Burbank, CA – In a move set to broaden the landscape of entertainment industry services, Cast & Crew, a leading provider of payroll, human resources, accounting, financial, and workflow solutions, has officially announced its acquisition of Media Services. This strategic purchase of Media Services, a well-regarded company specializing in payroll and production management for film, television, digital streaming, and commercials, marks a significant step forward for Cast & Crew in its mission to streamline content creation through digitization and automation.
The financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed.
For over four decades, Media Services has established itself as a provider of cutting-edge solutions and exceptional client support within the entertainment sector. Their suite of software, prominently featuring digital payroll tools, comprehensive accounting solutions, and the acclaimed Showbiz product line, is designed to optimize production processes for today’s dynamic content creators. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Media Services also maintains a strong regional presence in New York.
Eric Belcher, Chief Executive Officer of Cast & Crew, emphasized the strategic alignment of the acquisition: “Media Services is an excellent fit for Cast & Crew. We share core values, complementary strategies, compatible technology platforms, and congruent corporate cultures. By combining our strengths, we are poised to elevate the level of products and Cast And Crew Services we offer. We are confident that clients from both companies will experience significant advantages from our combined expertise, enhanced product offerings, and the refined services we’ve each developed over many years.”
Media Services will retain its brand identity and continue operations under the leadership of CEO Barry Oberman, who will report directly to Eric Belcher. “The demand for forward-thinking, comprehensive workforce management solutions is rapidly growing within content creation,” stated Oberman. “Joining forces with Cast & Crew and its esteemed family of brands is an exciting opportunity to collectively expand these crucial solutions for an increasingly diverse market. Cast & Crew’s dedication to leading-edge technologies and client-centric service makes this a perfectly aligned partnership for us. We eagerly anticipate integrating with their team.”
EQT, the parent company of Cast & Crew, played a key role in supporting this acquisition. Kasper Knokgaard, Partner at EQT, commented, “The integration of a respected entity like Media Services will fortify Cast & Crew’s robust platform and significantly broaden the scope of products and cast and crew services available to our clientele. We are encouraged by this continued advancement in the expansion and diversification of the Cast & Crew portfolio.”
For legal counsel in this transaction, Cast & Crew was represented by Latham & Watkins, LLP, while Media Services was represented by Sheppard Mullin LLP. Moelis & Company LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Media Services.
About Cast & Crew: Leaders in Entertainment Payroll and HR Services
Cast & Crew Entertainment Services, LLC (www.castandcrew.com) is the entertainment industry’s trusted partner, delivering technology-driven payroll and human resources, accounting and financial, and workflow and productivity software and cast and crew services. Since 1976, Cast & Crew has been dedicated to simplifying the complexities of entertainment production. Their comprehensive service offerings include payroll processing, residuals processing, workers’ compensation services, labor relations, production incentives, and production tax credit financing. The acclaimed Cast & Crew PSL+ production accounting software is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of film, television, and digital media productions. Headquartered in Burbank, California, Cast & Crew remains committed to innovation and client satisfaction. For more information about cast and crew services, please visit www.castandcrew.com.
About Media Services: A Legacy of Production Management Solutions
Since 1978, Media Services has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, providing leading accounting, payroll, and software solutions. Serving a global clientele across feature films, television, commercials, corporate productions, internet content, music videos, and residuals, Media Services has built a reputation for reliability and innovation. With headquarters in Los Angeles and a regional office in New York, Media Services is dedicated to supporting the evolving needs of the entertainment production landscape. To explore their offerings, visit www.mediaservices.com.
About EQT: Driving Sustainable Growth
EQT is a premier global investment firm, managing approximately EUR 50 billion in raised capital across 27 funds. EQT funds invest in portfolio companies spanning Europe, Asia, and the US, with a combined sales exceeding EUR 19 billion and employing approximately 110,000 individuals. EQT partners with portfolio companies to foster sustainable growth, operational excellence, and market leadership. Learn more at www.eqtgroup.com.
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Anita Kumar
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