Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Richard Sotiros · Accepted Answer

“Aspiring Production Accountants need to be prepared to work hard. It’s not always going to be fun. Most of it will be hard work but the career is cool. Independent shoots give a decent living and on studio films, there is even more money.
“Just make sure to take time to rest between opportunities. It’s a competitive world and easy to be forgotten about so make sure not to take too much time off and always practice.”
“That practice isn’t just with software and budgets but with communication skills and self-confidence. This career is freelance so it requires a multifaceted skill set. The biggest suggestion is to know what it is and entails before jumping in.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Richard Sotiros · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake that people make is to try and begin a career as a Production Accountant without understanding what skills the job will require. It doesn’t mean that a person needs to have all those skills. They can be developed over time.”
“However, a basic understanding of the landscape will let them know what they need to develop. Ways to do this could be to reach out to working Production Accountants or joining some local online Facebook groups.”
“A person could get started if they have a background in accounting but they must realize that each industry is different. To have worked within oil and gas isn’t the same as film production. Many people make the error that all accounting is the same and they don’t bother to learn what is unique about film accounting.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Richard Sotiros · Accepted Answer

“What are the bad things to expect as an Accountant?
“The hours a Production Accountant needs to work can’t be stressed enough. The days aren’t always fun and often the Accountant must break bad news to a Producer. However, if someone understands the downside of the career then they can have the appropriate expectations. It’s the only way to survive and maintain sanity.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Richard Sotiros · Accepted Answer

“What does a person want out of being a Production Accountant?”
“Each person needs to ask themselves what they want out of being a Production Accountant if they’re considering this career path. The film industry has a lot of magic surrounding it and there is a certain prestige around working in it. However, the more an individual defines their own goals and how the career will meet them the happier they will be.”
“There is no job stability; Accountants are constantly hustling for work. They must be able to sell themselves. People will be jerks and not apologize. The hours are long. But, on the flip side, it provides an opportunity to control a schedule and participate in the entertainment industry. The balance of each of these factors weighs on everyone differently. However, if someone is looking for a steady paycheck, this is not the career for them.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Richard Sotiros · Accepted Answer

“The desire to do a good job. I just care about what I do.”

Question 6

How much do Film Production Accountants make?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The annual salary for a Film Production Accountant can greatly vary. Estimates range from $70,000 to $500,000. The reason for this disparity comes down to a number of factors, including the size of a particular production, the number of productions booked in a year, and the volume of responsibilities for each gig.

Question 7

Do Film Production Accountants need to be a CPA?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Being a Certified Public Accountant is not mandatory for working in filmmaking as a Film Production Accountant, but it can very much benefit your career. Producers and production companies may be more apt to hire someone that they know has gone through the training and received the certification needed to execute their accounting needs.

Question 8

How do you become an Accountant for movies?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

To become a Film Production Accountant, you must first complete the National Association of Production Accountants certification program. Next, you must network and get gigs on productions in more entry-level roles like bookkeeping. Third, you must build a resume of work that indicates your proficiency with production-specific accounting needs.

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