the duties of an assistant film accountant with the confidence that you CAN not only perform the tasks expected of you without extensive training, but also with an understanding of the cost control points of any film or television production. (Line Producers and Public Accountants will understand the background to their their duties in controlling or auditing production costs.)

Participants: will be able to communicate to experienced Film Accountants and Producers convincingly, simply by telling them (showing them) what you have drilled to perfection in this workshop.

  Who Is It For?

  • Anyone who has tried to find work as a film accountant and has found it difficult to break in, regardless of their previous training, experience or education. If you have a high aptitude with figures, a strong desire, and you have some basic skills in Excel and Word software, you qualify.
  • It has also been well utilized by Line Producers who want to strengthen their abilities to manage costs of a larger film production.
  • Public Accountants who need to audit the books and records of a film or television production have found this very practical grass-roots training invaluable.

EXPERIENCED FILM ACCOUNTANTS ARE RELUCTANT to train new personnel in fundamental procedure, simply because of the time constraints. This is true for me, as well as for my colleagues. So, how do you get experience if no one will hire you? A solution is to get “up to speed” in workshops like these, learning the various techniques through DOING IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT

  

                       

  About John Gaskin: John Gaskin is a working film production accountant. He is a veteran of   45 film and television productions over 25 years in 5   different countries. He has worked with   such notable directors as Ron Howard, Frank Oz and Walter Salles, as well as a variety of mid-   to-low   budget productions. He has acclaim as a lively instructor who has an impressive list of   video and written testimonials. Click here to see more about   John Gaskin, testimonials and   benefits of this course.

 

 Major Topics:

Day 1 (CPE 7 Hrs) Introductory Live Workshop: We start by locating the film accounting department within the Organization Chart, it's purpose and duties, then we quickly review the Film Budget process, as well as the flowcharts of the 6 Basic Cost Control systems. Then we jump right into lots of hands-on film accounting practice with minimal theory.

Day 2 (CPE 7 Hrs) Intermediate Live Workshop: Emphasis is on all of the usual film accounting processing, from date stamping through to entry to the general ledgers and finally the filing systems, with tons of practice on all nuances of the film accounting processes and duties. The purpose is to provide the experience necessary to make you into a working assistant accountant.

 

Live On-Line Training Webinars (CPE 9 Hrs) Live On-Line Training Sessions: to bring your level of competence and skill up to a working Line Producer (managing costs), a 1st Assistant Accountant or perhaps even a Key Accountant - FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. For a detailed AGENDA of the 6 live on-line webinars Click Here.

Note: Each session is recorded live and can be reviewed later at your convenience.

 

Click here to see the workshop FULL AGENDA


  


    WEEK-END WORKSHOP PLUS SENIOR LEVEL (6 PRERECORDED TRAINING WEBINARS)

       

        PRICE INCLUDES 2 DAY WORKSHOP AND FILM 101 SENIOR LEVEL 6 TRAINING VIDEOS FULL PRICE $925  

        (Less 20% Re-Sign Discount= $740.00) 

        (Coffee / pastries - morning)

         

        (Coffee / pastries - morning)

         

         

        WORKSHOP FEES INCLUDE: my ebook "Walk The Talk", multiple formated film budgets, +50 practical Accounting & Legal Form Templates, accounting policies, flow charts of film accounting systems, a typical film productiion organization chart, SAG payroll templates, IATSE Low Budget payroll helper template, cashflow templates, hot cost templates, etc.

        BRING YOUR WIRELESS PC or MAC LAPTOP!


         

        At all times the following GOAL is addressed:

         

        GOAL OF FILM PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING 101 WORKSHOPS:

        The participant will be able to start a film production as an assistant production accountant with the confidence that he/she CAN not only perform the tasks expected of them without extensive training, but also understand the cost control points of any film or television production. 

        Furthermore, this fact can be communicated to experienced Film Accountants convincingly, simply by telling them (and showing them) what you have drilled to perfection on this workshop.

         


        RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE


        About John Gaskin, Testimonials and Benefits
        John Gaskin has worked on more than 40 film and TV productions, working in 5 different countries over 2 1/2 decades. He has worked on all sizes of productions, including 2 with Ron Howard.

        INSTRUCTOR: John Gaskin is a working Production Auditor. At the time of this writing he is the Production Controller on "Devil", a feature film production developed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan. John also has a Proprietary School licensed in the State of Michigan (License #20090034). John has worked in the film production business since 1985, primarily as a Film Production Auditor.

        John has worked on 45 different productions in 5 different countries, working with greats such as Ron Howard, Frank Oz and Walter Salles - as well as small independent films and TV episodic productions, pilots and mini-series. During his career many of his assistants have gone on to become Key Accountants (another term for the Production Auditor).

        John also has Supervising Producer credits - see his resume on IMDb. In his previous seminars he was touted as the Billion Dollar Man because the accumulated budgets that have been under his control has exceeded a Billion Dollars.

        John's book, "Walk The Talk" is required reading at the University of Southern California's Cinematic Arts (Peter Stark Graduate Producer's Program), as well as the Producer's Program at the University of Tampa, where John has an open invitation to deliver seminars. John's book is also used and recommended by at least one mentor, Michael Glick, at the American Film Institute. John has numerous internet articles on Google Knol and EzineArticles and enjoys answering your questions on his blog - film production.

        John has several 'Testimonials' but his favorites are from Ron Howard and David Valdes (David worked with Clint Eastwood for a chunk of his career and has been an independent producer for some time in his own right). Click here to see Ron Howard's letter, and here for David Valdes's hand written note. Another testimonial that John is proud of is Peter D. Marshall's book review. Peter is a 35 year veteran film director and instructor. Visit John's Web Site for more testimonials. For a quick 2-minute video of Testimonials, CLICK HERE. When Ron Howard asked John why the budget was so high on a feature film production they were doing in New York, John was tongue tied. After that John was determined to get it right the next time, so he wrote a book, called "Walk The Talk" which shows any filmmaker, or any novice film producer, how to "Direct the Money" during a film production.

        To see more about John's credentials see the following:

        John Gaskin's Profile: Click here

        John Gaskin's Production Record on IMDb: Click here

        John Gaskin's Articles on Google Knol: Click here

        John Gaskin's Articles - Ezine Expert Author: Click Here

        Blog comments or suggestions to John Gaskin: Click here

        Email John Gaskin: Click here

        RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

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        Testimonials: Below is a video clip of attendees from one of my workshops in Detroit

         

         

        Some quotes to give you a concept of my basic nature - my workshops are never boring:

        "Over a year ago I opened a dialogue with you with the hopes of gaining more knowledge of production accounting practicing and some tips for really breaking in... And I just wanted to let you know that as of today, I am 4 days away from wrapping out my first show as Key Accountant. It was only an 800K feature, but a feature nonetheless.... And in a rebate state (North Carolina). We payrolled all crew (non union), SAG, and background... So every week, I had three individual payrolls. Plus obvious things like AP and Petty Cash... But I made it through!  Just wanted to say thanks for the help." - Josh, North Carolina

         

        "The presenter (John Gaskin) was excellent...candid, straightforward, respectful of the audience. I especially liked the real life examples, they're the best way to learn about finances. The casual format stimulated great conversation between audience and presenter." Christy,CPA Florida

         

        "I took John’s 2 day budgeting workshop, and his one day Michigan film credit workshop in August.  He is wonderful!  The time flew by, and I found myself hoping he would re-do his production accounting workshop in Michigan, so I could attend that as well!  He provided us a lot of very useful, and current materials.  At our workshop we  all brought laptops, and had hands on experience learning to use Movie Magic Budgeting.   John is very good at teaching this material, and provided us with many valuable tips and tricks.  He has a wealth of real-world experience, and often spiced up his presentation by sharing this experience with us.  A few who had planned on taking only the Budgeting workshop, decided to stay and signed on to take the Michigan Film Credit workshop he offered the next day – and two of them had no plans to film in Michigan! Carol A,CPA Michigan

         

         

        Testimonials: Below is a video clip of attendees from one of my workshops in Toronto.

         

         

        "I had such a great time this weekend. It was a pleasure to meet John and take in the wealth of knowledge he was willing to share with us. It was also great to see someone who is a finance professional be successful in a field that (when all the money talk is over) nurtures the creative drive of so many individuals." Marie M., CA- Came to Toronto from Baltimore.

         

        "I just wanted to thank you both for the excellent workshop. It was really well organized & delivered, full of great content, and fun! It was also a place to network. I really look forward to future seminars." Craig L.,CA, Toronto

         

        Honestly, I have attended a lot of seminars to keep up with the required 40 hours of CPE for my CPA status and this was easily one of the best ones I've been to. The venue, the topics,  instructor and the class participants were all excellent. John keeps things interesting by adding his personal experiences and was always great at explaining nuances/ terms specific to the industry - having the materials emailed before the seminar was also very helpful." Irene W., CPA, came to Toronto from Ohio

         

         

         

         

         

        "John Gaskin and what he shares is just not available, ANYWHERE!  John 's workshop seminars are perfect, they  are the ONLY SHOW IN TOWN for the seasoned film professional or aspiring filmmaker; or that CPA , lawyer, general business person wanting make a career change or added value to what they do, by segueing into the entertainment business.
         
        John Gaskin is film professional that instills trust and enthusiasm and calls it as it is! From his years of experience as a production auditor /accountant/ production executive ( all my higher powers) with his expertise in budgeting, cost reporting, dealing with bond companies, managing contracts of every description, working with producers(and being one himself), production managers and studio executives ensure a production is produced on time and on budget. He brings his vast cross-over disciplinary skills and experience to an nuts and bolts result in his book "Walk The Talk", which I use in my producing course at University of Tampa. His presentations ( including EP budgeting & scheduling)and workshops are just not the how to's... but the why's . He shares all the interpersonal goings on with the bottom line- the result. And the money involved to get that result. I am grateful to have discovered "Walk the Talk" and John Gaskin and look forward always to introduce John's his book and information that I have found there, and no where else!"
        Tom Garrett, University of Tampa


        Benefits: The workshops provide you with a practical 'door opener' to film production - as a novice Line Producer, Producer's or Director's Assistant, Production Assistant, Film Accounting, etc. (If you are unsure of the role of a Film Accountant, click here, for a quick run down on the income levels and career potential.)

        WORKSHOP FEES INCLUDE: Multiple Budget Templates, Accounting & Legal Form Templates and DVD Screen Recordings of Specific General Ledger and Budgeting Software Procedures.

        BRING YOUR WIRELESS LAPTOP!

        • You will receive a copy of John's book, "Walk The Talk" jammed with practical tools of the trade.  
        • John will provide each attendee with their own CD packed with
        •   - over 20 different budget templates on Excel, PDF, MovieMagicBudgeting© and EP MovieMagicBudgeting©
        •   - over 50 practical film production form templates, including all accounting forms used in the business, as well as sample Call Sheets, Daily Production reports, release forms, deal memos, legal assignments, sample equipment agreements, etc. (Note: Most film production/accounting forms are on Word or Excel for your future application)
        • All practical assignments are based on John's 25 years experience in film production.
        • John will be discussing the practical aspect of finding opportunities in the film industry. John makes no promises, but he has many years of experience finding work as a film auditor and will mentor you on his successful actions and contacts.
        • Coffee and snacks will be provided.
        • If you have any further questions about the workshops, or about the film business in general, feel free to email John Gaskin.

        RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE



        • John's Email for any queries.
        • John Gaskin - Film/TV production credits on IMDb
        • John Gaskin - Profile on LinkedIn
        • John Gaskin - Google Knol Articles
        • John Gaskin - Web Site
        • John Gaskin - Workshops
        • John Gaskin - "Walk The Talk"
        • John Gaskin - Free Articles
        • John Gaskin - Survey on Geographical Areas
        • John Gaskin - Michigan Workshops
        • John Gaskin - John Gaskin's Blog

        • Participant's Understanding & Refund Policies

          Participants Understanding: John Gaskin will be consulting the participants understanding of the materials during the workshops with practical drills, direct questions, short quizzes, etc. The number of “Contact Hours” during the course will be provided to you for your purposes.

          Attendance & Participation: Attendance will be taken. The “Clock-Hours” and the results of the attendee’s practical assignments and random quizzes (both verbal and otherwise) will form an integral part of John Gaskin's assessment of your understanding of the materials.

          Refunds Policy: All fees paid by the applicant shall be refunded if the applicant is rejected by the instructor (John Gaskin) before enrollment. An application fee of $25.00 may be retained if the application is denied. All fees paid by the applicant shall be refunded if requested within 3 calendar days after starting the workshop. All refunds shall be returned within 30 days.

          "WALK THE TALK"

          For An Instant Download of the EBook for only $22.50, click the "Buy Now" button:

           

         

        Live On-Line Training Sessions COMING SOON:

        • SAG PAYROLL  
        • DGA PAYROLL
        • LOW BUDGET IATSE AGREEMENT PAYROLL LEVEL 1
        • LOW BUDGET IATSE AGREEMENT PAYROLL LEVEL 2 
        • LOW BUDGET IATSE AGREEMENT PAYROLL LEVEL 3

        INTERESTED? SEND ME AN EMAIL AT johngaskin@talkfilm.biz

         

         

 
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