Written by David Lewis on Aug 27, 2009. Posted in On Location

New USA payroll company launched

Ease Entertainment Services, the first major payroll company to launch in the states in 20 years, has opened it doors for business in Beverley Hills, California, and other key incentive states.

Last year, the Los Angeles based payroll and accountancy company Axium International filed for bankruptcy. The closing of the back-office company, leaving millions in unpaid wages, was a major jolt to the entertainment industry which has also been plagued by lengthy union action. The launch of Ease can only be an indication of returning confidence.

Ease is a different kind of payroll company, based on a service model, with state-of-the-art software, the best security in the business, and an experienced group of payroll specialists in charge, all with actual hands-on production experience.

The company's first project was Dead of Night, a USD20 million film shot in Louisiana. They are also now providing payroll services for films shooting or preparing to shoot in Texas, New Mexico, California, New York, Michigan, Iowa, Louisiana, Georgia, Toronto and Vancouver. Budgets range from USD1 to USD45 million.