Production Accountant Career Guide and Counseling

Question: How do I become a movie production accountant? I am an accounting and finance major looking to get into the movie business but have noticed that all job openings for movie production accountants require "extensive movie experience". What kind of experience do I need? How can I get the experience needed? If anyone has any answers, Please explain the process and any important information. Thanks!

Answer: You need to have a lot more knowledge of the industry in general. Try to get an internship with a production company FIRST. You will need to piggy back a bit with directors and producers, investors, actors etc... to get a better feeling and understanding of the accounting issues they face. You may want to try World Wide Media in NYC to start. Also...keep up with what companies are looking to produce films in your area. Contact the agencies and explain what you want to accomplish. See if they will allow you to come and intern with them. You may also check with local college or even internet college who have film school classes and see if you can benefit from some of the classes and placement services for internship through them. Good Luck...it will be an interesting career. Good job in deciding what you want to do in your life.

Question: oil and gas production accountant jobs in canada is there jobs for this field? how much money do you earn with an entry position?

Answer: to have the best answer just ask them: http://www.infooil.com/ they are specialist in oil and gas in canada this can help you too there is a salary checker for oil and gas job: http://www.worldwideworker.com/seeker/in… http://www.applyoilandgasjob.com http://www.oilcv.com

Question: Anyone know average salaries for tv production accountants&how you would go about getting a first break? I'm interested in entering this field but can't find much info on it - is there much work available? What would average salaries be like for a qualified accountant? Thanks!

Answer: It depends on the location. Go to yahoo hotjobs http://hotjobs.yahoo.com and click on career tools, then Salary. (or just click here: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/salary ) You should be able to find the info you are looking for.

Question: What qualifications can help with Production Accounting? Hi everyone. I'm a part-qualified accountant and have recently landed myself a job as a Production Accountant with a major UK TV company. I really love the position and find it really interesting and have already thought of the possibility of freelancing in larger productions (i.e. films) later down the line. Aside from finishing the typical accountancy qualifications I was wondering if anyone else may know what could help my chances in the future? Specific production courses etc? What sort of think do you need to freelance in the future etc? Thanking you! x

Answer: You have said it yourself, to become a specialist in certain field, it's better if you know the field of works in greater details. Ie, a quantity surveyor in construction are currently comes from civil engineer background BUT I have an accountant friend who become one of them. He need to undergo the construction cost project course though. Similar like yours. As you are already in the business, evolve yourself into the specialist by empowering yourself with the 'production' cost of a film/ tv. This way, you're not just a financial accountant but a management accountant for whatever firm you work for.

Question: Help in finding an accountant for a tree farm in Central Queensland? I need to find an experienced accountant that has knowledge of primary production in the forestry/tree farming specialization, located in the Central Queensland area of Australia. I am finding it difficult to find an accountant that can help me setup and establish a small business for agroforestry for my large rural property. Thanks

Answer: I would suggest you contact; www.seek.com.au as they will find someone for you or you can place your advertisement on their web site. Good luck!

Question: How can film crew members have multiple specialized areas? I noticed for many of the film crew members, they have done several things: for exmample, like production coordinator, camera assistant, production accountant, etc.. for one person! I'm just wondering how that works, do they work for a production company that trains them? how can a crew member specialized in a specific area gain experience/training/get to work on another (many times completely unrelated) area?

Answer: It is not unusual for crew to work their way up from the most junior position like a grip to very senior like first assistant director, often spending time and learning in various departments along the way. It would not be all that unusual for someone who wanted to be a line producer to spend time with the accounts department in the production office. Of course, if someone's goal was to be head of a particular department like director of photography, special effects, lighting etc, they would need specialised training and professional qualifications. Crew on a film work closely together and, after a while in the business, get to know one another and often recommend each other for jobs and help each other learn skills in different departments.

Question: Are Accountants and CAs are required for every organizations it may be production , Engineering ,? Is Accountants are required for Industries such as production, Engineering, chemicals, Automobiles , logistics supply management industries ,Marine Industry, Export and Import and as well as for Textile industries.etc etc

Answer: Accountants and business experts are required in all industrial fields. There are specialties within that, but most knowledge is gained on the job.

Question: do film production accountants travel with the cast & crew?

Answer: No!

Question: Will I still have the rights to the copyright if i hire a movie producer? I want to create a movie under a 200 million dollar budget. but I will personally fund the project. I currently have a full crew on stand by that consist of... Actors/Actresses Screen Writer Production Manager Unit Manager Production Coordinator Director First Assistant Director Second Assistant Director Production Assistant Script Supervisor Production Accountant Location Manager Publicist Art Department Production Designer Art Art Director Set Designer Assistant art director Set Decorator Buyer Lead Man Set Dresser Props master Props builder Armourer Construction Coordinator Head Carpenter Key Scenic Greensman Makeup artist Hairdresser Costume Designer Costumer Supervisor Costume Standby Art Finisher Director of photography Cinematographer Camera operator First assistant camera operator (focus puller) The second assistant camera operator Loader Camera Production Assistant (camera intern) Digital Imaging Technician ("DIT") Production sound mixer Boom operator Grip Key grip Best boy grip Dolly grip Gaffer Best boy electric Lighting technician Film editor Chyron operator Color timer Negative cutter Visual effects supervisor Sound designer Dialogue editor Sound editor Re-Recording Mixer Music supervisor Composer Foley artist I think I listed everyone If I cosider to go through with this project this will be the first High budget film I have financed.. My 2 questions are 1) Since I am the original creator will I have full rights to the copy right and not the producer? Will I pay everyone before or after the movie comes out in theatres? do I copyright the movie before or after it's creation? thanks for your help

Answer: You copyright the screenplay first and hold the rights that way. You pay everyone as the film goes along and any bonuses after the release (if that is in the contract. You do have a contract with everyone, right?) If you are funding the production, YOU are the producer. You need a studio who will distribute said film (Look at what Mel Gibson does, OK?)

Question: Cheap accountant in London to help me fill in my tax return? I'm a freelance production assistant on music events and a temp PA in between. Most of the paperwork is at hand so it shouldn't be more than half a day's worth of work. Can anyone recommend me someone?

Answer: just apply ur mind and restart work