Bookkeeping isn't often associated with red carpets, Netflix dramas or Oscar-winning films. But for John Gillett MICB PM.Dip, it's all part of a day's work.
As founder of Scripted Finance Ltd, John specialises in production accounting for the film and television industry - a world where multi-million-pound budgets, international investors and demanding production schedules leave no room for error. His work has supported productions including Conclave, Adolescence, Strictly Come Dancing and Top Gear, helping filmmakers turn ambitious ideas into finished productions.
"I do what I do because bookkeeping, in the right hands, is what allows great things to get made," says John.
"I've seen good films nearly collapse not because the creative work failed, but because the numbers weren't understood or trusted."
John didn't set out to work in finance.
After university he ran several successful businesses, including a hot tub hire company and later an events venue, learning bookkeeping simply because he needed to understand his own finances. It wasn't until a friend invited him to train as a production accountant on a Warp Films - This is England series, that everything clicked.
"I love it. Every Monday morning, there's no dread. I enjoy doing it. And even if you get a bad project, you know it's coming to an end, and you can move on to the next one."
That enthusiasm has paid off. Since establishing Scripted Finance, John has never been out of work. Most new projects come through recommendations and long-standing relationships with producers who value his expertise and invite him back for production after production.
More than balancing the books
Independent film finance is anything but straightforward.
A single production might draw on UK tax credits, overseas investment, pre-sales and several lenders, with bridging finance used to manage the timing gaps between them. Each source comes with its own conditions and reporting requirements. John's role is to bring clarity to that complexity while helping producers balance creative ambition with financial reality.
"We usually don't do a straight no. It's usually a trade-off. Soit's usually, well, if you do this, you'll have to lose this, or if you lose this... We could do it, but you'll have to find some more money."
Rather than acting as the person who says "no", John works alongside producers, department heads and financiers to find solutions that keep productions on budget while allowing creativity to flourish.
Using technology to remove the admin
John is passionate about using technology to automate repetitive processes, freeing up more time to focus on supporting clients.
He has developed workflows that connect production spending cards directly into accounting systems, automatically collect receipts and create approval processes, dramatically reducing administration for production teams.
"I don't know very much about coding, but I've now got a world-leading coding expert next to me at all times. It's honestly mind-blowing."
AI has also become another trusted member of the team.
"Quite often, I'll just sense check something with Claude and I'll realise it's picked something out which I've missed. And then I'll go and I'll fact check it and I'll read all the sources and confirm it’s right."
John joined ICB because he recognised the importance of professional standards and robust anti-money laundering supervision within the production accounting sector.
"With our HMRC Agent Services account, we submit VAT returns and run payrolls. As a Companies House agent, we also set up SPVs on behalf of clients. Our ICB practise license has been essential to get these things up and running".
He believes that professional recognition not only gives clients confidence but also demonstrates a commitment to operating to the highest standards.
For John, the future of bookkeeping isn't about competing with technology - it's about using it to become even more valuable.
"The biggest opportunity is specialisation. AI and automation are an amazing resource for routine bookkeeping, but they're also freeing bookkeepers to go deep into complex sectors where people skills, trust and domain fluency can't be automated."
His own career is proof that finding a niche can open doors to exciting opportunities. By combining technical expertise with technology, collaboration and deep industry knowledge, he's become an essential part of the productions he supports.
"When the books work, investors trust, productions run, and stories get told."
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