Over the past 23 years I have worked on 43 different film productions of every size and shape – all as a film production accountant/auditor. It has been generally true that the smaller the production, the higher the degree of difficulty. For example, the two productions that I did with Ron Howard were simple in comparison to my first gig as a key accountant on classic ‘B’ film, ”The Brain”. For the past couple of years I’ve been working more closely with producers and I have found out that I know more about filmmaking that I thought I had. So the purpose of this blog is to blog about filmmaking in whatever facet.
interesting site, thanks!
Hi John,
Great Job!. I’m a new at being a line producer in Philly, but your information on everything is valued highly by me. I plan on buying your book. Keep up the great work.
Thanks
Thanks for your kind words, Cheryl. It’s always good to get a response. I see the stats of the number of hits, whic is all good, but it’s more fun to get a comment.
All the best in your career in film.
John
John,
Great blog, keep up the good work! Need any info from Hungary, let me know!
Cheers,
Mate
Thx, Mate!
John
John -
I just landed on your blog site and think it’s very informative. In fact, I was searching really for some data on Ease Entertainment and you had mentioned it in regard to the payroll/software companies here in Los Angeles. I have been a Production Accountant for the past 10 yrs, and have gone through that journey as you have exactly detailed e.g. clerk, file room, 2nd asst etc. The projects have been great, the job itself I love, but I have just had a big bout of unemployment for a few months. I’m hangin in there and trying to get my resume out there. I do want however to get on a big series….e.g. Boston Legal type show or on a large film. My shows have all fit nice and neatly in the Media Services domain which I have used almost exclusively. And I Key those shows. To move into the bigger leagues and use PSL3 or Vista I know that I’d enter the field as a 1st. No problems with that.
But I’d love to be able to ask you questions in regard to our field. You seem to a great mentor and advisor. I as an accountant really appreciate that especially when I try to advise younger new accountants, and I don’t have nearly the knowledges you have. But the Divine Direction has gotten me this far and I now have a blog site (I’m an older guy who doesn’t know the blog world that well) I can go to.
Keep up the great work. I assume you live here in Los Angeles? now.
Sincerely,
Atoy Wilson
When is the next production accountant workshop?
Hi, Agatha. Thx for commenting on my blog.
The next workshop on film accounting will be this winter – probably late Jan, or early Feb. Where are you located?
John