Course Content

Production Accounting 101 is a resource package for purchase by trainers who want to offer workshops or in depth courses on production accounting in the film and television industry. These resources can be directed to accountants wanting to get into the film and television industry; and to those already in the industry who want to get to the heart of it through accounting.

Production Accounting 101 includes a Course Syllabus and Instructor's Guide developed by Charles Zamaria for CHRC in 2009: Production Accounting for Film, Television and Digital Media.

The package also includes the presentation materials based on the Syllabus that were developed and delivered by industry expert John Gaskin, in workshops piloted with WIFT in Toronto and with RFAVQ in Montreal.

Testimonial

"The more these types of courses happen, the better for the industry. The industry is going through a period of intense turmoil. To survive, the sector is going to have to be nimble and think outside of the proverbial box. The course did that. Let's have more of them." – Workshop participant

Learn more about this package

Production Accounting for Film, Television and Digital Media - Course Syllabus and Instructor's Guide

Please note that this is a syllabus: guidelines for trainers to build effective courses.

• Course Description
• Course Design: Multiple Levels of Expertise
• Course Goals and Objectives
• Intended Learning Outcomes
• Proposed Course Evaluation
• Course Structure, Format and Itinerary: Teaching Guide
  • Breakdown of Course Delivery Options
• Lesson Modules
  • Ecology of a Production and Overview of Production Accounting
  • Operation and Structure of a Production Project
  • Pre-production Accounting Responsibilities
  • Budgeting: Overview
  • Budgeting: Details
  • Revenue and Funding to Cash Flow Statement
  • Other Pre-production Considerations
  • Legal Requirements and Considerations
  • Review of Bookkeping Basics and Application to Production Accounting
  • Accounting Processes and Procedures during the Production Phase
  • Cost Reporting and Other Reporting
  • Auditing: Internal and External
  • Wrap, Post-production Accounting and Afterward
• Glossary of Production Accounting Terminology
• References, Resources and Supporting Material
  • General Industry Snapshots (Statistics, Noteworthy Publications, Special Interest Groups)
  • A Guide to the Key Players (Regulators, Guilds/Unions, Major Industry Associations)
  • Financing, Sectoral Assistance and Training Programs
  • Tools and Other Resources for the Production Accountant
  • Other Production Accounting Course Material

Presentation materials

• Day 1
  • Pre-production Accounting Responsibilities
  • Budgeting: Overview
  • Budgeting: Details
• Day 2
  • Revenue and Funding to Cash Flow Statement
  • Other Prep Considerations
  • Review of Bookkeeping Basics
• Day 3
  • Accounting Processes/Procedures During Production
  • Cost Reporting & Other Reports

The Business Skills for Producers course content is a three day workshop designed for business owners and operators in film, television and digital media who are seeking business and management training.

This workshop provides an understanding of the basic business skills needed to grow a company, and expand through strategies to capitalize on cross platform opportunities. It includes sessions on marketing, financing, distribution, negotiation and much more.

See the outline for a look at all that the course has to offer.

Course outline [PDF format]

Teachers and trainers interested in delivering this unique and timely workshop are asked to contact courses@culturalhrc.ca.

Film Set Etiquette for emerging film and television professionals across Canada

Working on a film set requires more than just technical skills. It requires patience, adaptability, perseverance, creativity and teamwork. Understanding set etiquette can help you feel confident and provide you with the knowledge you need to work on a set. By understanding your surroundings you'll be able to concentrate on the task at hand; making a film.

Every project you will work on will differ in some way and offer a new range of challenges. Whether it be a big budget feature film or a low budget Indy it's always-important to know the basic set etiquette and adapt it to the area/province or project you're working in. This document provides a general overview of set etiquette across Canada.

See the outline for a look at all that the course has to offer.

Course outline [PDF format]

Set Safety Awareness for emerging film and television professionals across Canada

It is everyone's right to work in a safe environment. Working in film can be exciting and challenging, and presents some unconventional safety issues and solutions. Every crew- member plays an important role when it comes to set safety. The following information will highlight common safety hazards of working in the film industry as well as your rights and obligations as an employee, someone in a supervisory role, and as an employer.

The purpose of this course content is to give those with a vested interest in film and television production, an introduction to Set Safety and Occupational Health and Safety for your province.

See the outline for a look at all that the course has to offer.

Course outline [PDF format]

Convergence Media - Course Syllabus

"The line between segments of the entertainment industries are beginning to blur as screens proliferate beyond cineplex and living rooms. CHRC's Convergence Media Project is a bold step towards navigating the future of Canadian entertainment."

Ryan FitzGerald, Convergence Media Training Coordinator

Teachers and trainers interested in delivering this unique and timely workshop are asked to contact info@culturalhrc.ca.

Table of Contents [PDF format]