The New Mexico Film Office Launches New Production Accounting and Payroll Training Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 22, 2021

For Media Inquiries

Contact: Jennifer Esquivel

505-469-2915

Jennifer@nmfilm.com

SANTA FE, NM – Today the New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) announced a
Production Accounting and Payroll Training Program, aimed at skilling up
experienced New Mexico accounting and professionals to transition to
production accounting for the New Mexico film industry. NMFO is partnering
with CNM Ingenuity, to train New Mexicans to work as payroll clerks,
accounting clerks, payroll accountants, and second assistant accountant
positions upon completion of the training.

“Building an end-to-end production ecosystem includes investing in industry-
focused workforce development and providing New Mexicans with
opportunities to transfer existing skills and expertise into the industry. This
Production Accounting and Payroll Training Program will do just that,” said
New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J.
Keyes.

“The New Mexico film and television industry’s impact on the economy
is significant – employing thousands of New Mexicans with well-paying jobs,
providing additional revenue streams for local businesses, and building wealth
for New Mexico families. A skilled, and scaled up crew-base, ensures the film
industry remains a pillar of New Mexico’s economy for decades to come.”

Participants in the five-week virtual training program, will learn the ins and
outs of production accounting, and build upon previous accounting or finance
experience in the areas of bookkeeping, reporting, and auditing. The first
training cohort will include up to fifteen participants, who must be New Mexico
residents and provide proof of previous accounting experience or education.

Upon completion of the program, participants will be eligible for an
informational interview with a Netflix Production Finance Executive and may
be considered for employment on future productions. Funding for the
development of the program is provided by the New Mexico Film Office via
Netflix workforce development funds.

“We are thrilled to be providing this Production Accounting and Payroll
Training Program to New Mexicans. The idea arose out of an increased and
clear demand for more production accounting personnel by the film
industry.

The intention behind this program as well as future workforce
training programs is to meet the industry’s needs and expand our local crew
base,” said Amber Dodson, New Mexico Film Office Director.

All training will be provided by CNM Ingenuity. The topics that will be covered
in the training include but are not limited to:
• Overview of careers and roles in a production accounting department
• Accounting tools and technology
• Payroll and roles of unions
• Budgeting and cost reporting
• Production incentives and insurance claims

“At CNM, we’re honored to be partnering with the New Mexico Film Office to
address a growing workforce need in the film industry – accountants trained
on the unique aspects of film production and film budgets,” said CNM
President Tracy Hartzler.

“For nearly 20 years, CNM has been training film
production technicians to support New Mexico’s growing film industry every
step of the way. We’re excited to expand our workforce development support of
the film industry by providing these new training opportunities for accountants
and accounting graduates to help them gain high-quality employment with film
production companies in New Mexico.”

The training program will be held virtually on Saturdays at 9am – 12pm with
the first session beginning on May 15. To apply, applicants must have previous
accounting or finance experience (accountants, CPAs, bookkeepers, payroll
clerks, etc.), or previous accounting or finance education (graduates of
accounting programs at an accredited college or university). Participants will
be responsible for a $50 enrollment fee upon acceptance to the program. Pre-
registration is required no later than May 13, 2021. Information on how to pre-
register can be found on the CNM Ingenuity website. Space is limited and spots
will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.


About CNM Ingenuity: CNM Ingenuity is part of Central New Mexico Community
College and supports accelerated educational and training opportunities, as well as
cooperative ventures that foster economic development and job creation.

The New Mexico Film Office1100 S. St. Francis Drive, Suite 1213 Santa Fe, NM 87505

(505) 476-5600

info@nmfilm.comnmfilm.com

A division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department