Finding a payroll service company for your production company or film or television project means a lot more than just picking the people who cut the checks. When managing payroll for film, television, or live productions, working with an experienced and reputable partner is essential.
“You need an army of experts who are well versed in tax rules, labor laws, union contracts and workers’ compensation. You need accounting software that makes life easier (not more maddening) and connects teams and crew members across your production. And you need a partner who will work with you to tailor services to your needs and will be there for you when the unexpected arises,” says GreenSlate Senior Vice President of Payroll Operations Sandra Wetmore.
If you’re looking to start a new relationship with an entertainment payroll company (or if it’s time to end a bad one), here are five important things to pay attention to.
The entertainment business isn’t your typical 9-to-5 industry — so when questions arise you need service representatives available on your schedule. From figuring out which unions cover which positions in which jurisdictions to understanding loan-out registration, production accountants need their payroll partners to be well versed in all aspects of payroll and easy to get a hold of — they can’t wait hours or days for a call back.
GreenSlate offers live chat and telephone support from 9 am to 10 pm EST, with after-hours support via email.
To make sure everyone on your team is comfortable with GreenSlate’s software, the company also offers Express Training classes, Pro Training classes, and how-to videos and articles. App support is also available to every crew member.
Be aware that if you have a slate of big projects in the pipeline, companies that focus on small-budget and indie productions may not be ready to handle the job. On the other hand, smaller productions are likely to get lost in the shuffle at the largest payroll providers, which don’t give lower-budget projects the service they deserve.
When selecting a payroll service company, a top thing to consider is the software they use. Every company has its own software solutions, but some are more modern and user-friendly than others.
Some key attributes to look out for:
TIP: If you’re a producer setting up a demo be sure to include your production accountants and any key administrators.
This progress is more urgent than ever. If easy, remote access and sustainability are priorities for your production, look for a software that makes it possible to go paperless and manage your productions remotely.
Getting a production off the ground is a monumental feat in its own right. You want your payroll company right there with you, making project setup and employee onboarding fast and easy, and getting your people paid on time. Most payroll companies need two or three weeks to set up a new production. Don’t want to wait? GreenSlate typically gets it done in five business days.
Setting people up and breaking timecards is often a multi-day process. But companies embracing digital models are changing the game, letting individuals onboard on a rolling basis and smoothing out timecard processing.
Your payroll company must be equipped to handle all the intricacies of payroll. Your paymaster needs to have extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws to ensure productions are paid out according to ever-changing legal restrictions, which can change from state to state, province to province, and seemingly minute to minute. The company must calculate taxes, as well as benefits payments in the U.S., and be aware of tax credit incentives that can save your production money. There should also be experts on staff who are well-versed in union agreements, residuals payments and workers’ comp.
Rates vary by provider but are typically charged as a percentage of your payroll, so cost may depend more on the size of your production than what company you work with. There’s one major exception to this, however. Most payroll companies use the Employer of Record (EOR) model, but there’s another way of doing things in the U.S. that could result in some serious savings. The Agency model, which puts all tax filings in your production’s name (rather than the payroll company’s), can significantly reduce how much you spend on state unemployment insurance, especially if you’re working in New York, Georgia or Louisiana. It’s exceedingly rare to find a company that will work on the Agency model. GreenSlate offers both Agency and EOR, and whichever you select, all the services provided are exactly the same.
Talk to your potential payroll company about whether they offer both EOR and Agency, and which will cost less for your production.
TIP: If you're in the U.S., ask your payroll representative about Agency or EOR rate options. We recommend a consultation to find the best option for your budget.
If you’re seeking the most trusted names in the entertainment industry, below is the essential list of go-to production payroll providers and leading entertainment industry payroll companies in 2025, based on proven performance, client satisfaction, and innovative solutions. The best entertainment payroll companies combine industry experience, advanced technology, and dedicated support to make payroll and production accounting seamless and accurate.
GreenSlate consistently ranks among the best entertainment payroll companies for film and television and offers the only all-in-one platform for payroll and accounting, built by production accountants for production accountants. Renowned for its modern digital workflows, the company offers a centralized platform and full range of solutions that streamline payroll, production accounting, tax incentive management, and ACA compliance and benefits. GreenSlate’s commitment to paperless payroll, customizable approvals, and exceptional customer service has made it a go-to choice for both independent productions and major studios seeking reliable entertainment payroll solutions.
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Entertainment Partners is one of the most prominent entertainment payroll companies in the world. Since 1976, EP has established itself as a leader through products like SmartAccounting, SmartStart, and SmartTime, which support every facet of production management. EP also owns the widely used Scenechronize platform for script and schedule management, and their Movie Magic Budgeting tools set the industry standard. With global reach and deep expertise in incentives, EP remains a first choice among the best entertainment payroll companies for productions of any size.
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A longtime industry leader, Cast & Crew is recognized as one of the best entertainment payroll companies with an extensive suite of digital solutions. Operating globally, they serve projects of all sizes across film, television, commercials, live events, and music tours. Their “Plus” software suite (featuring PSL+, Start+, Hours+, Studio+, and Reporting+) provides tailored tools for every stage of production finance and payroll. Cast & Crew’s ownership of CAPS Payroll, Media Services, and Sargent-Disc further broadens their reach and expertise in the entertainment payroll sector.
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Revolution Entertainment Services
Revolution Entertainment Services is a dynamic new name among entertainment payroll companies, quickly gaining recognition for its innovative and user-friendly platforms. Their ProHire payroll system and ProCal scheduling software are designed to simplify and modernize the payroll experience for producers. Revolution is especially noted for its focus on compliance, labor contracts, and customer service, making it an emerging favorite among the best entertainment payroll providers in recent years.
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Media Services Payroll has earned its place as a leader among the best entertainment payroll companies for independent filmmakers, production companies, and studios alike. Their proprietary Showbiz software, including Showbiz Budgeting and Showbiz Timecards, is widely adopted across the industry for efficient budgeting and payroll management. Media Services also provides in-depth educational resources and helps productions navigate film and television tax incentives.
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Whether you’re searching for the best entertainment payroll companies for your next project or exploring new entertainment payroll and accounting platforms, choosing the right entertainment payroll provider as your payroll partner can mean the difference between a smooth production and a paperwork nightmare.
At GreenSlate, we take a consultative approach to tailor options to fit the needs of productions of all sizes. We handle it all for film, tv, documentaries, and new media projects. Connect with our Sales team to learn how GreenSlate can support your next production.