Happy Friday, Stage 32ers!

I’m excited to announce that FilmScape Chicago is partnering with Stage 32 Certification to offer our acclaimed Stage 32 Production Accounting Master Certification Course to train and elevate local talent, ensuring Chicago’s productions continue to thrive with the highest-caliber crews.

“The most common question we get—whether through social media or in person—is, ‘How do I get started in this industry?’”, says FilmScape Chicago’s President, Ned McGregor. “Taking that first step into paid work can feel overwhelming. Many people are unsure of where to begin. That’s why Filmscape Chicago launched our workforce training program in 2024, and we’re thrilled to announce the next phase: An Introduction to Production Accounting. This program is offered in partnership with Stage 32 and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.”

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to break in, as you'll be learning straight from pros who have done the job at the highest level. You’re getting the real story and plenty of practical knowledge and advice.

McGregor adds: “This new cohort for Production Accounting presents a unique opportunity for newcomers to enter an in-demand field. The training is top-tier, and the job market for these roles is especially open right now, making it a great time to dive in. Through this certification program, students will learn valuable, actionable skills from Stage 32 instructors with real-world experience, equipping them for the next step in their careers.”

Chicago’s going through a real filming boom these days. Every neighborhood, it feels like, has something shooting: movies, TV, the whole spectrum. But to keep that growth going, the city needs more trained crew—specifically, people who know the ropes of production accounting. That’s the gap Stage 32 Certification aims to fill.

Why does our training make a difference?

• Real-World Skills: We cover everything you’ll actually need on the job—budgeting, payroll, compliance, cost tracking. No fluff, just the stuff you’ll put to use on set every day.
• Career Boost: You finish with a credential everyone in the industry recognizes. It’s the kind of thing that opens doors—producers and studios are always looking for people who are truly ready to work.
• Connections that Matter: Once you’re certified, you’re part of a global network of crew, so finding work (even beyond Chicago) gets a whole lot easier.

If you don’t know FilmScape Chicago, they’re all about lifting up the local film and TV community—year-round. Their annual expo at CineCity Studios is legendary (and free!); it’s where people from all corners of the industry come together to connect, share skills, and keep our city’s creative energy high.

In my experience as a producer who shoots projects all over the country, bringing Stage 32’s production accounting courses to Chicago is going to have a real ripple effect. We’re helping to build up new crew members who’ll keep jobs, opportunities, and momentum in Chicago. It’s another way to strengthen Chicago’s position as a true powerhouse for film and TV and anyone can take this training from home and get their foot in the door to the industry.

If you know Chicago’s screen history, you know the city’s been a star for a long time. Just think: The Blues Brothers, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Dark Knight, Home Alone, and The Untouchables—all shot here, using every inch of our amazing city as their backdrop. TV is thriving too, with Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med leading the “One Chicago” wave, and incredible series like Shameless, The Chi, and The Bear capturing the vibe of real Chicago life. Plus, new projects and seasons are rolling in nonstop.

The Two Types of Stage 32 Certification

Master Certifications: These are a group of courses that make up a master's knowledge of a particular discipline. You will need to take all of the courses in a Master Certification track and pass a test in each course in order to be Master Certified.

Current Master Certifications Include:

• Production Accounting Master Certification
• TV Production Management Master Certification
• Feature Film Production Management Master Certification
• Line Producing Master Certification
• Producer Key Legal Agreements Master Certification
• Script Supervising Master Certification
• Location Management Master Certification
• Production Coordinator Master Certification
• Production Assistant Master Certification
• Assistant Director Master Certification
• Post-Production Supervision Master Certification

Individual Certifications: These are individual courses that focus on a particular skill set, in which you will watch the course and then be tested at the end to receive your certificate.

Current Individual Certifications Include:

• Budget Creation
• Production Scheduling
• Call Sheets
• Production Accounting 101
• Payroll Accounting and Management for Film & TV
• Cost Reporting
• US Tax Incentive Management
• Script Supervision 101
• Script Supervision: Script Timing & Page Breakdown
• Script Supervision: Continuity Breakdown
• Script Supervision: Script Notes & Lined Script Pages
• Script Supervision: On Set Continuity
• Script Supervision: Progress Reports & Work Flow
• Production Wrap Deliverables
• Final Delivery Elements Of A TV Show
• Final Delivery Elements Of A Feature Film
• Option/Purchase/Shopping Agreements
• Feature Film Financing Agreements
• Investor Agreements
• International Co-Production Agreements
• Crew Agreements
• Talent Agreements
• Distribution & Sales Agency Agreements
• Fundamentals Of Location Management
• Location Scouting
• Location Management: Budgeting & Scheduling
• Location Management: Contracts, Risk Management & Negotiating
• The Fundamentals of Production Coordinating
• Production Coordinator: Logistics
• Fundamentals Of Production Assisting
• Production Assistant: On Set Protocols
• Production Assistant: Paperwork & Department Interaction
• Fundamentals Of Assistant Directing
• Assistant Director Scheduling
• First Assistant Director On Set Protocols
• Key 2nd Assistant Director Protocols & Call Sheets
• 2nd 2nd Assistant Director Protocols
• Fundamentals of Post-Production Supervision
• Post-Production Supervisor Protocols for a TV Series
• Post-Production Supervisor Protocols for a Feature Film
• Post-Production Supervisor Scheduling & Budgeting
• Post-Production Coordinator & Production Assistant Protocols

What Happens After You Get Certified?

Once you complete a Stage 32 Certification, you will:

• Be included in a global database searchable by industry professionals, film commissions, and studios.
• Receive a certification badge on your Stage 32 profile, which is visible to over 1.3 million members worldwide.
• Gain credentials to display on your social media, resume, and LinkedIn profile.
• Be recognized as a qualified industry professional, making it easier for you to get hired and advance your career.

Get Certified. Get To Work. Start By Clicking Here!

I hope to see you at FilmScape and then on set!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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