Do any of these sound familiar...?

  • You are in a rut.  It's the same old 9 to 6 every day - day in, day out.  It is a bit boring and you are not given any interesting or challenging work.
  • There is no path for advancement in your current job.  The only way to earn serious money is to obtain an advanced degree or pass a grueling professional certification exam.
  • You are tired of the same old thing.  You crave a bit of adventure while also earning a good living.
  • You feel you work so hard, and for what?  There is not enough money, recognition, nor anything even a little exciting in your current work life.
  • You have always been drawn to the entertainment industry, but have heard it is impossible to get in (unless you know someone on the inside).  Where would you even begin?

This course is for working professionals who want a career change where they can earn more money and work in an exciting, creative environment without having to go back to school or endure the certification process.

“Getting Into Production Accounting” is for people who want to be in the entertainment industry but either don’t know how to get in, think it’s too hard, think you have to be in a union, or you have to know someone to get in.



The truth is most people want more money and interesting work, but don’t see a path to get what they want and therefore simply stay where they are.  They end up working many years earning a “decent” living without much job satisfaction.

If that’s you, it doesn't have to be that way.  You simply didn’t know this career path even existed.  You probably never heard of production accounting or that it is an “in demand” career choice.  You probably thought the same thing everyone thinks – that you have to know someone to get into any job in showbiz.

And, until now, that was pretty much true.  There wasn’t a training program to get you started in the field of production accounting.



That's why I founded the School of Production Accounting.

Our first course, "Getting Into Production Accounting." is for people like you who are tired of the same old, same old, and want to...

  • Be a vital part of the Creative Team - help bring captivating stories to the screen.

  • Combine your analytical skills with creative vision - bring your analytical prowess to the exciting world of showbiz.

  • Work with talented artists and craftspeople - collaborate with renown actors, directors and skilled professionals across all aspects of filmmaking.

  • Travel to domestic and international locations - embark on exciting journeys with production crews around the world.

  • Earn a six-figure income - enjoy a financially rewarding career without the need for degrees or certification.

  • See your name in the credits - bask in the applause of friends and family as your name scrolls across the big screen.

  • Join a thriving community - experience the camaraderie and fellowship that is part of every production.

  • Experience studio backlots without a tour - walk through renowned studios as a valued member of the behind-the-scenes crew.

Imagine...

Sitting at your desk doing your work and in walks your favorite TV or movie star asking you to help them with something.

Having a night out with the gang from your latest project who are the talented artists and crafts persons from camera, costumes, props, set design, make-up, or…

Traveling in high-style to a place you’ve only dreamed about AND getting paid to do it.

Telling everyone at your school reunion about the latest movie or TV show you worked on and being the envy of everyone in the room.

Inviting your family member or friend to visit you at work and giving them the joyous experience of being “behind the scenes” of their favorite show.

I've had all those experiences and more.

Hi, I’m Ida Lee Henderson and I’ve been a Production Accountant for over 30 years. Over those years, I’ve worked on both movies and television and with some of most renown artists of our time. I have earned a reputation for excellence as an accountant AND for how well I trained those who worked with me to prepare them for promotions.

What the heck is a Production Accountant? We’re the number’s people for movies and television who go on-location or work on studio lots and take care of the finances. We work with the Producers and the Studios to create the budget, track costs, and provide them with accurate and timely financial information while the project is filming. It’s a fun and exciting career that most people have never heard of.

I certainly had never heard of it when I came to Hollywood to work on movies. I almost couldn’t believe it when I found out there was a job where I could receive excellent pay to work with the very best talent, artists, and crafts persons, AND it would eventually lead to being part of the management team on movies and traveling to exotic locations. What?!?

But now you've heard about it, and you can explore the possibilities. Even after 30 years, I still love my job. How many people can say that?

I want to share my hard-earned knowledge and experience that have made me one of the most highly sought after production accountants in the business. I want you to have the wonderful opportunities I’ve had (and even better adventures!).

Let’s get started today.
  Ida Lee Henderson  Founder/School of Production Accounting

Ready for a new career path?

Be sure to use coupon code SAVE20 to receive 20% off when you enroll! This special discount won't last long, so grab yours right now!

Yes! Enroll me now.


What will you learn?

In this comprehensive on-line course, you will get the information and hands-on practice to obtain an entry-level position in a production accounting office.  You will have demonstration videos to introduce you to both the unique culture of film production and the who/how/why of working in a production accounting office.   

Throughout the course you will hear from real-life production accountants and assistants who will share their knowledge and some good stories.  There will be homework assignments to allow you to perform the tasks you’ll be asked to do on your first job so you can enter the profession with confidence.  You will be given study guides and materials to guide you not only through the course, but also assist you as you start work on your first project.  

Best of all, there will be weekly group video sessions with Ida Lee where you can ask any questions, meet your fellow students, and learn even more about production life.

They say in showbiz, “It’s all about who you know,” and that will start right here in this course.  You will have a course community page to get to know one another, ask questions, share ideas and insights, and begin to build your professional network.

What's in the course?

Here's a brief breakdown of the curriculum.

Orientation (11 lessons)

Where to find what you need, and how to use the learning site. Valuable information and insight to allow you to succeed in the course.

Part one - What is Production Accounting?
(30 lessons)

What is production accounting? How is it unique? Who’s who in a production accounting department – names of positions, what they do, how much they earn. What do I need to know to work on a film or TV production?

Part two - What does an entry-level clerk do?
(25 lessons)

What does an entry-level position on a project entail? What are the daily duties? How are things set up? How does everyone keep track? How are costs accounted for? Is there a difference between movies and television?

Part three - How does it work in a paperless office? (30 lessons)

Introduction to, and practice using, the apps, tools, and methods of fully digital document handing.

Part four - How do the cast and crew get paid?
(15 lessons)

All about the unique aspects of payroll for films and television. Learn the basic concepts of how entertainment payroll is calculated.

Part five - How to get a job in production accounting. (13 lessons)

How does it differ from traditional job seeking? Create your first “entertainment” resume. How to seek employment and where to send your resume.

Ready to join us?

Yes! I can't wait to learn about life with a film crew.

When you click “Enroll Now” you’ll be brought to a checkout page to enter your payment information. Be sure to use the coupon code SAVE20 to receive the special 20% discount. This is a special offer and it won’t last long - don't miss it.
Nilson

...gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a career in the world of film and television.

Ida Lee's patience and expertise gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a career in the world of film and television. I'm now working on the studio side of finance, but what I learned from Ida Lee has proven invaluable when meeting with production accountants and everyone involved at different stages of the production planning process.

Jim

That's something I didn't even get from my grad program!

After having worked in the entertainment industry for 5 1/2 years, I still learned much about the industry from Ida Lee's class, not to mention the wealth of knowledge I gained about starting a career in accounting. Ida Lee has a straightforward and clear manner of instruction that allows you to easily follow and take notes for reference later on. This is an industry where everyone is looking for people who don't need training. I am thankful Ida Lee took on the task of training to make us more marketable. Additionally, she did the unthinkable. She provided clear direction on how to create a strong resume, even offering feedback on how to improve it. That's something I didn't even get from my grad program!

Eugene

...I wouldn’t be at my current job if it were not for you!

You were a wonderful teacher and I was incredibly lucky to have a teacher like you, and I wouldn’t be at my current job if it were not for you! I am working on a show as an Accounting Clerk at Warner Bros. I have literally used everything I learned from you and I can honestly say I am doing well working hard and having a wonderful time. Thank you so much!

This is right for you if:
  • You are ready to invest in yourself and create the fulfilling work life you’ve been dreaming of.
  • You are willing to do the work and learn a whole new language and the culture of film production to join this exciting career path.
  • You are ready to STOP settling for less because it’s easy, and START your new life and career working in the entertainment industry.
This is not right for you if:
  • You are not prepared to make a change to finally do work you truly enjoy and want to talk about.
  • You want to continue in your current line of work even though it may be a bit routine and mundane.
  • You are unwilling to take a risk, be flexible, and embrace the unique world of film production.

This is right for me!

Don't forget coupon code SAVE20 to receive your 20% discount!

Designed to fit into your lifestyle.

In the midst of your already busy life, it can be hard to take on a training program and consider changing your career. That’s why “Getting Into Production Accounting” is designed to work around your schedule.

~ Provides training online where you can attend at times that work for you and your lifestyle.

~ Provides support via “live” group video sessions so you can attend from anywhere.

~ Includes all the terms, etiquette and production knowledge that take most people months (if not years) to learn on-the-job. You’ll be equipped to fit in right away.

~ Low cost (and providing payment plans) so you can earn back the cost of the course in your first week working in entertainment.

Everything you need to know to start your career in showbiz!

Here is what's included:

On-line coursework and demonstrations to train you for your first gig in a production accounting office (16-hours of content).

(Value $1,200)

But that's not all.

You also get this list of bonuses for a total value of $2,400.

To make the course accessible to someone entering the profession, we decided to keep the cost at the low price of $599.

  • 8 weeks of "live" group video sessions with your instructor. (Value $400)
  • Instructor will review your assignments and provide private, written feedback. (Value $400)
  • Set of 5 study guides and 2 entertainment industry e-books (Who's Who and Film Terminology). (Value $100)
  • Private community site to interact with your instructor and fellow students. (Value $100)
  • BEST OF ALL, your instructor will personally review your entertainment resume, providing feedback and valuable suggestions. (Value $200)
ONE TIME PAYMENT
Use your
coupon code!

Yes! I want all that!

I want this $2,400 course for only $479 with coupon code SAVE20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the things students want to know.

No, there are no educational requirements to work in production accounting.  A business education and experience help, but are not required.

You do need basic math skills - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages.  

No.  That background is helpful, but many people working in production accounting today started with no previous bookkeeping experience.  

Because it is a unique field, it is absolutely possible to learn as you go.

No.  It certainly helps to live near an area that has a production community.  In the U.S., many states now offer incentive programs to bring film production, and the local revenue it generates, to their municipalities.  This has created new and thriving production communities in places like Atlanta, New Orleans, Albuquerque, Austin, Chicago, Boston, Memphis, Miami, Portland, Washington D.C., and more.  

After garnering some experience, there are production jobs that can be done remotely (working from home), although that takes a bit of the fun out of it.

Yes. You may have noticed that the amount of entertainment programs today is far greater than what was available even a few years ago.  The proliferation of streaming services, subscription channels and cable networks has caused a sharp increase in the demand for motion pictures, limited-series TV programs, and episodic television shows.  However, there was an existing shortage of qualified production accounting professionals prior to this expansion, meaning we are now in critical need of properly trained personnel.  The shortage is extreme and felt across all types of productions – from movies to reality TV.

Yes.  In truth, the majority of the accounting crew work in their hometown.  Most times that’s because they live near a filming center like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, New Orleans, Albuquerque, Chicago or San Francisco.  Other times it’s because a film or TV show is shooting near the town where they live.   There are also positions working for studios or production companies that require knowledge of production accounting.  Those jobs generally have more traditional working hours which may be better suited to people with caregiving responsibilities.

No, SPA is not a placement agency.  However, the reputation of the school and the effectiveness of the training are well known, which places our graduates as top candidates for available positions.  Our website allows employers to post job openings that are sent exclusively to SPA graduates.  Further, the course includes instruction on how and where to seek your first job so you’ll have an action plan to guide you on your path to a new career.

Yes.  It pays much higher rates than similar positions in other industries (Accounts Payable Clerk, Payroll Coordinator, Lead Bookkeeper, Controller).   It is possible to advance to earning a six-figure income in just a few years.

No and No.  Not all production accounting jobs are union.   For those that are, the union is not difficult to join at this time.  Because there is a shortage, there are no waitlists or restrictions on being admitted into the union. You can be hired on a union production and will then be invited to join the union once you have worked the required number of days (usually 30 days).

Excited and Intrigued?

TAKE THAT LEAP TODAY!

At the School of Production Accounting, we are passionate about helping individuals like you turn their dreams into reality. With our expert guidance and comprehensive program, you can break free from the mundane and embrace a thrilling career in the entertainment industry.

Don’t let your dreams of an exciting career in the entertainment industry remain unfulfilled.
Join “Getting Into Production Accounting” today and unlock a world of opportunities!

Be sure to use the coupon code SAVE20
to receive the special 20% discount.

Let's do this!