John Gaskin has worked on more than 50 film and TV productions, working in 6 different countries over 2 1/2 decades. He has worked on all sizes of productions, including 2 with Ron Howard.
INSTRUCTOR: John Gaskinis a working Production Auditor. John has worked in the film production business since 1985, primarily as a Film Production Auditor.
John has worked on 50 different productions in 6 different countries, working with greats such as Ron Howard, Frank Oz and Walter Salles - as well as small independent films and TV episodic productions, pilots and mini-series. During his career many of his assistants have gone on to become Key Accountants (another term for the Production Auditor).
John also has Supervising Producer credits - see his resume on IMDb. In his previous seminars he was touted as the Billion Dollar Man because the accumulated budgets that have been under his control has exceeded a Billion Dollars.
John's book, "Walk The Talk" is required reading at the University of Southern California's Cinematic Arts (Peter Stark Graduate Producer's Program), as well as the Producer's Program at the University of Tampa, where John has an open invitation to deliver seminars. John's book is also used and recommended by at least one mentor, Michael Glick, at the American Film Institute. John has numerous internet articles on EzineArticles and enjoys answering your questions on his blog - filmproduction.
John has several 'Testimonials' but his favorites are from Ron Howard and David Valdes (David worked with Clint Eastwood for a chunk of his career and has been an independent producer for some time in his own right). Click here to see Ron Howard's letter, and here for David Valdes's hand written note. Another testimonial that John is proud of is Peter D. Marshall's book review. Peter is a 35 year veteran film director and instructor. Visit John's Web Site for more testimonials. For a quick 2-minute video of Testimonials, CLICK HERE. When Ron Howard asked John why the budget was so high on a feature film production they were doing in New York, John was tongue tied. After that John was determined to get it right the next time, so he wrote a book, called "Walk The Talk" which shows any filmmaker, or any novice film producer, how to "Direct the Money" during a film production.
To see more about John's credentials see the following:
TESTIMONIALS: Below is a video clip of attendees from one of my workshops in Detroit.
Some quotes to give you a concept of my basic nature - my workshops are never boring:
"Over a year ago I opened a dialogue with you with the hopes of gaining more knowledge of production accounting practicing and some tips for really breaking in... And I just wanted to let you know that as of today, I am 4 days away from wrapping out my first show as Key Accountant. It was only an 800K feature, but a feature nonetheless.... And in a rebate state (North Carolina). We payrolled all crew (non
union), SAG, and background... So every week, I had three individual payrolls. Plus obvious things like AP and Petty Cash... But I made it through! Just wanted to say thanks for the help." - Josh, North Carolina
"The presenter (John Gaskin) was excellent...candid, straightforward, respectful of the audience. I especially liked the real life examples, they're the best way to learn about finances. The casual format stimulated great conversation between audience and presenter." Christy, Florida
"I took John’s 2 day budgeting workshop, and his one day Michigan film credit
workshop in August. He is wonderful! The time flew by, and I found
myself hoping he would re-do his production accounting workshop in Michigan, so
I could attend that as well! He provided us a lot of very useful, and current materials.
At our workshop we all brought laptops, and had hands on experience
learning to use Movie Magic Budgeting. John is very good at
teaching this material, and provided us with many valuable tips and
tricks. He has a wealth of real-world experience, and often spiced up his
presentation by sharing this experience with us. A few who had planned on
taking only the Budgeting workshop, decided to stay and signed on to take the
Michigan Film Credit workshop he offered the next day – and two of them had no
plans to film in Michigan!Carol A, Michigan
"John
Gaskin and what he shares is just not available, ANYWHERE! John 's
workshop seminars are perfect, they are the ONLY SHOW IN TOWN for the
seasoned film professional or aspiring filmmaker; or that CPA , lawyer,
general business person wanting make a career change or added value to
what they do, by segueing into the entertainment business.
John Gaskin is film professional that instills trust and enthusiasm and
calls it as it is! From his years of experience as a production auditor
/accountant/ production executive ( all my higher powers) with his
expertise in budgeting, cost reporting, dealing with bond companies,
managing contracts of every description, working with producers(and
being one himself), production managers and studio executives ensure a
production is produced on time and on budget. He brings his vast
cross-over disciplinary skills and experience to an nuts and bolts
result in his book "Walk The Talk", which I use in my producing course
at University of Tampa. His presentations ( including EP budgeting & scheduling)and workshops are just not
the how to's... but the why's . He shares all the interpersonal goings
on with the bottom line- the result. And the money involved to get that
result. I am grateful to have discovered "Walk the Talk" and John
Gaskin and look forward always to introduce John's his book and
information that I have found there, and no where else!" Tom Garrett, University of Tampa
SOME TESTIMONIALS FROM FILM PROFESSIONALS:
Tom Garrett, Producer/Professor at the University of Tampa, Film Studies: "John Gaskin is a film professional that instills trust and enthusiasm and calls it as it is! From his years of experience as a production auditor /accountant/ production executive ( all my higher powers) with his expertise in budgeting, cost reporting, dealing with bond companies, managing contracts
of every description, working with producers(and being one himself), production managers and studio executives ensure a production is produced on time and on budget. He brings his vast cross-over disciplinary skills and experience to an nuts and bolts result in his book "Walk The Talk", which I use in my producing course at University of Tampa. His presentations and workshops are just not the how to's... but the why's . He shares all the interpersonal goings on with the bottom line- the result. And
the money involved to get that result. I am grateful to have discovered "Walk the Talk" and John Gaskin and look forward always to introduce John's his book and information that I have found there, and no where else."
The University of Souther California (Peter Starks Producers program): My book has been purchased by, Richard Shepherd, the Assistant Director of the Peter Stark graduate program at USC, has purchased a box of my books as required reading for the graduate students. The book was recommended to him by two working professionals, Reid Shane and Andy Given, who instruct at USC. Both
of these men are VP's at prestigious major Hollywwod studios.
Micahel Glick, Mentor at the American Film Institute, Producer, prior MGM VP Production:"Great book John, very useful. In fact I'd like your permission to use the book for my syllabus with the American Film Institute. Let's keep in touch!"
Peter D. Marshall, Director and Mentor/Instructor through the "Director's Chair":"I have just gone through John's book myself and I must recommend this book to anyone who is involved, (or wants to get involved) with film production. The book is written in an easy reading style at a level appropriate for film students and crew who want to upgrade. It is also useful
for Directors and new Producers who want some help with the basics of budgeting. "Walk the Talk" is very well laid out and has sections for the beginnerand the advanced professional. Check it out."
Lon Van Eaton - Music/Theatre Producer and Professor: "Great book! You're a saint. I truly appreciate your help (I had sent him some budgeting templates-John Gaskin) and the book is most useful. It has the inside details that I use when I teach classes on music production. The real stuff."
Josua Dease - Film School Graduate, Film Crew (AD, PA, Asst Accountant) - Goal is to UPM: "I just purchased your book a few days ago... I'm almost finished - Thought it was an excellent read. I've been in the market for a book that could tell me about production accounting for a while, and hadn't found one anywhere online or in local bookstores. I've read many books on accounting
fundamentals and of course producers and production manager books... But hadn't found anything as close to what I wanted as what you have written. So, thank you for putting it out there. I've learned a great deal about honing my skills."
"WALK THE TALK"
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