In recent years, the Hollywood job market has undergone significant changes, driven by technological advancements and shifting industry demands. One notable company at the forefront of this transformation is Everyset, a firm dedicated to improving payroll processes for background actors.
Background on Everyset
Founded in early 2016 initially as Castifi, Everyset aimed to streamline the pay process for background performers. Rumala Sheikhani, the co-founder, previously worked at prestigious accounting firms before pivoting to production accounting in Hollywood. Alongside Ebrahim Bhaiji, a former NFL Media product expert, Sheikhani focused on creating digital vouchers for managing extras on film and TV sets.
Challenges and Industry Resistance
Initially, the company’s efforts to transition to a digital system faced resistance. Many studios preferred traditional paper methods, despite the complexities involved in processing paperwork for thousands of extras.
COVID-19 Catalyst
However, the pandemic served as a turning point. As guilds implemented safety protocols, the industry embraced digital solutions. This shift greatly benefited Everyset, allowing it to expand its client base, which now includes major players like Netflix, Amazon, and HBO.
Current Status and Future Plans
Everyset has grown to over 50 employees, managing approximately 15,000 background actor jobs monthly on various projects. The firm recently raised $9 million in funding from Crosslink Capital and Haven Ventures to evolve from a software provider into a full-service background payroll company. This move places them in direct competition with established firms like Central Casting and Entertainment Partners.
Trends in Job Market Insights
According to data, Georgia leads in job bookings for background actors, thanks to its favorable tax incentives. California follows closely, while New York and New Jersey also show significant activity. Notably, New Jersey is the only state to record an increase in production levels this year.
- Georgia: Highest number of job bookings with robust tax incentives.
- California: Recently increased its film and TV incentive cap to $750 million.
- New York: Competitive production environment currently.
- New Jersey: Unique growth in production levels observed this year.
- Illinois: Increased extras’ jobs driven by major TV productions.
Future Challenges
Despite the current growth in job bookings, Everyset faces potential challenges from emerging AI technologies claiming to replace traditional sets. Nonetheless, the company emphasizes that hiring human performers remains more cost-effective for high-quality productions.
Conclusion
With ongoing investment and a commitment to innovation, Everyset positions itself to play a key role in reshaping the Hollywood job market. As the demand for background actors continues to evolve, the company aims to remain a leading facilitator of payroll solutions in the entertainment industry.
