Film Accountancy

Make a list of everything you think you need before you start a production.

I am going to attempt this in the order I think they will happen, to get us ready for production:

Some seed money to get a film project off the ground. Various sources

A development Producer commissions a script from a writer or options an existing script or book to be made into a film.

when the key elements of the script are ready a Producer may try and find a director and key cast members who are interested in its potential.  A line producer may then come on board to assess The script and work out the projected estimated costs.  This will be broken down, probably in movie magic,  and Costs accounted for depending on the size of the budget and the film’s aspirations.

Using those attached to the project they will try and raise the finance for this through various means,  either through the studio system, independently or even by crowdsourcing, ..  there are many ways and these can overlap inc. deferred fees or giving points / exec status to an A list actor etc.

With the money in place or promised (contracted).  HODs will then be approached and brought in whom the producer and or the director are keen to work with.

These HODs will break down the costs for their departments to give a true reflection of what they know from experience they can achieve.  Bearing in mind the line producers’ original estimates.

With the budget finally agreed upon and the show/film green-lit.

A limited company will be created for future tax rebates, etc.

A production office will be set up, maybe close to where the majority of filming will take place.

Pre-production will start,  inc. booking locations,  studio space and  The below-the-line personnel will be contracted for their various departments.

The accounts department will work with the line producer & Production manager. they choose &  buy in the software they need for accounting and payroll.  Contracts will be issued, by the legal department (if there is one).

As the shoot dates get nearer, more staff will come on board to get everything ready.

Crew/talent may be coming from various places worldwide and their accommodation, food, and lodgings will need to be coordinated by the production office.

Day One: turnover.   
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What experience do you already have in accounting or working in the film and TV
industry? Don't worry if you're new to both!

I have worked on low-budget short films and features as a PC, PM & line producer; this has involved creating pre-production budgets,  accounting and cost reports. I started in the industry as a multi-skilled technician and videographer and have since been running film studios for the last five years.

Why are you interested in learning about production accounting?

Since studying at the National Film & Television School  I have taken a strong interest in film budgeting and production management.  Previously,  I was only interested in the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking but now realise it is a vital part of the process.

What do you think production accounting is?

 The predicted  & the real costs when bringing a film to life.  The actual costs and daily accounts of the money spent when on production and the organisation of the costs and their departments.

And why did you join the course?

I am interested in learning more about how a large production works out its budgets and potential future career options.  



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Some notes on the differences you spotted between the two clips. Did you spot things we didn't mention? Were you surprised by the amount of differences?

I guess a big cost would be to have a ‘star’ name attached to a production,  this above-the-line cost can be considerable but needed for marketing and potential reviews.   I was very aware of the difference in filming techniques; as you mentioned.  With the BBC’s version obviously quicker to film with far fewer set-ups; which would inc.  lighting changes and gaffer, sparks etc..  needed on set (additional costs).   Also,  the quality of the sets and location were a huge difference.  I would add that different lenses would have been used by Disney’s version,  which would need hiring in, along with a named DOP, operator, 2nd AC (the list goes on)  and all the associated costs involved too.  With bigger [productions come bigger and more intricate and detailed costs so the accounts team would need to be bigger too; who also need to be paid :)


Why do you think price points vary between different productions?

The size of crews.. The intended audience.  the above the line costs

3 Thinking about this week's learning as a whole, how has your perception of the production accounting role changed from the initial ten words you submitted at the beginning of the session?

the level of interactivity between the production accounting team and the rest of the production.  Also (I’m glad to hear/see) the knowledge of production and all the different departments and the jobs they do.


 After posting your contribution, please read the work of at least two of your peers, and comment on their thoughts.


:)