2 Minute Video of the On-Line Courses
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Film Production Accounting 101 - Introductory, Intermediate & Senior

NEW YORK (Qualified as Continuing Professional Education 33.5Hrs)


New York on Sat & Sun, Mar 13, 14 9:00AM - 8:00PM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is the defining course for the fundamentals of Film Accounting. The course is a very practical hands-on workshop of 2 intensive 10 hour days followed up with a series of 9 Live On-Line Training sessions. 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 (from the bottom level up), gaining a thorough practical understanding of the entertainment general ledger software. Finally, the on-line training sessions bring you into a senior level of Film Accounting, managing the Film Budget and Cost Report (the financial statements of film productions).

OBJECTIVE: The participants 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 (showing them) what you have drilled to perfection in this workshop.

MAJOR TOPICS:

PART 1 (Sat Mar 13/10) (10Hrs) Introductory Live Workshop: For those entering the Film Business as an Assistant Film Accountant

PART 2 (Sun Mar 14/10) (10 Hrs) Intermediate Live Workshop: For those Assistant Film Accountants, and graduates of Part 1, who want to gain the experience as a 2nd Assistant Film Accountant

PART 3 (Evenings Mar 16,17,18,23,24,25,30,31 Apr 1) (13.5Hrs) Senior Live On-Line Training Sessions: For those experienced Assistant Film Accountants who want to upgrade to a 1st Assistant Accountant, or even a Key Accountant - FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

 

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: 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 - too much, or too little, doesn't apply in the world of Film Accounting. If you have a high aptitude with figures, a strong desire, and you have some basic skills in Excel and Word software, you qualify.

 

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

 

  WHERE:          

  Showbiz Software Store, 19 West 21st St., NYC, NY 10010-6942 (See map)

 

 

 

 

SIGN-UP FOR NEW YORK ALL THREE PARTS GET  $150 OFF: $955 LESS $150 FOR ONLY $805 BEFORE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT   - Less 10% Early Bird Discounts (2 weeks in advance DEADLINE Sat,Feb 27) = $724.50 Click here.

  • Pre-registration guarantees a seat. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ALL 3 PARTS IN NEW YORK
  • When you register you will be taken to a sign-up page which will allow me to pre-deliver to you my e-book, "Walk The Talk", the course 'checksheet', the Glossary, the Master Budget we'll be using, etc. Pl ease familiarize yourself with the materials before the workshop so we can hit the ground running on the Saturday morning (a hard copy of all materials will be provided in the workshop).
  • Please bring your laptop. or your tabletop computer with monitor, so we can load the software and templates as part of the workshop materials. I have limited the attendance to no more than 25 people, so please book early.
  • Out of towners are invited as well

At all times the following GOAL is addressed:

 

GOAL OF FILM PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING 101 WORKSHOPS:

The graduate 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.


FULL AGENDA BELOW FOR NEW YORK FILM PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING 101

PART_1: Film Production Accounting 101 – DAY 1 (Sat)

(Introductory Level)

1. An Intro to the Film Accountant’s Role Within Film Production            60 Minutes (TB)

The goal of this Day #1 workshop is defined brutally as – being able to perform, and keep, work as an assistant film production accountant. The background of the Key Film Accountants, their workload and their needs are examined, with real life examples given how you can contribute to the Key Accountant’s responsibilities.

The “Product” of the Film Production Accounting Department is defined, with examples, and how the Assistant Accountant contributes to that “Product”.

An example Organization Chart for any medium sized Film or Television production is reviewed with the purpose of defining the Organization Chart of any film production. Emphasis is put on authority and responsibility and how the Accounting Department inter-relates with the Producer, the Financiers and the other production departments.

A Summary a Film Budget is reviewed to understand the everyday terminology of film productions – for example, Above-the-Line, Below-the-Line, Gaffer, Grip, Craft, etc. Simple conversational drills are done where the attendees discuss budgetary categories and departments so as not to feel tongue-tied with these terms.

2. An Intro to the Functions of the Film Accounting Department               30 Minutes (TB)

The overall functions of the Film Accounting Department are reviewed with real life examples given to relate these functions back to the Purpose and Product of the Film Accounting Department.

The job descriptions of the Assistant Film Production Accountants are categorized and listed.

The scope of the workshop is defined as within the 6 basic Film Accounting & Cost Control Systems.

An example is given of each system is reviewed, with any industry specific terms cleared. Practical examples are described to give attendees an idea of the volume and timing.

The END RESULT expected of each attendee is defined – just to keep ourselves motivated towards an agreed upon result.

 

3. Getting Started – the Workshop Materials                                                60 Minutes (TB)

Review of the attitude of film accountants, both from a practical viewpoint (how to approach crew, producers, the film auditor, etc.) as well as a quick review of the Fundamental Principles of Accounting.

Identify the Basic Supplies – ensure everyone has their supplies at hand and organized.

Identify the CD of templates and Screen-recordings provided. Ensure you can access the CD. Review the folders and the files within each folder. Ensure you understand the terms of the folders so as to access the appropriate material during and after the workshop.

Identify the Binder of Example Forms. Ensure you have material for each of the 6 accounting systems.

A discussion of how the forms are prepared/printed/ordered for each film production.

Drill preparing the blank check requisition for a fictional film production, “No Big Deal”.

Drill making the “No Big Deal” check requisition available to crew in the industry specific way.

Drill preparing the blank Petty Cash Advance forms for a fictional film production, “No Big Deal”.

Drill making the “No Big Deal” Petty Cash Advance form available to crew in the industry specific way.

Drill making the “No Big Deal” Petty Cash Envelopes (sometimes called Petty Cash Folders) available to crew in the industry specific way.

 

4. Getting Started – the General Ledger Software & Account Coding         90 Minutes (AA)

Access the General Ledger software with the passwords provided. (Note: there are only 4 G/L software systems generally used in the film production industry. All can be licensed only – none can be purchased.)

John will demonstrate the overall parameters of the general ledger software, introducing only the Vendor Creation and the  Purchase Order Entry for now.

The account numbers are derived from the Film Budget. The Film Budget template is reviewed to identify several common account numbers. This review will take some time with numerous examples of application given.

Define the term Chart of Accounts for the attendees and how it is used in the film production industry. Watch the Screen-Recording DVD to understand how the Chart of Accounts is created.

Drill finding account codes until can easily find the more common accounts used.

 

       BREAK FOR LUNCH

 

5. Define the Chart of Accounts – Practice With Coding                              90 Minutes (AA)

Define the term Chart of Accounts for the attendees and how it is used in the film production industry. Watch the Screen-Recording DVD to understand how the Chart of Accounts is created.

Drill finding account codes until can easily find the more common accounts used.

 

6. Purchase Order Processing                                                                           90 Minutes (AA)

Purpose

Example

Study and Chart the Document Flow & Document Approval

SummaryPO Log

DetailedPO Log

PO Approvals

PO – Additional Notes

Prepare 10 Purchase Orders from the data provided in your course materials.

PO – Practical Drills x 10 uniquePO’s for each attendee (Preparation, Routing for Approvals, separation of copies, temporary and permanent filing). (NOTE: not entered to the G/L system at this point in the process).

PO Tracking Form Letter

Q & A with attendees.

 

7. Check Requisitions Processing  (Ready for Check Running)                    60 Minutes (AA)

Purpose and Function

Example of a check requisition (often called a Check Rec, or Check Request)

Study and Chart the Document flow from arrival of the Check Requisition in the Film Accounting Office through to Permanent Files:

date stamping,

temporary filing,

account coding,

route for approvals to/from Prod’n Acct & Line Producer/UPM,

check running,

check copy filing,

check signing,

temporary filing

follow up for original invoice

tracking form letter to department heads for the original invoices

permanent filing, with check copy, in the “A/P Files” with an indicator on the file folder that still awaiting an original invoice.

Q & A on the full process.

 

8. Vendor Invoice Processing (Ready for Check Running)                          90 Minutes (AA)

Study & Chart the Document flow from arrival in the Film Accounting Office through to Permanent Files:

arrival date stamping,

temporary filing,

matching toPO’s,

account coding,

route for approvals to/from Prod’n Acct & Line Producer/UPM,

check running,

check copy filing,

check signing,

permanent filing with check copy.

Vendor Invoices - Practical Drills x 10 unique Vendor Invoice’s for each attendee (Arrival Date Stamp, Match toPO, Code, Routing for Approvals & ready for check run.)

The Vendor Invoice will be drilled being entered to the G/L software system in the next step.

Q & A on the full process.

 

9. Petty Cash Advances (P/C “Float”)                                                            30 Minutes (AA)

Example of a Petty Cash Advance Form

Concept of a petty cash “Float”.

Study and Chart the Document flow from arrival of the P/C Advance Form in the Film Accounting Office through to Permanent Files:

date stamping,

account coding,

route for approvals to/from Prod’n Acct & Line Producer/UPM,

(approval from Department Head if appropriate)

advance of the cash

permanent filing in the “P/C Files”.

         

       END OF DAY 1 OF FILM ACCOUNTING 101                        Total Hours for Day 1 - 10Hrs

 

       

Sign up for New York Part 1 Only, Sat Mar 13/10

Introductory Level - 10Hrs   $295

Less 10% Early Bird Discounts (DEADLINE FEB 27/10) = $265.50 Click here.

 

 

 


 

PART_2: Film Production Accounting 101 – DAY 2 (Sun)

 (Intermediate Level)

START 2ND DAY OF FILM ACCOUNTING

 

10. Entering Purchase Orders to the Film Accounting G/L Software          90 Minutes (AA)

Orientation to the Film Accounting software.

John uses overhead projector to demonstrate a typical Purchase Order Entry.

Attendees then create Vendors in the software system for each of the 10 unique Vendors per attendee.

Attendees code the Purchase Order per the Film Budget account coding, inserting set codes where applicable.

Attendees enter their unique Purchase Orders to the G/L system.

Attendees audit each other’s entries.

John reviews their work and attendees correct as needed.

Prepare 10 more Purchase Orders from the data provided in your Binder of Materials.

Attendees then create Vendors for a new batch of 10 more unique Vendors, followed by entering the purchase orders.

Again, attendees audit each other’s work, with John approving final entries.

Q & A with attendees

 

11. Entering Vendor Invoices to the G/L Software                                        90 Minutes (AA)

Orientation to the Film Accounting software.

John uses overhead projector to demonstrate a typical Vendor Invoice Entry.

Create 10 Vendor Invoices from the data provided in your Binder of Materials (the same material as you used to create the Purchase Orders #1-#10 above).

Attendees then match the Purchase Order to the Vendor Invoice.

Any significant differences between the Invoice and Purchase Order are tagged with a Note.

(the Invoice should have aPO already entered, so no Vendor Creation should be required)

Attendees enter their x 10 unique Vendor Invoices to the G/L system.

Attendees audit each other’s entries.

John reviews their work and attendees correct as needed.

 

12. Check Preparation - Vendor Invoices                                                       60 Minutes (AA)

Attendees then run checks through the printer (or, if no laser printer available, a “Mock-Up” of the check will be created.)

Route the checks for signing (with the appropriatePO copy and Vendor Invoice attached).

Create 10 more Vendor Invoices from the data provided in your Binder of Materials (the same material as you used to create the Purchase Orders #11-#20 above).

Do the above steps again with another 10 x new unique Vendor Invoices.

Drill preparing File Folder Labels for each of the 20 Vendors drilled above.

Drill printing the File Folder Labels (if nor printer, “Mock-Up” labels on the file folders supplied). Affix the labels to the file folders provided and file in the “A/P Files”. Note – no more than 2 file folders per hanging file.

Q & A with attendees

 

       BREAK FOR LUNCH

13. Entering Check Requisitions to G/L                                                        90 Minutes (AA)

Orientation to the Film Accounting software.

John uses overhead projector to demonstrate a typical Check Requisition Entry.

Any significant differences between the Invoice and Purchase Order are tagged with a Note.

Create 10 Check Requisitions from the data provided in your Binder of Materials (see the section for Check Requisitions).

Attendees create the Vendor in the G/L software for each of the 10 unique Check Requisitions.

Attendees enter their x 10 unique Cheque Requisitions to the G/L system.

Attendees audit each other’s entries.

John reviews their work and attendees correct as needed.

 

14. Check Preparation – Check Requisitions                                                60 Minutes (AA)

Attendees then run checks through the printer (or, if no laser printer available, a “Mock-Up” of the check will be created.)

Route the checks for signing (with the appropriate Check Requisition).

Create 10 more Check Requisitions from the data provided in your Binder of Materials (see the section for Check Requisitions).

Do the above steps again with another 10 x new unique Check Requisitions.

Drill preparing File Folder Labels for each of the 20 Vendors drilled above.

Drill printing the File Folder Labels (if nor printer, “Mock-Up” labels on the file folders supplied). Affix the labels to the file folders provided and

File permanently in the “A/P Files” with an indicator on the file folder that still awaiting an original invoice.

Q & A with attendee

 

15. Petty Cash Accounted For (i.e. P/C Folders)                                         60 Minutes (AA)

Example of a Petty Cash Envelope (receipts accounted for).

Study and Chart the Document flow from arrival of the P/C Advance Form in the Film Accounting Office through to Permanent Files:

date stamping,

auditing receipts,

account coding ,

route for approvals to/from Prod’n Acct & Line Producer/UPM,

(approval from Department Head if appropriate)

advance in the amount of receipts accounted for (or, reduce the “Float”.)

permanent filing in the “P/C Files”.

 

16. Entering P/C Advances and P/C Accounted For to G/L                      60 Minutes (AA)

John uses overhead projector to demonstrate a typical Petty Cash Entry.

Create 10 Petty Cash Advances from the data provided in your course materials (see the section for Petty Cash).

Attendees create the Petty Cash “Vendor” in the G/L software for each of the 10 unique Check Requisitions. Note the difference in the P/C vendor, where the P/C Holder has a unique general ledger petty cash number assigned to him/her.

Attendees enter their x 10 unique Petty Cash Advances to the G/L system.

----------

Attendee’s create 10 Petty Cash Envelopes from the data provided in the course materials (see the section for Petty Cash).

Attendees enter their x 10 unique Petty Cash Envelopes to the G/L system.

Attendees audit each other’s entries.

John reviews their work and attendees correct as needed.

Attendees then create 10 more Petty Cash Envelopes from the data provided in your Binder of Materials (see the section for Petty Cash).

Do the above steps again with the additional 10 x new unique Petty Cash Envelopes.

Drill preparing File Folder Labels for the above Petty Cash holders above.

Drill printing the File Folder Labels (if nor printer, “Mock-Up” labels on the file folders supplied). Affix the labels to the file folders provided and

File permanently in the “P/C Files”

Q & A with attendee

 

17. Finding Work as an Assistant Film Production Accountant                60 Minutes (TB)

The Resume

What a Key Accountant WANTS and NEEDS from you.

Ways & means to gather addresses and to meet film production accountants.

Real examples of how this has worked for others.

 

            END OF DAY 2 OF FILM ACCOUNTING 101 – Intermediate Level      Total Hours for Day 2 – 10 Hrs

             

            

Sign up for New York Part 2 only, Sun Mar 14/10

Intermediate Level - 10Hrs   $295

             Less 10% Early Bird Discounts (DEADLINE FEB 28th) = $265.50 Click here.

 

 

                ALL THREE BOUGHT SEPARATELY ARE $955).

  • Please bring your laptop. or your tabletop computer with monitor, so we can load the software and templates as part of the workshop materials. I have limited the attendance to no more than 25 people, so please book early.
  • Out of towners are invited as well

At all times the following GOAL is addressed:

 

GOAL OF FILM PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING 101 WORKSHOPS:

The graduate 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.


FULL AGENDA BELOW FOR LOS ANGELES FILM PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING 101

PART_1: Film Production Accounting 101 – DAY 1 (Sat)

(Introductory Level)

 

                SIGN UP FOR ALL THREE AT ONCE AND GET $150 OFF = $805

             Less 10% Early Bird Discounts (DEADLINE FEB 27th) = $724.50 Click here.

  • Pre-registration guarantees a seat. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ALL 3 (EARLY BIRD PRICE)
  • When you register you will be taken to a sign-up page which will allow me to pre-deliver to you my e-book, "Walk The Talk", the course 'checksheet', the Glossary, the Master Budget we'll be using, etc. Pl ease familiarize yourself with the materials before the workshop so we can hit the ground running on the Saturday morning (a hard copy of KEY materials will be provided in the workshop).
  • Please bring your laptop. or your tabletop computer with monitor, so we can load the software and templates as part of the workshop materials. I have limited the attendance to no more than 20 people, so please book early.
  • Out of towners are invited as well (for anyone traveling in from out of town please let me know so I can get a volume discount near the final location of the workshop).

 

 

  PART_3: Film Production Accounting 101 Click

                    9 Evenings 1.5 Hrs Live Live On-Line Training

                        (Senior Level) – Upgrade to a 1st Asst Acct/Film Auditor

Note: Each Live On-Line Training is recorded live and can be reviewed at your convenience.

         

  Sign up from ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD - New York Time (EST) 

      13.5Hrs   $365

      Less 10% Early Bird Discounts (DEADLINE MAR 2) = $328.50 Click here.

   The Live On-Line Trainings for are scheduled on week nights to accommodate those who are working:

      Tues, Wed, Thurs Mar 16, 17, 18 from 7:30PM to 9:00PM PST

      Tues, Wed, Thurs Mar. 23, 24, 25 from 7:30PM to 9:00PM PST

      Tues, Wed, Thurs Mar. 30, 31, Apr 1 from 7:30PM to 9:00PM PST

   NOTE: All  live on-line training will be recorded so that those who can't make it, or who want to review the webinars at a later date, can do so on demand (everyone will be given individual passwords and access links).


         Live On-Line TrainingS x 9 - PRODUCTION MANAGING: FILM BUDGETS AND COST REPORTS

Web#1. The Film Production Budget Introduced                                    90 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is to get a fluid understanding of the categories and terms used in a usual Film Budget of more than $2 or $3Million dollars. Attendees are encouraged to have a hard copy of the Master Budget in front of them and to take notes - Quizzes will occur randomly.

An actual film production budget is reviewed with the purpose of understanding the industry specific departments and how they inter-relate.

Key terms used in film production, but not widely used, are cleared up. Familiarize the categories of the film budget, the standard columns used and demonstrate how the Producer manages a film budget to the bottom line.

Particular time is spent over coming any inhibitions using such terms as Above-The-Line, Below-The-Line, Gaffer, Grip, Extras, etc.

Discretionary & Non-Discretionary costs in the film budget are discussed and the impact on the Producer's decisions.

The location of certain types of costs are pointed out and the purpose for that location are discussed.

Changes to the budget are demonstrated and how to track them

The importance of labeling costs for various State/Provincial Tax Incentives


Web#2. Introducing Film Industry Labor Unions                                90 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is to familiarize the attendees with the film industry union wage jargon. A huge part of managing a budget is managing the labor costs, so it essential we take enough time to understand the basic elements.

The primary union for crew is the International Theatrical & Stage Employees - known by everyone in film production as IATSE (Eye-At-See). The appropriate pages of the basic IATSE agreement is looked at (without getting lost in details) for the following terms: 

Scale rates

Overtime

“Gold”

Meal penalty

John demonstrates the IATSE local overtime calculations under the Basic Agreement using the concept of Worked Hours and Pay Hours.

Attendee’s calculate the pay hours and meal penalties from examples given by John. Answers are provided afterward for attendees to study.

(Same practice repeated a few times until majority are comfortable with the Pay Hours and Worked Hours calculation, as well as the Meal Penalty calculation).

John continues to use examples and correct attendees as before.

  --------

Depending on the time available the same steps above are completed for Screen Actors Guild daily actors (called Schedule A performers)


Web#3-1. The Concept of “Fringes” (Government&Union Contributions)  30 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is to introduce the term "Fringes". Fringes are usually 30% to 40% of the labor costs, so it is essential that you know how to estimate this cost and not be tongue-tied when discussing this cost in the film budget.

The producer must pay normal government and union fringes – a breakdown of the types of fringes is given.

When projecting costs (called Estimating in film) it is common to average the fringe rates for different unions. This process is reviewed for different guilds and unions.

John shows the effect of fringes on the different SAG calculations above – it is quite dramatic

 

Web#3-2. The Concept of Labor Hours Worked and Hours Paid                60 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is to practice the combined knowledge you've learned above - Labor Worked Hours, Paid Hours and Fringes. 

The dramatic additional costs of working the 13th, 14th hours is demonstrated. The attendees then work this out for themselves.

Some practice is given and Q & A, Quizzes, etc to ensure the attendees have a good grasp of this very important facet of managing the film budget.


     Web #4-1. Introducing the Weekly Cost Report                                        30 Minutes (TB)

      The purpose of this session is to introduce the Weekly Cost Report & to give examples of what a career-maker or career-breaker it is regardless of your function in filmmaking.

The “Product” of the film production is what the audience sees on screen. However, for all productions (with the rare exception) the measure of it's success through to end of post-production is the quality compared to the cost. It's the Cost Report that tells the financiers, studio execs, bonding companies, etc

Concept of timing – the cost report is issued weekly at a pre-assigned day (usually a Friday or a Monday). This keeps the pressure on the Producers, Production Manager and Film Auditor.

Define the columns of the Weekly Cost Report

Reading the Estimates-To-Complete Column

Practical examples given for different estimated Stunt man-days.

Attendees practice the effect of changing the Estimates-To-Complete on the Cost Report.

The concept of weekly “period closings” is presented as industry specific.

 

     Web #4-2. Introducing the 6 Basic Cost Systems                                      60 Minutes (TB)

      The purpose of this session is to introduce the 6 basic cost control systems. The attendees don't need to know how to do accounting, but they need to recognize the types of costs and how to control them during a film production.

         1.The Purchase Order

         2.The Vendor Invoice

         3.Check Requisitions

         4.Petty Cash (not so petty in film production - often in the $0 to $60,000/week range)

         5.Payroll

         6.Journal Entries (records financing interest, charges from the studio, etc)

     The attendees are show each of the above and participate through challenging questions, polls and quizzes.


    Web#5. The Weekly Cost Report – PO’s, Check Requests, P/C                 60 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is to demonstrate how the Purchase Orders, Check Requests and Petty Cash affect the cost report and how to control the costs.

A practical example is given of a missing Purchase Order for a Steadicam Rental at $3,000/Week.

The effect on the Cost Report is given when a Purchase Order is not relieved when entering an invoice.

   Example – how to review the PO’s entered to the system for and what to look out for.

 Some practical applications are put to the attendees:

  Example – an invoice has come in the mail quoting a PO number which isn't posted in the Cost Report.  What do you do? How would that affect the cost report?

  Example – an invoice has come into the accounting area which is quoting aPO which has been previously relieved. What do you do?

How would that affect the cost report?

  Example – aPO is in the system and is getting old – normally it would be paid within that time period. What do you do? How would that affect the cost report?

  Etc.

  Example – the Wardrobe department has 4 people in a buying frenzy. You see that there is a total of 420,000 outstanding in Wardrobe petty cash"floats". What do you do?

  Example - yesterday you approved a $15,000 check request for (site fee, construction lumber, etc). The Film Accountant has just brought you the cost report for review. How do you assure yourself that the cost has been processed and is reflected in the cost report?

      Etc.


        Web#6-1. The Cost Report - Projecting Costs Then Using A PO               30 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is the give the attendees an example of how to ensure the costs are reflected in the cost report.

Example – Hotel invoices notPO’d for Cast

A Day Out Of Days (DOOD’s) example is shown and gone over.

The attendees are asked to estimate the cost of a hotel in their area for that cast member based on the DOOD’s.

A PO is drawn up by the attendee for two of the key cast.

ThePO is entered to the G/L.

The effect on the Cost Report is noted.

This process is done again for the same Cast, but this time for their flights from the East (or West) coast, depending on the attendee’s location.

The effect on the cost report is noted.

 

       Web#6-2. The Cost Report Projecting Costs to Completion – Extras        60 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is to give the attendees an example of how to control costs that do not normally have a purchase order.

We examine the Costs To Date to see the date to which the Extras have been paid.

We ask the 1st Assistant Director for an estimate of the number of Extra Man-Days.

We estimate the future costs of Extras through to completion.

We compare that estimate with the Estimated Final Costs available on the Cost Report.

A different example is given of this to the attendees and they work it out for themselves in conjunction with John.

A similar example is done with the Stand-In’s


Web#7-1. The Cost Report Projecting Costs to Completion – Labor       30 Minutes(AA)

     The purpose of this session is to get familiar with estimating the labor costs in a general fashion that isn't too time consuming.

 This is a tricky projection that is somewhat arithmetical.

I have prepared an Excel worksheet as the demonstration and a few departmental cost report presentation.

Because this is a difficult step some review of labor hours worked and hours paid (Overtime and other penalties) will be presented and practiced.

We will work through a few departments until you get understand the concept.

Then attendees will do several themselves based on presentations given to them, submitting results.

John will go over the results with the attendees.

 

        Web#7-2. The Cost Report Projecting Costs to Completion – Fringes     60 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is to get familiar with estimating the labor fringes costs, again without getting too technical.

This a tricky projection that is somewhat arithmetical.

I have prepared an Excel worksheet as the demonstration and a few departmental cost report presentations.

Because this is a difficult step some review of labor fringe rates for various categories of unions and guilds (and situations) will be presented and practiced.

We will work through a few departmental fringe costs until you get understand the concept.

Then attendees will do several themselves based on presentations given to them, submitting results.

John will go over the results with the attendees.


        Web#8-1. The Cost Report – Offsetting Over-Budget Costs                    30 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is to give the attendees a look at how Over-Budget costs can be offset to Under-Budget costs.

Offsetting the Variances Within the Department – an example is given with the Set Dressing Dept.

The attendees will do an example for another department based on my presentations.

Offsetting Variances Among Different Departments.

An example will be given of this.

The attendees will do an example for themselves, based on my presentations.

Web#8-2. The Cost Report Presentation-Acceptable To Financiers        60 Minutes (AA)

     The purpose of this session is pull together all of the skills that we’ve learned to date culminating in producing a good Weekly Cost Report.

The Cost Report is presented with a covering memo and a summary page of all offsets and over/under budget line items.

There is an industry specific way of making that presentation.

John will present an acceptable Cost Report in full.

The attendees will be emailed this Full Cost Report in the first week of the webinar.

The attendees, with hints from John, will review each department of the full Cost report, making comments as a Key Accountant for each

department.

John will track the Over-Budget items and the Under-Budget items, finally resulting in a presentable Weekly Cost Report.


        Web#9. Opportunities                                                                                 90 Minutes (TB)

What a Producer, Production Manager, or Film Auditor WANTS and what he/she NEEDS.

The Resume – how to convince the Producer, Production Manager, Film Auditor, etc that you’re the right person.

Ways & means to gather addresses and to meet film producers, production accountants, etc.

Real examples of how this has worked for others.

Overall Sum up and Q & A

 

          END OF Live On-Line TrainingS x 9 - PRODUCTION MANAGING: FILM BUDGETS

 

 

  Sign up from ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD - New York Time (EST) 

      13.5Hrs   $365

      Less 10% Early Bird Discounts (DEADLINE MAR 2) = $328.50 Click here.

   The Live On-Line Training sessions are scheduled on week nights to accommodate those who are working:

      Tues, Wed, Thurs Mar 16, 17, 18 from 7:30PM to 9:00PM PST

      Tues, Wed, Thurs Mar. 23, 24, 25 from 7:30PM to 9:00PM PST

      Tues, Wed, Thurs Mar. 30, 31, Apr 1 from 7:30PM to 9:00PM PST

   NOTE: All live on-line training session will be recorded so that those who can't make it, or who want to review the webinars at a later date, can do so on demand (everyone will be given individual passwords and access links).


 ALL THREE BOUGHT SEPARATELY ARE $955

                SIGN UP FOR ALL THREE AT ONCE AND GET $150 OFF = $805

             Less 10% Early Bird Discounts (DEADLINE FEB 27th) = $724.50 Click here.

  • Pre-registration guarantees a seat. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ALL 3 (EARLY BIRD PRICE)
  • When you register you will be taken to a sign-up page which will allow me to pre-deliver to you my e-book, "Walk The Talk", the course 'checksheet', the Glossary, the Master Budget we'll be using, etc. Pl ease familiarize yourself with the materials before the workshop so we can hit the ground running on the Saturday morning (a hard copy of KEY materials will be provided in the workshop).
  • Please bring your laptop. or your tabletop computer with monitor, so we can load the software and templates as part of the workshop materials. I have limited the attendance to no more than 20 people, so please book early.
  • Out of towners are invited as well (for anyone traveling in from out of town please let me know so I can get a volume discount near the final location of the workshop).

                                                                 Total Live On-Line Training                                         13.5Hrs

Total Day #1                                             10 Hrs

Total Day #2                                             10 Hrs

Total Hours for Film Accounting 101       33.5Hrs


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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