Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Entertainment Payroll Solutions
Media Services brings over 40 years of specialized expertise to the entertainment industry, delivering comprehensive payroll solutions tailored to film, television, web, and commercial productions. Our services extend beyond standard payroll processing to include residuals management, film tax incentive consulting, and cutting-edge software tools designed to streamline production workflows. As an employer-of-record, we assume liability for payroll compliance, tax filings, and workers' compensation, allowing clients to focus on creative endeavors. Our SOC-1 compliant systems ensure data security, while our dedicated support team provides 24/7 technical assistance.With a legacy rooted in understanding production needs, we offer flexible payment options, ACA-compliant health benefits, and financing connections through industry networks. Our commitment to innovation is evident in our cloud-based budgeting software and mobile time entry solutions, which adapt to modern production demands. By maintaining deep industry relationships and staying ahead of regulatory changes, we position ourselves as a trusted partner for productions of all sizes, from independent films to major studio projects.
Services
Production Payroll
Residuals Payment
Film Tax Incentives
Film Financing
Showbiz Software
ACA Health Benefits
Payroll Tools
Incentives Map
Residuals Portal
Crew Benefits
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of entertainment industry payroll expertise
- Our SOC-1 compliant systems ensure maximum data security
- We provide 24/7 technical support for payroll software tools
- Our team includes film tax incentive specialists in all 50 states
- We implement proprietary software for real-time production budgeting
Associations and certifications
- SOC-1
What people say
24/7 technical support
State-of-the-art system
Expert tax incentive guidance
Reliable payroll processing
Comprehensive software tools
Services
Production Payroll
Our production payroll service handles all aspects of entertainment industry payroll processing. We manage tax withholdings, W2 generation, and workers' compensation coverage while offering paperless options with enhanced data security. Our employer-of-record model reduces client liability and streamlines compliance with entertainment industry regulations. Dedicated payroll coordinators ensure timely and accurate payments for productions of all sizes.
Residuals Payment
State-of-the-art residuals payment system processes talent payments for film, TV, and streaming content. Our platform adapts to evolving guild agreements including SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and WGA formulas. Clients benefit from flexible payment timing controls and comprehensive reporting features. The system handles both original content residuals and reuse payments across multiple distribution platforms while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
Film Tax Incentives
Expert consultation on state film tax incentive programs. Our specialists analyze production budgets to identify optimal filming locations based on available tax credits and rebates. We provide detailed qualification assessments, budget tagging assistance, and application guidance for all 50 states. Our interactive incentives map and calculator help maximize production savings through strategic location selection.
Film Financing
Access to film financing through our network of tax credit buyers and financiers. We connect producers with funding sources for independent films and TV projects while providing guidance on equity financing and presale strategies. Our industry expertise helps navigate the complex financing landscape, offering tailored solutions for different production scales and budgets.
Showbiz Software
Proprietary software suite for production accounting and budgeting. Showbiz Budgeting 10 enables cloud collaboration with desktop independence. Timecards Crew and Cast modules handle complex union calculations with automated HTG processing. The free Labor Guide provides instant access to union scale rates and overtime regulations across major entertainment industry guilds.
Questions
What payroll services do you offer for entertainment productions?
We provide full-service production payroll including tax withholding, W2 processing, workers' compensation, and paperless payroll options tailored to film, TV, and commercial productions.
How do you handle residuals payments for streaming content?
Our system processes residuals for all platforms including SVOD, EST, and ad-supported streaming using current guild formulas with detailed reporting and flexible payment timing.
Can you help with film tax incentives in different states?
Our experts analyze your production budget to identify optimal filming locations and help maximize tax credit benefits through application assistance and compliance guidance.
Do you offer software tools for production accounting?
Yes, our Showbiz Software suite includes budgeting tools, timecard systems, and labor guides with cloud collaboration features and union rule automation.
How does your financing network support independent filmmakers?
We connect producers with tax credit buyers and financiers while providing guidance on equity financing strategies and presale opportunities for film and TV projects.
Are your payroll systems compliant with entertainment industry regulations?
Our SOC-1 compliant platform meets all entertainment industry standards with specialized features for union agreements, tax compliance, and data security requirements.
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