Frequently Asked Questions about Topsheet

Topsheet simplifies payroll, onboarding, and production management for film, television, and commercials. Below are answers to the most common questions from both Productions and Cast & Crew.

Frequently Asked by Productions

1. What is Topsheet?

Topsheet is an Employer of Record (EOR) payroll and production management platform built for the entertainment industry. We handle payroll, taxes, onboarding, call sheets, scheduling, and extras management—all in one place.

2. How much does Topsheet cost?

We charge a 2% payroll handling fee with a $50 minimum per payroll batch. There are no hidden fees.

3. Do you work with union and non-union productions?

Yes. Topsheet works with both union and non-union productions across all 50 states. We process SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, and other guild contracts, as well as non-union payroll.

4. How fast do you process payroll?

Payroll is processed weekly, with options for direct deposit or check. Cast and crew typically receive payment within a few business days after payroll approval.

5. Do you provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Yes. As the Employer of Record, Topsheet provides the necessary Workers’ Compensation Insurance (WCI) coverage for all productions.

6. How do you handle state and city tax compliance?

Topsheet’s system automatically applies the correct federal, state, and local taxes using data from crew onboarding forms and timecards. Tax rules are built into our system and regularly updated.

7. Can my production accountants make changes to payroll?

Production accountants can review payroll batches and either Accept or Reject with notes. They cannot modify payroll directly, ensuring compliance and audit integrity.

8. Do you support General Ledger (GL) coding?

Yes. Each payroll batch includes GL codes for earnings, taxes, benefits, and reimbursements so you can import directly into your accounting system.

9. What kinds of productions do you support?

We support:

Feature films

Series (Television, episodic, streaming, cable, network, podcast)

Commercials

Music videos

Interactive Content (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Games, etc)

Branded content

Short films

Animation (Voice Over, and Crew)

YouTube

10. Does Topsheet do payroll for Background Actors?

Yes, we do payroll for Union and Non-Union background actors. We have a suite of tools for handling background, including GPS check-in so you know when your background are on location, bulk check-in & bulk wrap in a few clicks, and we also do Background Casting for select cities.

11. How do I start using Topsheet?

Contact our team at team@topsheet.io or visit app.topsheet.io to get started. We’ll set up your production, onboard your crew, and walk you through payroll.

Frequently Asked by Cast & Crew

1. How do I set up my Topsheet account?

You’ll receive an invite email from your production. Follow the link to create an account, fill out your start paperwork (W-4, I-9, state forms, or W-9), and upload required documents.

2. How do I submit a timecard?

Log into the Topsheet app, open your project, and select Timecards. Enter your call time, breaks, wrap time, and any reimbursements (receipts required). The app calculates your pay automatically.

3. What if I need to be paid as a Loan-Out?

Topsheet can only pay loan-outs if you have Articles of Incorporation (Corp/LLC). California law (AB5) requires this; otherwise, you must be paid as an employee.

4. Can I be paid as a W-9 independent contractor?

Generally, no. Entertainment payroll typically requires employees to be paid via W-2, unless you are a properly incorporated loan-out.

5. How do I get paid?

You’ll be paid by direct deposit (ACH) or check. You can set up your payment preference in your account.

6. How do I update my bank account or tax forms?

Log into app.topsheet.io, go to Profile > Payment & Tax Information, and update your details anytime.

7. What if I worked union hours?

Topsheet supports union timecards and automatically generates required forms and track your union hours for pension and for Union qulification.

8. What if I forgot to clock out or entered the wrong time?

You can edit your timecard before submission. If payroll has already been submitted, contact your production office.

9. How do I get a copy of my pay stubs and tax forms?

All pay stubs and year-end tax documents (W-2 or 1099, if applicable) are available in your Topsheet account.