Netflix invested in becoming a partner in New Mexico with a production hub located in Mesa del Sol.
A new program in collaboration with the New Mexico Film Office, will give New Mexicans with a background in accounting an opportunity to get into production accounting. It is being financed by Netflix workforce development funds.
The Production Accounting and Payroll Training Program is a five-week virtual training program, where participants will learn the ins and outs of production accounting.
“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 Alicia J. Keyes, New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary. “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.”
Keyes said the New Mexico Film Office is partnering with CNM Ingenuity to train New Mexicans to work as payroll clerks, accounting clerks, and payroll accountant and second assistant accountant positions upon completion of the training.
The first training cohort will include up to 15 participants, who must be New Mexico residents and provide proof of previous accounting experience or education. It will begin on May 15.
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.
The training will be done by CNM Ingenuity and some of the topics covered are:
• 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.
Amber Dodson, New Mexico Film Office director, said the idea grew out of the demand for production accounting within 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,” Dodson said.
The training program will be held virtually from 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays with the first session beginning on May 15. To apply, applicants must have previous accounting or finance experience or education. Participants will be responsible for a $50 enrollment fee upon acceptance to the program. Preregistration is required no later than May 13.
Information on how to preregister can be found on the CNM Ingenuity website at cnmingenuity.org.
