2 Minute Video of the On-Line Courses
image
image
image
                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                     

New Self-Study Series for anyone wanting to FINANCE, and PRODUCE, their own film projects

The 'know-how' will be taken up in 6 sections


 

PURPOSE: The purpose of the 6 sections below is to help "Indie" producers finance their projects. It is definitely not a "quick fix". The courses are all based on 30 years experience and, if completed and understood, will create confidence - not just in yourself, but more importantly, with investors, Studios, Completion Guarantors, experienced Directors & Cinematographers, etc.

 

CREATING INVESTOR CONFIDENCE

Knowing these Sections, based on my experience, will separate you from the crowd as someone who knows the "Business Language" of the investors, Major Studios, Completion Guarantors, Distributors, etc. You won't be confused with the clutter of people who "have a great idea". Those in the Business of Filmmaking close the door on anyone that doesn't demonstrate film business competence.

 

WHO IS THIS FOR:

  • Emerging Film and Television Producers
  • Experienced Line Producers and Unit Production Managers interested in producing their own projects.
  • Film School Graduates and Undergraduates who want to expand their practical knowledge as a Producer.
  • Anyone interested in learning more about the business of making feature films and television shows.

Section 1. An Overview of the Film Industry for Independent Filmmakers 

Section 2. Hot Costs in Film Production

Section 3. Understanding Film Tax Incentives in America and Canada as a Source of Financing

Section 4 and 5: Managing Film Budgets & Cost Reports Professionally

Section 6. Creating Cashflows "Out"/"In" for Bank Loan Purposes

 

Beneficial for anyone interested in the business of film and television - designed for the non-accountant.


 

Section 1. An Overview of the Film Industry for Independent Filmmakers 

(2 Hrs / 12 videos / 71 page course content / a $9Mil professional budget example in pdf)

The purpose of this course is to take a giant step towards financing for your project.

The course introduces you to the essential workflow and terms common in the business side of filmmaking, creating confidence from investors that you are financially competent.

You will be able to more confidently discuss the film and television production business from a business perspective with potential investors and completion guarantors throughout North America.

 

Cost $39.99 - This cost is specially priced for Indies & film students (price includes the 71 page Power Point in pdf).

This short video explains the approach as:

 - Development (Investor Confidence), Green Light Stage, Production Stage, Post & Audit Stage and The Waterfall.

 

HOW THE COURSE WORKS - NAVIGATION, CONTENT:

 

SEE THIS VIDEO

Learn how to navigate through the course material, how the videos, links and downloads work, how the testing works as well as the instant viewing of the solutions and the issuing of the certificate. NOTE: there are no tests for the HOT COST Course.

 

 

 

 

 


 

Section 2. Hot Costs in Film Production

(50 Min /5 videos)

This is the ONLY course anywhere on how to do Hot Costs in the film production business. The two Hot Cost Templates provided are two different formats prominent in the film industry throughout North America. I have also programmed the Excel templates to calculate the gross pay based on IATSE Area Standards Agreements (Features).  

Also provided as downloads are the IATSE Area Standards Agreement. From this training and downloads you can design your own Hot Cost professional looking Hot Costs for your region.

 

Cost $19.95 - This cost is specially priced for Indies

Beneficial for all assistant accountants who want to upgrade to key accountant, and for all emerging producers/ Line Producers interested in managing in the business of film and television production.

 

HOW THE COURSE WORKS - NAVIGATION, CONTENT:

 

SEE THIS VIDEO

Learn how to navigate through the course material, how the videos, links and downloads work. NOTE: there are no tests for the HOT COST Course.

 

 

 

 

 


 

Section 3. Understanding Film Tax Incentives in America and Canada as a Source of Financing

(30 Min /6 videos)

The purpose of this course is to provide you with a method of bringing the estimated Film Tax Incentives to the table, as a producer, as part of the finaning package.

It provides you with a broader understanding of the film tax incentives available, including Section 181.

 

 

Cost $19.95 - This cost is specially priced for Indies

Beneficial for all emerging producers interested in the business of film and television - designed for the non-accountant.

 

 


 

Section 4 and 5: Managing Professional Film Budgets & Creating and Managing Professional Cost Reports

  • Within this section are 6 Self-Study (On-Demand) Training videos.
  • If a Self-Study Video is purchased individually, the training video topic is located at a single URL with password protection and playable as a Flash Video (MV4).
  • All Self-Study videos are 1 and 1/2 hours in length .
  • If all Self-Study videos are purchasesd all related materials (budgets, forms,cashflows, templates, payroll forms, start-up forms, etc) are located at the same URL - see the video & narrative on "How It Works", below.
  • There are no quizzes, so it is not qualified as Continuing Professional Education.
  • We're  providing you with these inexpensive training videos for your career enhancement. All feedback is welcomed.

The subjects of Managing & Creating Film Budgets and Cost Reports is presented as follows:

 

# 1 of 6, THE FILM PRODUCTION BUDGET INTRODUCED - The materials which you can download from this video site are: A Professional Template Film Budget that is used throughout the videos. It is in both pdf and epb formats. Also included is an Excel template of a professional film budget.

Link to the #1 of 6 Power Point Guide - I use Power Point as a guide only; think of it as a rough index of the content. Have a look to get an idea of the content.

# 2 of 6, INTRODUCING FILM INDUSTRY LABOR UNIONS - The materials which you can download from this video site are: the IATSE Low Budget Agreement (2010); Before and after Excel template worksheet of IATSE Overtime-Meal Penalty-Turnaround.

Link to the #2 of 6 Power Point Guide - I use Power Point as a guide only; think of it as a rough index of the content. Have a look to get an idea of the content.

# 3 of 6, THE CONCEPT OF FRINGES  & LABOR HOURS WORKED/PAID - The materials which you can download from this video site are:  Before and after Excel template worksheet of IATSE & Government fringe estimates (cross referenced to agreements).

Link to the #3 of 6 Power Point Guide - I use Power Point as a guide only; think of it as a rough index of the content. Have a look to get an idea of the content.

# 4 of 6, INTRODUCING THE WEEKLY COST REPORT & THE SIX BASIC COST SYSTEMS - The materials which you can download from this video site are:  the Schedule A Performers (Daily Performers) Section of the SAG Agreement; Before and after Excel template worksheet of Cast Budgeting; and, the Cost Report Memo template.

Link to the #4 of 6 Power Point Guide - I use Power Point as a guide only; think of it as a rough index of the content. Have a look to get an idea of the content.

# 5 of 6, THE COST REPORT - ESTIMATING COSTS TO COMPLETE - EXAMPLES - The materials which you can download from this video site are:  Excel worksheet template of DOOD's, ATL Travel/Living, Extras, Riggers; An Excel Cost Report template; A Purchase Order template.

Link to the #5 of 6 Power Point Guide - I use Power Point as a guide only; think of it as a rough index of the content. Have a look to get an idea of the content.

   # 6 of 6, THE COST REPORT - ESTIMATING IN FILM PRODUCTION - The materials which you can download from this video site are:  Excel worksheet template of Estimating scenarios, as well as the "after session" version; and, a Calendar for reference.

       Link to the #6 of 6 Power Point Guide- I use Power Point as a guide only; think of it as a rough index of the content. Have a look to get an idea of the content.

SAMPLE - Click here for a sample of the On-Demand Video

 

Cost $99.00 for all 6 courses, or $29.99 Each - This cost is specially priced for Indies

 

SIGN UP  FOR  ALL 6 ON-DEMAND VIDEOS (MV4)

 


 

 

Section 6. Creating Cashflows "Out"/"In" for Bank Loan Purposes

 

What You Will Get From This Course (i.e. the Learning Objective): The participant will be able to create cashflows from templates provided - this skill will go a long way in establishing credility as a producer when approaching financing and the Completion Guarantor.

 

Beneficial for all emerging producers interested in the business of film and television - designed for the non-accountant.

 


 

Section 6. Cashflows and Loan Analysis

( Cashflow template/ loan analysis template / a $3.6Mil professional budget example in pdf)

The purpose of this course is to provide you with workable schedules, based on a working budget which you can use for a Cashflow schedule, and for a Loan Analysis Schedule. Understanding and knowing how to prepare these two schedules will elevate you head and shoulders above other Indie's looking for financing.

 

Cost $19.95 - This cost is specially priced for Indies & film students.

This short video explains the approach of the course, as well as the schedules and budget provided:

 


 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR - JOHN GASKIN:

Film Production Accountant/Auditor, Author, Instructor

 

Nicknamed "The Billion Dollar Man" due to the accumulated box office gross on features worked on.

 

John continues to work in film and for the past 4 years has been delivering his workshops to rave testimonials. By popular demand he has designed online self-study courses so all can learn his field.

 

 

CREDENTIALS

John has worked on 50 projects in 6 different countries over a 28 year period.

See this short video and get some insight into the productions he has worked on.

 

 

FILM PRODUCERS GIVE THEIR OPINION OF JOHN

Ron Howard, David Valdes (Producer of "Green Mile", "Unforgiven", etc) and others give their opinion of John.

See this short video to establish John's experience with film producers.

 

 

ATTENDEE'S  TESTIMONIALS

See this short video which guides you through a few testimonials. Look to the left-hand sidebar, and below, for more testimonials.

 


 

PARTICIPANT'S UNDERSTANDING and REFUND POLICY:

  • The courses have a 39 day expiry date from registration  - these are limitations dictated by our online provider.
  • We cannot guarantee testing or a certificate unless the course is completed within the 39 day period.
  • Taking the Tests is an open option - however, certificates won't be issued unless the Tests have been attempted.
  • All fees paid by the applicant shall be refunded, less a 20% administration fee, if requested within 3 calendar days after registering for the self-study course.
  • All refunds shall be returned within 30 days. For more information regarding refund, complaint and/or course cancellation polices please contact Helene at heleneworkshops@gmail.com .
  • The intent of these courses is one professional speaking to another professional on a personal and training level. None of the course content can be used blindly without reference to current policy and legislation for your particular area.

 


More About John Gaskin, Testimonials and Benefits
John Gaskin has worked on more than 50 film and TV productions, working in 6 different countries over 28 years. He has worked on all sizes of productions, including 2 with Ron Howard.

INSTRUCTOR: John Gaskin is 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. 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 - film production.

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. 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:

John Gaskin's Profile: Click here

John Gaskin's Production Record on IMDb: Click here

John Gaskin's Articles - Ezine Expert Author: Click Here

Blog comments or suggestions to John Gaskin: Click here

Email John Gaskin: Click here

RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

_________________________________________________________________________________

Testimonials: Below is a video clip of attendees from one of my workshops in Detroit. Open this PDF document of more testimonials of people who have allowed us to use their names. Many of them have found work in the industry after attending one or more of my workshops - see what they have to say.

 

 

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,CPA 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,CPA Michigan

 

 

Testimonials: Below is a video clip of attendees from one of my workshops.

 

 

"I had such a great time this weekend. It was a pleasure to meet John and take in the wealth of knowledge he was willing to share with us. It was also great to see someone who is a finance professional be successful in a field that (when all the money talk is over) nurtures the creative drive of so many individuals." Marie M., CA- Came to Toronto from Baltimore.

 

"I just wanted to thank you both for the excellent workshop. It was really well organized & delivered, full of great content, and fun! It was also a place to network. I really look forward to future seminars." Craig L.,CA, Toronto

 

Honestly, I have attended a lot of seminars to keep up with the required 40 hours of CPE for my CPA status and this was easily one of the best ones I've been to. The venue, the topics,  instructor and the class participants were all excellent. John keeps things interesting by adding his personal experiences and was always great at explaining nuances/ terms specific to the industry - having the materials emailed before the seminar was also very helpful." Irene W., CPA, came to Toronto from Ohio

 

 

 

 

 

"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

 


 

Benefits
John students have remarked how much fresh material John provides the students. Real examples of budgets, cost reports,

templates of every kind, pictorial re[resentations, charts, video clips, etc. Any template that may assist the student in film

accounting/budgeting/payroll is provided - whether MMB, Excel, Word or PDF.


 

Click on the Drop Down Menu to see the learning objectives, price and

length of each course:

 

RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE



  • John's Email for any queries.
  •  

    • LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THE PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR HAVE USED THEIR BEST EFFORTS IN PREPARING THIS SELF-STUDY COURSE. THE PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS COURSE AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS PARAGRAPH. NO WARRANTY MAY BE EXTENDED OR CREATED BY SALES REPRESENTATIVES OR WRITTEN SALES MATERIALS. THE ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN AND THE OPINIONS STATED HEREIN ARE NOT GUARANTEED OR WARRANTED TO PRODUCE ANY PARTICULAR RESULTS, AND THE ADVICE AND STRATEGIES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL. NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR AUTHOR SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR PROFIT OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL DAMAGES. FULFILLMENT OF EACH COUPON OFFER IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFEROR.

       


      "WALK THE TALK"

      For An Instant Download of the EBook for only $22.50, click the "Buy Now" button:

       

                   

                   

     
    image