Question 1

What does a production accountant do?

Accepted Answer

A production accountant manages the money on a film or television project from pre-production through wrap. That includes tracking the budget against actual spend, running or supporting payroll for cast and crew, coding costs, preparing cost reports for producers and financiers, and organizing the records needed to claim tax credits. Pease Bell provides this support for both small union shoots and multi-state studio operations.

Question 2

Do you help with the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We help producers pursue the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit by identifying qualifying spend, keeping the documentation that the program requires, and supporting the project through the certification and audit steps that release the credit. We also coordinate incentives in other states where a production shoots, so multi-state projects stay organized. Program rules and available amounts change, so we work from the current requirements for each project.

Question 3

Why do productions use single-purpose LLCs and loan-out companies?

Accepted Answer

Producers typically set up a single-purpose LLC for each production to isolate that project's finances, liability, and tax reporting from other work. Loan-out companies are separate entities used by talent and key crew to provide their services. We help set up and account for these entities so each production is cleanly separated, credits and expenses are tracked to the right project, and investor and tax reporting stays accurate.

Question 4

Can you provide reporting for film investors and lenders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare reporting that supports production financing, completion requirements, and investor relationships, showing clearly how committed capital and credit proceeds are being spent. When a lender, investor, or credit program requires independently verified financials, our audit and assurance team can provide audited or reviewed statements alongside the production's ongoing cost reporting.

Question 5

How do you handle multi-state productions and sales tax?

Accepted Answer

We manage the filing obligations, income apportionment, and sales and use tax exposure that come with shooting in more than one state. That means tracking where costs are incurred, applying each state's rules to equipment rentals, services, and production purchases, and coordinating any incentives available in those states. As a firm serving clients in all 50 states, we keep multi-state productions coordinated under one team.

Question 6

What types of motion picture clients does Pease Bell work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with independent producers, production companies, and studios — from small union shoots to multi-state studio operations. Our production accounting, tax, and advisory services support the full lifecycle of a project, from pre-production budgeting through wrap and post-release residuals and royalties. As a Cleveland-based Top 200 U.S. CPA firm, we combine boutique, senior-level attention with nationwide reach.

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Loan-Out Companies for Cast and Crew: Tax Pros and Cons

How to Monetize a Transferable Film Tax Credit vs Refundable

Production Accounting 101: Cost Reports, Hot Costs, and Audits

Ohio BWC Coverage and 1099-Only Film Productions

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Pease CPAs Named a Top Public Accounting Firm

Ohio House Bill 166: Income, Sales, and Credit Changes

Industries: Motion Picture