Accounting + film & television = one unbelievable career
Janet Morhart shares how she uses her financial expertise to produce compelling movies and TV shows
Combining a passion for creativity with financial know-how, Janet Morhart CPA, CMA is an accounting expert working in a storyteller’s world.
When you envision a CPA, you probably don’t imagine someone reading scripts, making television shows, or shaking hands with actors, directors, and producers—but that’s exactly what Janet regularly does as the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Executive Producer of Prairie Dog Film + Television. Prairie Dog, a Canadian film and television production company, produces content that has been streamed worldwide on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu and aired on major networks across North America.
With more than 140 episodes of television, a feature film, several documentaries, and countless commercial credits to her name, Janet has found a career that perfectly suits her personality and interests and that expertly integrates her love of storytelling with her strong financial background. Recognized with a CPA Alberta 2020 Early Achievement Award and as one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 in 2019, Janet is truly a well-rounded CPA.
“It’s exciting to combine my creativity with my accounting experience,” explains Janet. “The process of creating an episode of TV allows me to use my business experience, along with my knowledge and interest in television, to develop a product that will inform, entertain, and educate.”
When she’s not overseeing accounting and finance, Janet wears the hat of Co-Executive Producer, working with the production team and managing business affairs. She can often be found reading scripts, watching casting auditions, or hanging out on set during shoots—tasks a typical CPA wouldn’t normally do.
Like many, breaking into the film and television industry was something Janet once dreamed of but never thought could be a reality. “Growing up in rural southern Alberta, [working in film and television] seemed like one of those unreachable jobs,” says Janet. “I am very thankful to have been introduced to it through a family member who is a producer in Calgary.”
Today, Janet can say she has made it; however, she continues to focus on her craft and bringing true and engaging stories to life. This is what keeps Janet excited and motivated.
Her most recent projects, the television series Tribal and Blackstone, both air on APTN and explore real-world Indigenous stories. These projects provide a look into timely and important issues of the world today, which is what drew Janet to them. “I’m passionate about telling stories that have meaning. I want to create stories that are relevant, compelling, and unique,” explains Janet.
Outside of her many projects at Prairie Dog, Janet uses her financial expertise and film and television experience to help community organizations succeed. She volunteers as the Treasurer of the Alberta Media Production Industries Association Board and is a member of the Directors Guild of Canada, Women in Film & Television – Alberta, and the Canadian Media Producers Association. From dishing out accounting advice to helping organizations provide funding support and professional development opportunities, Janet is all hands on deck.
“If there’s anything I can do to use my accounting expertise—which I recognize isn’t very prevalent in the film community—to help, I want to share my knowledge with these organizations,” says Janet. “I want to encourage people to get to know the film and television industry and hopefully help them enter the workforce.”