INSTRUCTOR BIO: John Gaskinhas 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). John has numerous internet articles on Google
Knol and EzineArticles and enjoys answering your questions on his blog - filmproduction.
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 her to see Ron Howard's letter, and here for David Valdes's hand written
note. Another testamonial 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 testamonials.
Here is a short 2 minute clip of CPA's and Film Producer's being interviewed after one of his Detroit workshops:
Tom Garrett, Producer/Professor at the University of Tampa, Film Studies: "John Gaskin is a 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 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."
The University of Southern California (Peter Starks Producing program): My book has been purchased by, Richard Shepherd, the Assistant Director of the Peter Stark graduate program at USC, has purchased a box of my books as required reading for the graduate
students. The book was recommended to him by two working professionals, Reid Shane and Andy Given, who instruct at USC. Both
of these men are VP's at prestigious major Hollywood studios.
Michael Glick, Mentor at the American Film Institute, Producer, prior MGM VP Production: "Great book John, very useful. In fact I'd like your permission to use the book for my syllabus with the American Film Institute. Let's keep in touch!"
Peter D. Marshall, Director and Mentor/Instructor through the "Director's Chair": "I have just gone through John's book myself and I must recommend this book to anyone who is involved, (or wants to get involved) with film production. The book is written in an easy reading
style at a level appropriate for film students and crew who want to upgrade. It is also useful
for Directors and new Producers who want some help with the basics of budgeting. "Walk the Talk" is very well laid out and has sections for the beginner and the advanced professional. Check it out."
Lon Van Eaton - Music/Theatre Producer and Professor: "Great book! You're a saint. I truly appreciate your help (I had sent him some budgeting templates-John Gaskin) and the book is most useful. It has the inside details that I use when I teach classes on music production. The real stuff."
Josua Dease - Film School Graduate, Film Crew (AD, PA, Asst Accountant) - Goal is to UPM: "I just purchased your book a few days ago... I'm almost finished - Thought it was an excellent read. I've been in the market for a book that could tell me about production accounting for a while, and hadn't found one anywhere online or in local bookstores. I've read many books on accounting
fundamentals and of course producers and production manager books... But hadn't found anything as close to what I wanted as what you have written. So, thank you for putting it out there. I've learned a great deal about honing my skills."
