Entertainment Industry Accounting: Navigating the Numbers Behind the Scenes

In the fast-paced world of the entertainment industry, businesses face new and daunting challenges. Technological advancements introduce new distribution models and constantly changing consumer preferences and behaviors. Balancing digital production, strict deadlines, and digital privacy against an unpredictable market is crucial. Professional entertainment industry accounting and advisory services can keep you ahead of the curve if you aim to manage your company’s finances efficiently and effectively.

Understanding Entertainment Industry Accounting

Many perceive accountants for the entertainment industry as office-bound, sifting through paperwork. However, the reality is far more engaging. Professional accounting for the entertainment industry allows you to work directly with celebrities, advising them on financial matters, working for a large film studio, assisting with accounting for a record firm, or even broadcasting.

Wealth Management in the Entertainment Industry

Wealth management is a crucial aspect of entertainment accounting services. It involves planning and managing an individual’s or a company’s financial portfolio to achieve financial goals. This can include investment management, tax planning, and retirement planning. In the entertainment industry, wealth management can also involve managing royalties, negotiating contracts, and planning for periods of irregular income.

The Role of the Entertainment Accountant

An entertainment accountant is a professional who specializes in providing accounting services to clients in the entertainment industry. This can include actors, musicians, film producers, and more. These accountants have industry knowledge and decades of experience dealing with the unique financial challenges of the entertainment industry. They can provide various services, from bookkeeping and tax compliance to financial management services and business plans.

Financial Management Services for the Entertainment Industry

Financial management services are another key aspect of entertainment accounting. This can include cash flow reporting, budgeting, and financial forecasting. These services are crucial for businesses in the entertainment industry, as they can help them plan for the future, make informed business decisions, and manage their finances effectively.

Accountancy, Advisory, And Assurance Services For The Entertainment Industry

Here are some services performed in the accountancy for entertainment industries:- Consulting and auditory representation for taxes
– Computer-aided administration and finance
– Interactive controls for accounting internal evaluation
– Registration of tax dollars
– Strategic planning
– Advice, reviews, and collection of financial information
– Occasional and non-routine audits, such as those for royal compliance and other purposes
– Legal support.

Skills Required for Entertainment Industry Accounting

Accounting for the entertainment industry requires a set of specialized abilities. Let’s explore these skills:

– A background in accounting (such as AAT)
– Film and television production experience
– Ability to collaborate with others
– A good sense of order
– The ability to see the smallest of details
– Intense verbal and written abilities

Now, let’s delve into the standard bookkeeping method to understand your bookkeeping process thoroughly.

Bookkeeping in the Entertainment Industry

Bookkeeping is a fundamental part of entertainment accounting services. It involves recording all financial transactions, including purchases, sales, receipts, and payments. In the entertainment industry, bookkeeping can be complex due to the nature of the business. For example, a film production company may have numerous expenses related to the production of a film, such as salaries for actors and crew, equipment rentals, and location fees. An entertainment accountant with experience in bookkeeping can help manage these expenses and ensure accurate financial records.

Is There A Standard Method Of Bookkeeping In The Entertainment Industry?

The U.S. spends an estimated $705 billion annually on entertainment, as the “Wall Street Journal” Market Watch reports. While a portion of this expenditure equates to profits, a considerable amount is allocated toward producing various entertainment mediums like films, digital content, books, journals, and music. Maintaining organized and efficient finances is crucial for an entertainment business to be successful. It helps stay within production budgets and optimize profits. There isn’t a single, uniform accounting method that the entertainment industry follows. There are multiple operational procedures that businesses need to comply with, as mandated by regulatory bodies. The entertainment industry falls under the broad scope of manufacturing from a taxation perspective, as per the Internal Revenue Code. The financial accounting within this industry is guided by standards set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and other such regulatory institutions.

First-Level Accounting in the Entertainment Industry

Taking the film production industry as a case study, a company’s bookkeeping for entertainment-related ventures can be categorized into two broad levels. The first level focuses on managing operating costs, including administrative payroll, talent management, rent, and utility expenses.

Second-Level Accounting in the Entertainment Industry

The same film production company carries out the second level of accounting and pertains to production costs. It’s crucial to keep these expenses distinct from the rest of the budget when assessing the financial trajectory of your film project.

Projected Revenue Accounting

In the initial year, a film production company usually cannot write off the cost of production. Hence, these entities employ projected revenue accounting, where assets that the IRS identifies as suitable are considered. Such intellectual property includes book patents, copyrights, movies, videotapes, and sound recordings.

This method involves allocating production costs over a period of projected revenue. For instance, if a company anticipates a single film to generate revenue over a decade, it may write off ten percent of its production costs annually.

Accounting Standards Board of the United States of America (FASB)

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape by establishing financial accounting and reporting standards. These standards, recognized as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), guide public and private companies and not-for-profit organizations in their accounting practices.

Understanding FASB Standards:

FASB standards are dynamic, evolving to reflect the changing economic environment and business practices. For instance, in June 2000, FASB rescinded Statement 53 and modified Statements No. 63, 89, and 121.

Statement 53, titled “Financial Reporting by Producers and Distributors of Motion Picture Films,” was issued in December 1981. It provided specific guidance for accounting and reporting film costs, revenues, and cash flows. Its rescission signifies that the rules it contained are no longer applicable.

The modifications to Statements No. 63, 89, and 121 represent updates to the accounting and reporting guidelines to better align with current business practices and economic conditions.

How To Record Chart Of Account COA For Entertainment Industry

Based on the information provided by the Deloitte ASC 926 link, here are some suggestions on how to record a Chart of Accounts (COA) and conduct bookkeeping for entities in the film production and distribution industry:

1. Revenue:

Create accounts to record revenue from different sources such as box office sales, streaming rights, DVD sales, etc. 

2. Film Costs:

Establish accounts to record the costs associated with film production. This could include pre-production costs, production costs, post-production costs, and any other costs directly associated with the creation of a film.

3. Participation Costs:

These are costs paid to actors, directors, producers, and others who have negotiated contracts that allow them to participate in a film’s profits. These costs should be recorded in their own accounts.

4. Manufacturing Costs:

If you are involved in the physical production of DVDs or other merchandise, you should have accounts to record these manufacturing costs.

5. Deferred Revenue:

This account will record revenue that has been received but not yet earned. For example, if you receive payment for a film that is still in production, this would be recorded as deferred revenue.

6. Cost of Sales and Services:

This account will record the direct costs associated with selling a product or providing a service. In the film industry, this could include the cost of marketing and distribution.

7. Other Expenses:

Create accounts to record expenses that do not fit into the other categories. This could include administrative expenses, travel expenses, etc.

8. Interest:

If you have taken out loans to finance your film production, you will need to record the interest expenses in this account.

9. Nonmonetary Transactions:

This account will record transactions that do not involve cash. For example, if you trade services with another company, this would be recorded as a nonmonetary transaction.

10. Subsequent Events:

This account will record events that occur after the end of the reporting period but before the financial statements are issued or available to be issued.

Remember, each transaction must be recorded in the correct account to ensure accurate financial reporting. Regularly review and update your COA to ensure it reflects the changing needs of your business. Always ensure your accounting practices comply with the standards set by FASB.

Please note that this is a general guide and may not cover all the specific requirements of your business. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional accountant or financial advisor who is familiar with the film industry and FASB standards. Hire one of the expert accountants of Oak Business Consultants now.

Taxes and Charts of accounts

Tax rules for entertainers are some of the most difficult. You might have to cope with additional challenges if you’re a high-net-worth independent contractor. Understanding how to compute federal, provincial, and may even require international taxes. Athletes and entertainers outside the United States are subject to unique tax rules.

Many entertainment professionals fail to take advantage of the many tax breaks available to them. Professional services firms work hard to ensure you get every one of them. They care for all the tax intricacies, from calculating finder’s fees to interpreting central withholding arrangements.

Sample Chart Of Accounts Of the Entertainment Industry

A chart of accounts for accountancy for entertainment industries is a list of all the financial statements like assets, liabilities, income and expenses of production, venue rental, and rehearsal in a company’s general ledger. The Chart of accounts for accountancy for the entertainment industry is a management tool that breaks down a company’s financial transactions into smaller, more manageable chunks throughout a particular accounting period. Here is a sample of the entertainment industry COA presented below.

Accounts on the Income Statement (Profit and Loss)

• 5000 Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
  • 5010 Actors
  • 5020 Subcontractors
  •  5030 Human Resources
  • 5040 Labor
  • 5050 Casting Team
  • 5060 Costs of Using Credits
  • 5070 Location Setup
  •  5080 Direction Equipment
  • 5090 Overhead Costs for Employees and Crew Members
• 6000 Other Earnings
  •  6010 Promotions
  •  6020 Bank Interest
  •  6030 Gain on Foreign Screenings
  •  6040 Payments from Insurance
  •  6050 Sale of A Valuable Asset 7000 Miscellaneous Charges
  •  7010 Seek the Advice
  • 7020 Charges of Damages
  • 7030 Fraud

Balance Sheet Accounts

• 1000 Assets
  • 1100 Current Assets
    •    1110 Cash
    •    1120 Accounts Receivable
    •    1130 Petty Cash Funds
    •    1140 Prepaid Insurance
    •     1150 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
    •     1160 Inventory
  • – 1200 Fixed Assets
    •  1210 Buildings
    • 1220 Vehicles
    • 1230 Land
    • 1240 Accumulated Depreciation of Equipment, Buildings, and Vehicles
• – 2000 Liabilities
  • – 2100 Current Liabilities
    •     – 2110 Notes Payable
    •     – 2120 Accounts Payable
    •     – 2130 Taxes on Payroll
    •     – 2140 Audience Deposits
  • – 2200 Long-term Liabilities
    •     – 2210 Construction Financing
    •     – 2220 Mortgage
• – 3000 Equity of the Film Makers
  •   – 3100 Additional Funds Contributed Upfront
  •   – 3200 The Shareholder Draws
  •   – 3300 The Filmmaker Equity
  •   – 3400 Owned Drawer
  •   – 3500 Distributions

Accounts for Operating Expenses

• – 8000 Operating Expenses
  •   – 8010 Repairs and Maintenance
  •   – 8020 Equipment Depreciation
  •   – 8030 Insurance for Film Set Up
  •   – 8040 Mortgage Interest
  •   – 8050 Utilities
  •   – 8060 Bonuses for Workers
  •   – 8070 Bonus – Production House
  •   – 8080 Advertisement

Other Income and Expenses

• – 9000 Other Income
  •   – 9010 Promotions
  •   – 9020 Bank Interest
  •   – 9030 Gain on Foreign Screenings
  •   – 9040 Payments from Insurance
  •   – 9050 Sale of A Valuable Asset
• – 9100 Other Expenses
  •   – 9110 Seek the Advice
  •   – 9120 Charges of Damages
  •   – 9130 Fraud

Note: Please note that this is a comprehensive sample of the Chart of Accounts for the entertainment industry, and you may need to customize and expand it further based on your entertainment company’s specific needs and activities. 

The below picture shows the charts of accounts of an entertainment company:

Accounting Rules to Record Expenses

Accounting regulations classify costs as expenditures, and GAAP handles bookkeeping. The filmmaking industries invest money in advertising, promotion, and personal commission to promote films and maintain a profitable business. It is necessary to declare expenses after each financial month. As a result, the general ledger’s transactions and journal entries for the entertainment company are comparable.

According to double-entry accounting, each expense entry must have a debit and a credit and may pay for business costs with cash or a credit card. Therefore, you must collect the relevant information for this transaction. Any written reports must have invoices, account receivables information, or other payment documentation. So, keep a journal where you can record your spending. The paperwork must also include the transaction’s date, the account’s number, title, purchase price, and a short outline. Debits are therefore listed first, followed by payments, in decreasing order of balance.

In The Entertainment Industry, There Are Three Main Cash Management Challenges

Consumer spending is rising despite technological advances, and the media industry and entertainment firms will benefit from this trend in the foreseeable future. Cash management systems may need to be updated to keep pace with industry developments and maximize working capital. Firms in the media entertainment industry trend confront three significant difficulties today, and financial solutions may help them deal with them.

1. Cash Flow Crunch

Connecting with clients has never been simpler for businesses. Following the rise of companies in the digital media entertainment industry trend, several publishers have established brand marketing studios to make the most of their ability to connect with large audiences and improve content based on its performance.

Traditional agencies are no longer the only option for brand marketing when considering internal services and consulting firms. Due to increased competition, brands can get extended payment periods. Bill collection used to take an average of 45 days to complete; now, it might take up to three months, and the beginning costs associated with content generation are high. In addition, businesses want prompt payment.

This dynamic hampers the cash flow of advertising companies and content producers. By enabling businesses to give their vendors more quickly, prolong the time they just had to pay any outstanding debts, and, in certain circumstances, even provide them cash-back rebates, business card programs may help businesses save money.

2. Problems With Cash Transactions

Many businesses in the entertainment industry still rely heavily on enormous sums of money. For instance, when they sell tickets to a concert, trinkets, and refreshments, venues still often pay artists’ compensation in cash.

Content producers, frequently spotted on the sets of movies and television shows, typically pay vendors with cash. With wealth comes risk. Handling large quantities of money creates safety concerns for site workers since cash is famously challenging to track and especially vulnerable to deception.

Account reconciliation takes longer and is more prone to error and loss than computerized alternatives. By transitioning to electronic payments and collection methods, organizations in the media entertainment industry trend may improve transparency, effectiveness, and security.

3. Seeking Growth

As consumer media habits change and high-quality entertainment options proliferate, businesses in the media entertainment industry trend and entertainment sectors strive for audience share by diversifying into new international markets and, in some cases, looking to combine.

Like any merger or development, this might result in inefficiencies and redundancies in financial operations. Demonstrating efficiency in operations to highlight the organization’s value is crucial since strategic and venture capitalist investors are eager to invest in the digital media industry.

Financial reporting consolidation is crucial for success in any of these scenarios because it improves operational management.

One way to unify account management and lessen cyber security and fraud issues may be to use a single global bank across all locations. Digital solutions like automated liquidity sweeps may be advantageous for complex company organizations.

All accounting entries may be viewed in real-time using a single online gateway, simplifying and completing reconciliation and reporting.

Hire Oak Business Consultant Entertainment Industry Accounting Services

Entertainment industry accountants are more than just number crunchers. They are partners in your success. With their industry knowledge and decades of experience, they can help you navigate the financial challenges of the entertainment industry. Whether you need help with bookkeeping, tax planning, or wealth management, an entertainment industry accountant can provide the services you need to achieve your financial goals.

We at Oak Business Consultant provide professional bookkeeping and accounting services that serve businesses internationally. Hire our expert bookkeepers and accountants to help you focus on your entertainment company. Moreover, we will assist you in selecting and operating the best accounting software for the entertainment industry. We will assist you with your finances while you concentrate on the show because the show must go on.

Contact us right now, and let us do the rest for you.