Watch the interview here or keep reading below!
Some people need no introduction, but hey, let’s give her one anyway:
(Drumroll, please.)
You may know her from The PAC, but let’s get to know her a bit more. Ladies and gents, it’s the one—the only—Bishop Porter. As a seasoned production accountant with extensive experience in the film industry, Bishop has done it all. From managing payroll to networking within industry events and groups, she’s navigated a dynamic career path and has graciously agreed to provide her unique insights into her journey through this specialized field.
Hi, Bishop! Tell us how did you get started in production accounting?
I got started in production accounting through a mix of academic background, industry experience, and a bit of serendipity. I studied accounting in college and received a bachelor's in business administration. After graduating, I interned with one of the big four CPA firms, where I chose the audit track. For three months, I assisted with audits at various companies, which I loved because it allowed me to see how different companies operated, learn their best practices, and travel to different locations. However, I quickly realized that the CPA role wasn’t the right fit for me, so I decided to take some time off to figure out my next steps.
During this period, my college roommate, who was working in the film industry in Shreveport, Louisiana, reached out to me. She mentioned there were plenty of opportunities in the film business and thought I'd enjoy the challenge. I had always loved film and TV and was curious about the entertainment industry, but I had no idea there were so many roles beyond what you see on the screen. I was particularly intrigued when I learned about the accounting department that manages the business side of production. This piqued my interest, and in October 2007, I decided to take a leap of faith by packing my bags and driving to Shreveport to be the accounting clerk on a small independent feature called The Killing Room.
Shreveport was becoming a notable film hub around that time. After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, many film projects relocated to Shreveport. The city was an attractive filming location due to its manageable size, variety of practical locations, and lower cost of living compared to coastal cities. It was within this burgeoning film community that I found my path in production accounting, starting with The Killing Room. This experience set the foundation for my career in the film industry, combining my love for movies with my accounting skills.
What previous experiences prepared you for your new role?
Many experiences prepared me for my role in production accounting, perhaps none more than working in the service industry. Waiting tables and bartending taught me how to operate with a sense of urgency, work collaboratively with others, and make decisions under pressure—skills that have proven invaluable in the fast-paced world of filmmaking. Up until I joined a production, it was the hardest job I’d had, though it equipped me with practical skills I needed.
What is one skill you need to have to be successful in production accounting?
I’d say, like most things in life, you need to be able to get along with many different types of people. The film industry brings together diverse personalities, and as an accountant, you're working with all of them. You're the engine that keeps the project running smoothly, helping various departments get what they need to do their jobs effectively. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build good relationships.
On the technical side, multi-tasking and organization are crucial. As the accounting fulcrum between all departments, you're responsible for making sense of the chaos and ensuring everything runs smoothly. You need to prioritize tasks and execute them quickly and accurately. For example, when a check needs to be cut immediately to secure a location for filming, you must get the proper approvals, enter the information into the accounting software, and send the payment promptly. There is always a sense of urgency because the work is deadline-driven, but accuracy is paramount. A mistake as simple as adding too many or too few zeros on a check can have significant consequences.
How does production accounting differ from corporate accounting?
The main differences lie in financial reporting and the focus on costs. In corporate accounting, you're concerned with both sides of the accounting equation—revenue coming in and costs going out. However, in production accounting, you are primarily focused on calculating costs. You don't see the revenue for a film or TV project until it's completed and released, which can be months or even years down the line. In production accounting, you're essentially doing cost accounting, where you’re responsible for the distribution of funds across various departments to keep the project running smoothly. This is quite different from corporate accounting, where the inflow and outflow of money are both constantly tracked and reported.
The sense of urgency is certainly another key difference. While corporate accounting is deadline-driven, production accounting often deals with urgent requests because of the flexible schedules and unpredictable factors in the film industry. You might need to process payments quickly to secure a location or address last-minute changes in production plans. This environment requires quick decision-making and the ability to handle pressure.
External and internal factors play a much bigger role in production accounting. In corporate accounting, you usually go to an office every day with a stable workload. But in production accounting, you're constantly managing external variables that can impact your daily tasks, like weather affecting shooting schedules or last-minute changes in production plans.
Despite these differences, there are some similarities between the two fields. Overall, the core principles of accounting stay the same. Both have strict deadlines, like month-end financial reporting or week-end cost reporting. In both roles, your work often feeds into a bigger project—in production accounting, this might be the studio's overall financial management. Corporate policies, procedures, and best practices are crucial in both positions to ensure everything is accurate and compliant.
What is an unexpected challenge you’ve had to overcome in your career?
I admit, I was not initially aware of the amount of communication and multitasking this position requires. As a production accountant, you're often the main point of contact between different departments—transportation, payroll, and more. This means you're constantly juggling requests from multiple people to ensure everything runs smoothly on a production day. A lot happens in a single day of production, and accountants play a crucial role in tying everything together and keeping track of all the moving parts. This has made organization, prioritization, and multitasking essential skills for the job. Balancing competing priorities is something I’ve had to master to do this job well.
What is one of the most rewarding things about working as a production accountant?
I would say knowing that my work contributes directly to the bigger picture of completing a film. It’s exciting! Handling crew payroll is a critical responsibility that ensures everyone gets paid accurately and on time, which is essential. Being part of the filmmaking community and contributing to the creation of that on-screen magic is truly fulfilling. When I watch a finished film, I pay close attention to the credits, especially the accountant roles. It's a moment of pride to see my contribution acknowledged alongside the creative talent. You should stay and watch the credits too! It’s important to appreciate the collective effort that goes into making every film possible.
Want to know more?
Do you have any questions or want to be added to our production accountant database? Reach out to Bishop at ProductionAccountingResumes@castandcrew.com.