Intro to Film Production Accounting

Next Class: November 8 – November 18, 2010

Week 1: Monday – Thursday (5:30pm-9:30pm), and Saturday (8:00am-4:00pm)

Week 2: Monday – Thursday (5:30pm-9:30pm)

This class is designed to provide an extensive overview of production accounting for individuals that have some accounting experience and are interested in developing their career in the fast growing film and television industry here in Michigan.

The FIT Film Industry Training Program offers students the ability to develop the skills required to become qualified crew members on a feature film, television and commercial production.  In addition to 40 hours of classroom time, graduates can be placed in a 20 hour film production or industry related internship as part of this program. After the initial 20 hour internship, there may be additional internship or job placement assistance based upon previous internship performance.

The program begins with an overview of the Hollywood and Independent Film Production Model and Organizational Chart, so students can understand what each department does and how all departments work together during a production. We then introduce the student to the duties and responsibilities of the typical entry-level position on a film set, the Production Assistant (“PA”). PA’s are required to have a working knowledge of the tools of communication and organization on a film (call sheets, location maps, base camps) set as well as understanding the chain of command and basic on-set etiquette. A student will typically be required to succeed as a PA before being offered an opportunity to move in to the accounting department in an entry level position as an accounting clerk.

We will then move on to providing a broad overview of all functions and responsibilities of the accounting department from setup, budgeting, cost reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, petty cash, purchase orders, payroll, perdeim, banking and knowledge of signatory guilds and unions. Other topics include related software, production insurance, labor laws, production tax credits, rebates and refunds. Most importantly, explaining the role of the accounting department and its fiduciary responsibility in protecting the company’s assets by indentifying and evaluating risk management issues.

Upon completing this class, students will be able to:

1. Understand the overall organization of and job opportunities available for accountants in the film, television, digital media and commercial industries.
2. Evaluate which specific positions their individual interests and skills will qualify them for.
3. Develop a hands-on understanding of the entry level positions in the accounting department for film, television, digital media, and commercial industries.
4. Present themselves to working Production Accountants as entry-level production accountants with special skills, interest and experience in the relevant Production Accounting Department
5. Develop a resume and job application approach specific to the film industry and geared toward employment in the Production Accounting Department.

The Film Production Accounting Class is taught in 40 hours, over a two-week period. The class will be held at Oakland Community College’s Auburn Hills Campus.