Growing up in Southern California provided the groundwork for Josh Goldberg as a third generation entertainment industry worker. From going to the movies every weekend, to going on location or in the production office for work, movies and TV shows have always been a big part of Goldberg‘s life. With the addition of gaming and music, that’s what being him is all about.
How did you get started in the film industry?
In 2009, I was given the opportunity to work on a pair of low budget movies in Detroit. I was a Production Office PA for both features and that is where I really got to see behind the curtain. It was my dad who got me the opportunity and the foot in the door. After Detroit, I was the Accounting Clerk for two seasons of TNT’s “Leverage” in Portland, Oregon. I’m a third generation industry worker. My dad was a Production/Payroll Accountant for 55 years, and his dad and uncle were drivers for the transportation department.
Did you have any formal education or training related to the film industry before starting?
Besides Adobe certifications/classes, general computer and math courses, no. My knowledge came before production accounting classes were offered in the many ways they are now.
Did you have any formal education or training related to your specific department on-set?
No, my degree is in Computer Science and Technology, actually.
What are some of your most recent successes (credits or accolades) related to your career in the industry?
After having the opportunity to work on “Twisters” and “The Last Rodeo,” I was the Production Accountant on a feature called “RATED”. During that shoot, the love for what we do really shined, in my opinion. Not just accounting, but the whole crew. It was such a pleasure to be involved with a more independent film, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
What has your career in the state’s film industry taught you?
It showed me that passion for the industry exists everywhere. It doesn’t have to be a large hub like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta. I think it’s even more special in certain heritage-rich areas, where passion for heritage can create beautiful projects.
What is the highlight of your career thus far?
Not a lot of people have the opportunity to work alongside family. In some industries, it may be more common, but having the time and experience to work with my father was priceless.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Oklahoma’s film and television industry?
The vast amounts of resources available here is so much more than people expect. Between the people, the organizations, a variety of stages and the locations, there’s no reason why we can’t make films based in any location in the states, right here in Oklahoma.
What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone starting their career in Oklahoma’s film industry?
Be ready to be welcomed with open arms, and don’t be afraid to fail or make a mistake. Just learn from it and continue on!
How does someone in your field/department best promote/market themselves to those hiring in your industry?
It used to be word-of-mouth, you knew someone, or the one newsletter that a wonderful Post Accountant sends out. Nowadays, in addition to those, every payroll/accounting software company has a recruiter, there are Facebook groups, and I believe each state has a film office as well. The only downside is that the entire industry has slowed down considerably since the writers/actors double strike we had a couple of years ago. These resources are very helpful, and I don’t see Oklahoma slowing down at all. So, my advice is just apply when you can but also, be patient.
Are there any local film organizations, resources or events that have been beneficial to you in your career?
I’m a big fan of the OF+MO with all the resources they provide, and I will always recommend Filmmaker’s Ranch; they have so much to offer to a production of any size!
What’s the one item you can’t live without on set, and why?
Accountants don’t often work on set. In the office, it used to be my blue alpha-sorter. It’s one of those things all accountants either have a few or know about them. Now that digital is the preferred method, an Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription is the most used item in my toolbelt.
Would your career be impacted without the state’s film incentive program? If so, how?
Absolutely. Everything that the incentive program covers is notated by accounting. We are the bones of each’s shows incentive. Whether it’s done in post or while in production, it’s usually accounting or a local accountant that’s behind every show’s incentive.
Where do you see yourself – AND – Oklahoma’s film industry in the next five years?
I plan to keep working and moving up. I would love to see myself as a seasoned Production Accountant or maybe even a Financial Controller. I feel Oklahoma’s film industry has nothing but growth ahead of it, and I wouldn’t be surprised if OKC/Tulsa becomes a hub for the industry similar to how L.A., N.Y., and Atlanta are.
What are you working on now or next?
I spent most of the year on FX’s “The Lowdown,” and now I’m working on a local feature called “South of Stillwater” and planning to end the year working on a short or two. Excited for the future!
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
