Stage 32 Certification recently concluded an impactful Production Accounting Certification Program in Pittsburgh, PA, training 20 aspiring production accountants to support major film and television projects, including Paramount’s Mayor of Kingstown. The program, designed to equip local talent with essential industry skills, marked a significant step in strengthening Pittsburgh’s growing reputation as a hub for film and television production.

The initiative culminated in a 2-day in-person workshop led by Stage 32 Certification educator and former Paramount Head of Production, Maegan Philmore. This intensive session provided hands-on guidance to all participants who completed the certification course, ensuring they were well-prepared to integrate into professional productions. The curriculum focused on the practical and nuanced aspects of production accounting, tailored to meet the demands of high-caliber projects.

The Pittsburgh Film Office reports that several graduates have already secured roles in the production accounting departments of upcoming Pittsburgh-based productions. This outcome underscores the program’s success in bridging the gap between education and employment, directly contributing to the local industry’s workforce.

Julianna Sehy, CreatePA Manager at the Pittsburgh Film Office, highlighted the program’s impact:

“The Pittsburgh Film Office and CreatePA are excited to offer the Production Accounting Certification Program in partnership with Stage 32. Production accounting is essential to a successful project. By equipping local talent with these critical skills, we’re preparing individuals to begin their careers in the industry and making Pittsburgh an even more attractive destination for productions.”

Participant Kelly McPoland, now Production Accounting Master Certified, shared her perspective:

“This Course was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Such excellent teachers with a world of knowledge pertaining to the nuances of production accounting careers.”

The Pittsburgh program exemplifies Stage 32 Certification’s commitment to fostering skilled professionals who can thrive in the fast-paced world of film and television. By combining expert instruction with real-world application, the initiative has set a strong foundation for its graduates and the region’s evolving production landscape.

The Two Types of Stage 32 Certification

Master Certifications: Master Certifications are comprehensive tracks that include multiple courses covering a full mastery of a particular discipline. To earn a Master Certification, you must complete all required courses in the track and pass an exam for each.

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: Individual Certifications are focused single-course certifications on specialized skills. After completing the course, you will be tested and receive an official Stage 32 certification badge upon passing.

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 & Workflow
• 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 1.2 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.

More About The Film Commission & Production Company Database:

All course graduates - whether you are individually certified or master certified - will be listed in a new database accessible by regional film commissions and production companies hiring in the hundreds of fast-growing production hotspots around the world.

Dozens of international and domestic film commissions, including Costa Rica, Croatia, Poland, South Africa, Uganda, Ontario, Cyprus, Slovakia, Canacine Mexico, Pittsburgh, Hawaii, Houston, Nevada, Oregon, Dallas, Montana, Louisiana Baton Rouge, Central Pennsylvania, Clearwater-St. Pete, and the Location Managers Guild International are all official supporters of Stage 32 Certification, and we are in talks with over 50 commissions and other organizations to come on board for 2025 and beyond.

With the new Stage 32 Certification database, film commissions, streamers, production companies & other organizations will be able to easily identify, report on, & hire qualified people in their areas to support and work on incoming productions.

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

If you have any questions about Certification, please email our Head of Certification, Sam Sokolow, directly at Certification@Stage32.com.

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