In the film and television industry, creative vision drives the story — but financial control brings it to life. From indie documentaries to large-scale productions, every successful screen project is supported by expert financial planning. That’s where specialist accountants for film and TV sector come in.
At Jungle Tax, we understand that managing film budgets, cash flow, tax reliefs, payroll, and investor compliance isn’t just about numbers — it’s about protecting your creative output. In this guide, we break down how working with industry-specific accountants helps your production stay financially strong and compliant.
Why You Need Specialist Accountants for Film and TV Sector?
Unlike traditional businesses, film and TV projects face short-term cycles, volatile budgets, and a unique mix of income and costs. Generalist accountants may not fully understand how production funding works, how to process HMRC creative industry tax reliefs, or how to deal with fluctuating income from freelancers and contractors.
Specialist accountants for film and TV sector offer insight, structure, and proactive support tailored to the realities of the screen industries.
1. Controlling Budgets Throughout the Production Lifecycle
From pre-production planning to post-production wrap, your financial picture evolves rapidly. With the help of professional accountants for film and TV sector, you can:
- Build realistic production budgets
- Track departmental spend in real time
- Forecast cash needs at each project stage
- Align financial plans with investor requirements or grant conditions
This level of visibility helps you avoid overspending, missed opportunities, or funding shortfalls.
2. Structuring Your Production for Financial and Tax Efficiency
Are you operating under the right company structure? Choosing between a limited company, sole trader, LLP, or SPV can significantly impact tax, liability, and funding eligibility.
At Jungle Tax, we help creatives, producers, and directors select and manage the ideal legal and tax setup. Our accountants for film and TV sector tailor strategies to fit your business model and cash flow.
3. Creative Industry Tax Reliefs
UK productions may be eligible for generous tax reliefs through HMRC — including:
- Film Tax Relief (FTR)
- High-End Television Tax Relief (HTR)
- Animation and Children’s TV Relief
However, these schemes require precise documentation, cultural tests, and ongoing compliance. Our creative industry tax relief experts ensure you submit accurate claims and recover up to 25% of qualifying production costs.
Working with accountants for film and TV sector means not missing out on reliefs your project already qualifies for.
4. Supporting Freelancers and Contractors in the Film Industry
Most creatives in this sector — actors, cinematographers, editors, writers — work freelance. Their income is irregular, project-based, and often crosses tax years.
Our tax team for freelancers helps individuals:
- Maximise allowable expenses
- Track deductible costs for travel, software, home office, and training
- Avoid IR35 misclassification
- Navigate VAT and Making Tax Digital compliance
- Plan for payments on account and reduce surprises at tax time
As accountants for film and TV sector, we know how to manage unpredictable income in a way that brings peace of mind and financial stability.
5. Managing Payroll and HMRC Compliance for Cast and Crew
Productions may hire dozens of short-term workers, from PAs and gaffers to sound mixers and set designers. Mishandling payroll or misclassifying employment status can trigger HMRC investigations.
Jungle Tax provides full payroll and Virtual Finance Office support, ensuring:
- PAYE is set up and processed correctly
- Contractor vs employee status is properly assessed
- Real Time Information (RTI) submissions are timely
- Auto-enrolment obligations are met
- Payment schedules match cash flow availability
Our experience as accountants for film and TV sector means fewer risks and smoother financial operations on set.
6. Navigating VAT, Cross-Border Expenses, and International Productions
Productions with international elements — like overseas shoots or co-productions — require expert VAT strategy.
We advise on:
- UK VAT registration and Flat Rate Scheme options
- Reverse charge VAT for EU and non-EU suppliers
- EC Sales Lists and post-Brexit reporting
- Currency exchange handling for supplier invoices
- Reclaiming VAT on eligible production costs
Our accountants for film and TV sector keep your cross-border finances compliant and efficient.
7. Managing SEIS/EIS Compliance for Film Investors
For independent producers seeking investor funding, SEIS and EIS tax reliefs are crucial tools. But qualifying for them requires specific structuring, documentation, and HMRC approval.
Our team handles:
- SEIS/EIS advance assurance applications
- Share issuance and investor packs
- Compliance statements and ongoing eligibility reporting
We help production companies use these schemes to attract and retain creative investors.
8. Keeping Accurate Records to Avoid Penalties
Missing receipts, delayed filings, and untracked expenses can lead to HMRC penalties or lost funding.
Jungle Tax helps creatives and businesses stay audit-ready with:
- Cloud-based bookkeeping systems (Xero, QuickBooks)
- Digital receipt archiving
- Ongoing bookkeeping and reconciliation
- Year-end accounts and Companies House filings
- Deadline tracking and automated alerts
We help you build a solid financial foundation for long-term success in the screen industries.
Why Choose Jungle Tax?
We’re not just accountants — we’re your partners in the creative process.
Located in the heart of Soho, Jungle Tax specialises in accounting and advisory services for the entertainment, media, and film industries. We serve everyone from independent filmmakers to post-production agencies and long-form television studios.
As trusted accountants for film and TV sector, we combine creative understanding with professional precision.
Explore our full range of services:
- Accountants for Film & TV
- Creative Industry Tax Reliefs
- Virtual Finance Office
- Self-Assessment and Personal Tax
Ready to Partner with the Leading Accountants for Film and TV Sector?
Work with a team that understands your world. From the first budget draft to your final invoice, Jungle Tax provides proactive support, industry insight, and financial clarity at every stage of your project.
Get in touch with Jungle Tax today:
- Call: 0333 880 7974
- Email: hello@jungletax.co.uk
- Address: 9 Noel Street, Soho, London, W1F 8GQ
- Website: jungletax.co.uk