Empowering Creativity: The Silent Force Behind Hollywood's Biggest Productions

Humble Beginnings: From Prairies to Pioneers of Digitalization

It all began with an ambitious vision in 1976. A NASA engineer, Bob Draney, teamed up with musician Jack Peterson to forge a new entity, then known as Draney Information Services Corporation (DISC). Their groundbreaking idea was to harness nascent digital technology to transform the cumbersome manual processes of payroll and accounting within film and television production. This pioneering spirit quickly caught the attention of the producers of "Little House on the Prairie," who became the first to embrace DISC's automated workflow, marking a pivotal shift in how Hollywood managed its back-office operations.

Revolutionizing Production Finance: A Continuous Commitment to Innovation

Mark Goldstein, the current CEO and president of EP, highlights the company's enduring legacy of innovation. He describes a past where production budgets and ledgers were meticulously maintained by hand, often becoming obsolete before they were even finalized. EP's founders, however, foresaw a future where technology could bring transparency and clarity to these financial labyrinths. Over the past five decades, EP has consistently invested in state-of-the-art tools for payroll, accounting, residuals, and compliance, aiming to liberate creatives from administrative burdens so they can fully immerse themselves in their artistic craft.

The Digital Shift: Overcoming Challenges and Adapting to Change

EP's journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of efficiency, especially in its mission to transition the industry from paper-based systems to digital solutions. Goldstein recalls the initial reluctance within Hollywood to adopt these new technologies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst, accelerating the industry's embrace of digital workflows. EP, with its foresight and continuous investment in digital platforms, was uniquely positioned to guide productions through this rapid transformation, enabling seamless operations and remote access to critical documents, thus significantly enhancing transparency across the entire production pipeline.

Comprehensive Solutions: Tools for Every Stage of Production

EP offers an extensive suite of tools designed to support every facet of production. From Sync on Set, to Movie Magic Budgeting, Movie Magic Scheduling, and Scenechronize, these platforms assist with everything from financial planning to costume tracking and scheduling. Goldstein proudly states that approximately 90% of global productions utilize EP's budgeting system, which is fortified by a comprehensive pay master guide detailing union rules and tax regulations from around the world. With offices in major production hubs like the U.K. and Australia, EP provides unparalleled data and expertise, empowering producers to efficiently navigate the complexities of international incentives and financial planning.

Strategic Growth and Future Vision: Expanding Capabilities for a Dynamic Industry

Under Goldstein's leadership, EP has expanded its service offerings, notably through strategic acquisitions like Central Casting, a renowned talent resource, and Cashét, a company specializing in electronic global payments. These additions reinforce EP's commitment to providing a stable and comprehensive ecosystem for its diverse clientele. Looking ahead, EP is particularly enthusiastic about its Insight Solutions, which leverage aggregated production data and cutting-edge AI to generate invaluable insights. Goldstein emphasizes that this is merely the beginning of their AI journey, promising a future where technology continues to redefine efficiency and intelligence within the entertainment industry.

Client-Centric Innovation: A Legacy of Trust and Evolution

At its core, EP's enduring success stems from its deep connection with clients. Goldstein underscores that for years, the industry has relied on EP as the definitive source of expertise. This sustained engagement fosters continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that EP remains at the forefront of innovation, consistently addressing the evolving needs of its partners. By maintaining this client-centric approach, EP continues to build upon its legacy, driving progress and shaping the future of Hollywood's operational landscape.