Production accounting is continually highlighted as a skills shortage area in the UK film and TV industry (see ScreenSkills reports from 2022 and 2023), with a scarcity of skilled individuals able to meet the demand of production. Studios are crying out for production accountants to join their teams and lead their department – it’s the ideal time to ‘step up’.
We’re therefore delighted to announce that we’ll be partnering with Film London to deliver a new initiative of industry training in production accounting, in collaboration with a leading entertainment company.
The opportunity will open in September and will include free access to our online Step Up to Production Accountant course created and led by Lucy Drake, a Production Accountant with 25 years experience in the industry. Over nine weeks, the course will provide junior production accountants the skills and knowledge they need to step up to a more senior role in the department.
We anticipate some placement opportunities for the graduates of the course with further details to be provided during the open day and during the course.
Lucy Drake, John Yorke Story course director:
“It is fantastic to have the support of Film London to provide this opportunity to help assistant accountants to step up to be the head of department. This training covers the main areas required of a production accountant / financial controller, providing notes and resources to keep. This unique style of training allows participants to study while working and to apply the relevant knowledge to their current shows. The placements then offered provides a unique opportunity to step up with the new knowledge and support.”
Criteria
The initiative is open to those living in London and the ‘gateway’ counties of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey. We place particular emphasis on supporting individuals that identify as being from global majority and/or under-represented groups including disabled, neurodivergent and working class individuals.
To join the Step Up to Production Accountant course, we also ask that you have at least two years of industry experience.
Get involved
If you meet the above criteria and would like to apply, you’ll need to join Film London’s Equal Access Network and register for the online training course (starts 23 September).
Got questions? Please don’t hesitate to send us a message – the best person to reach is [email protected].
