Business Details
41 Years
experience
Entertainment Payroll & Accounting Since 1985
Since 1985, ABS Financial Services has been a trusted partner for entertainment industry professionals, specializing in payroll and accounting solutions tailored to film, television, and live production needs. Our team combines deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless payroll processing, tax compliance, and production accounting services. We prioritize client relationships, offering personalized support and fast turnaround times to meet the unique demands of independent filmmakers and major productions alike.Our proprietary software streamlines budgeting and reporting, ensuring financial clarity for projects of all sizes. With decades of experience handling union agreements, tax incentives, and global payroll requirements, we empower clients to focus on creative excellence while we manage financial complexities. Our commitment to innovation and client satisfaction has solidified our reputation as the Independent Filmmakers Choice for over 30 years.
Services
Cast & Crew Payroll
Production Accounting Software
Residuals Processing
Tax Incentive Consulting
Employer of Record Services
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of entertainment industry payroll expertise
- Specialize in union compliance for SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and DGA agreements
- Handle projects from $250k indie films to $15M+ productions
- Proprietary software for real-time production budget tracking
- 24-hour payroll setup and 24/7 client support team
What people say
Quick to respond
Easy to talk to
Top notch service
Streamlined payroll process
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Cast & Crew Payroll
Our employer-of-record payroll service handles all compliance requirements for entertainment productions. We process payments for both union and non-union cast and crew members, ensuring adherence to SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, DGA, and WGA agreements. Our system manages tax withholdings, workers' compensation, and pension contributions while providing 24-48 hour payroll turnaround times. This service includes W-2 and 1099 distribution, unemployment insurance processing, and real-time compliance monitoring across all 50 states.
Production Accounting Software
Our web-based accounting platform offers real-time cost reporting and budget management tools specifically designed for film and television productions. Features include multi-budget tracking, automated expense booking, and integrated payroll data import. The system generates industry-standard 7-column cost reports and provides tax incentive reporting capabilities. With cloud accessibility and live tech support, this software enables producers to maintain financial control from pre-production through wrap, while ensuring compatibility with union bond retrieval requirements.
Tax Incentive Consulting
We provide comprehensive guidance on state and local tax incentive programs for film productions. Our experts help navigate application processes, prepare required documentation, and ensure compliance with program-specific regulations. Services include location analysis for optimal incentive opportunities, production cost tracking for rebate applications, and audit preparation support. This consulting service covers jurisdictions across the United States and international markets where we maintain local expertise.
Residuals Processing
Our specialized residuals processing service handles payment calculations and distribution for reuse markets including streaming platforms, broadcast television, and international distribution. We manage payments to performers, directors, and writers' unions while maintaining compliance with collective bargaining agreements. The service includes pension and health contribution tracking, tax reporting, and audit-ready documentation for all residual transactions.
Employer of Record Services
As a certified SAG-AFTRA payroll provider, we assume full responsibility for payroll tax filings, workers' compensation coverage, and labor law compliance. This service covers all employment classifications including loan-out corporations and international workers. We handle federal and state tax withholdings, union benefit contributions, and unemployment insurance claims while maintaining detailed records for audit purposes across all production locations.
People
Kris King
President
Kris King leads ABS Financial Services as President, bringing over 15 years of entertainment payroll experience. He transitioned from payroll coordinator to corporate leadership in 2017, maintaining the company's family-owned ethos. His industry knowledge spans union compliance and production accounting, with a focus on improving payroll technology solutions.
Matthew Helderman
Executive Director
Matthew Helderman co-founded BondIt Media Capital and led its acquisition of ABS Payroll in 2017. With production experience spanning Sundance premieres and Netflix originals, he focuses on integrating financial services with payroll solutions. He oversees strategic growth initiatives and maintains industry partnerships with major entertainment unions.
Luke Taylor
Executive Director
Luke Taylor manages ABS Payroll's financing integration services through BondIt Media Capital. With over 200 film productions produced or executive produced, he specializes in connecting payroll services with production financing solutions. His expertise includes navigating tax incentive programs and structuring production budgets for optimal financial efficiency.
Daniel Willett
Sales and Marketing Director
Daniel Willett directs ABS Payroll's client acquisition strategy, combining payroll expertise with marketing innovation. After returning to the company in 2014, he developed communication materials that clarify complex payroll regulations for independent filmmakers. His focus areas include educating new producers about union compliance requirements and payroll best practices.
Questions
What payroll services does ABS handle for independent filmmakers?
We manage complete payroll processing including tax withholdings, union contributions, workers' compensation, and W-2/1099 distribution for all production sizes.
Can ABS handle union payroll compliance?
Yes, we process payroll under all major entertainment union agreements including SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, DGA, and WGA with certified compliance expertise.
Does ABS provide production accounting software?
Our proprietary web-based software offers real-time budget tracking, expense management, and integrated payroll data for film and television productions of all sizes.
What tax incentive services are available?
We offer location analysis, application assistance, compliance monitoring, and reporting for state, local, and international film incentive programs.
How quickly can payroll setup be completed?
While we recommend one week advance notice, our streamlined process can establish payroll accounts within 24 hours for urgent production needs.
Do you work with international productions?
We process payroll in all 50 states and support international projects in Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and other Latin American countries with local compliance expertise.
