9 Top Film Auditing Companies

Financial transparency in film and television is a puzzle. Complex distribution agreements, layered revenue waterfalls, and recoupment schedules can leave even seasoned rights holders guessing about what they’re truly owed. When the numbers don’t add up, suspicion grows, but few have the in-house expertise to untangle the mess.

This article offers a vetted shortlist of top auditing firms with proven expertise in the entertainment industry. You’ll find the companies, producers, and financiers trust to verify financial records, protect investor interests, and recover underreported profits. And with modern production finance platforms like Wrapbook reshaping transparency from day one, audits are smoother and less disruptive when they’re needed.

Why film auditing matters

Revenue reporting in entertainment rarely offers a clear view. Distribution agreements, licensing deals, and back-end profit participation create a maze of financial structures that can obscure what rights holders are actually owed. Producers and investors may suspect underreporting or accounting errors, but often lack the specialized expertise to investigate these claims effectively.

An audit provides independent verification of a project's financial performance. If you’re facing one, here’s how to stay calm during a production audit.

Specialized audits are also a compliance requirement in many cases. State tax credit programs, for example, often require verification from a certified public accountant before funds are released. Georgia’s Department of Revenue maintains its own list of approved auditors, adding another layer of scrutiny for productions filming in the state.

Criteria for choosing a film auditing company

Not all auditors are created equal. The right partner brings more than a CPA license—they bring a toolkit built for the entertainment industry, much like choosing the right production accountant.

1. Industry-Specific Expertise: Look for a firm fluent in entertainment contracts, royalty agreements, and distribution audits. They should understand recoupment schedules, foreign sales, and the quirks of profit participation.
2. Reputation for Discretion and Accuracy: Audits are sensitive. The best firms operate quietly, with a reputation for forensic detail and unbiased reporting.
3. Global and Regional Strengths: Some firms specialize in Hollywood studio audits, others have deep roots in regional hubs like Atlanta or New York. For international co-productions, global reach matters.
4. Technology Alignment: Productions run on digital platforms. For distributed teams, check out remote accounting tips for film & TV. Auditors who can work directly with data from production finance software like Wrapbook complete their work faster and more cost-effectively.

The top film auditing companies

A handful of firms stand out for their deep expertise and trusted reputations. Here’s a closer look at the leaders in film and television auditing, including both national powerhouses and regional specialists.

1. CohnReznick

CohnReznick is a major national accounting firm with a dedicated entertainment industry practice. They serve studios, independent producers, and financiers. They are well known for their work in distribution audits, royalty examinations, and film tax credit services across multiple states. Their size and scope allow them to handle complex audits for large-scale productions and global distributors.

2. Aprio

Aprio is another powerhouse in the Georgia production scene with a strong entertainment practice. The firm provides a wide range of services, including distribution audits, royalty tracking, and tax credit compliance. Their deep regional knowledge and comprehensive service offerings make them a trusted partner for production companies operating in one of the nation's busiest filming hubs.

3. Bennett Thrasher

Based in Atlanta, Bennett Thrasher is a key player in the Georgia film and television industry. The firm has extensive experience with the state's production tax credit program and is on the Georgia Department of Revenue’s list of certified auditors. They offer a combination of tax strategy and compliance services tailored to entertainment clients, making them a go-to for productions in the Southeast.

4. Frazier & Deeter, LLC

Frazier & Deeter, LLC is a large, nationally recognized CPA firm with a specialized focus on the entertainment industry. They handle both traditional financial statement audits for production companies and specific film tax credit reviews. Their team combines broad accounting knowledge with a specific understanding of the financial intricacies of film and television production.

5. Brauer & Co., PC

A boutique firm with deep connections to the production accounting community, Brauer & Co., PC offers a more personalized approach to film audits. They specialize in forensic accounting services designed to uncover discrepancies in profit participation statements and revenue reports. Their focused practice is ideal for rights holders seeking a detailed, hands-on examination of financial records.

6. The Wesley Peachtree Group

This independent firm has carved out a niche in compliance and tax credit audits for the entertainment sector. As another certified auditor for Georgia's film tax credit program, The Wesley Peachtree Group helps productions meet state requirements while providing broader financial oversight. Their specialization makes them a reliable choice for ensuring both compliance and financial accuracy.

7. Element CPA PC

Element CPA PC is a niche player in the Georgia film tax credit ecosystem. With a focus on compliance audits and tax credit verification, they support productions seeking to maximize state incentives while maintaining rigorous financial standards.

8. Rosales Financial Group

Rosales Financial Group brings regional expertise to the table, offering audit and compliance services tailored to the needs of Georgia-based productions. Their familiarity with local regulations and tax credit requirements makes them a valuable resource for producers navigating the state’s incentive landscape.

9. The Accounting Cure, LLC

The Accounting Cure, LLC specializes in tax credit audits and compliance for film and television projects. Their hands-on approach and attention to detail help productions meet the strict documentation and verification standards required by state programs.

How Wrapbook supports transparency and audit readiness

Audits are often a response to missing, delayed, or unclear financial data. Proactive financial management can prevent disputes and streamline the verification process. That’s where modern production finance platforms come in.

Wrapbook centralizes all financial data, from onboarding to running film payroll, creating a clear and accessible audit trail that protects producers and investors alike.

• Consolidated Financial Data: Payroll, purchase orders, vendor payments, and expenses are tracked in one system. A single source of truth for all production costs.
• Real-Time Reporting: Generate and export cost reports, trial balances, and general ledgers that align with standard audit requirements. Real-time visibility helps you spot potential issues before they become problems.
• A Clear Audit Trail: Every transaction is documented and retained. This provides the evidence auditors need to verify expenses and confirm compliance. This is especially valuable for satisfying the documentation demands of state tax credit programs.

With organized, real-time financial records, you can respond to auditor requests instantly. Auditors spend less time chasing down data, which means a faster, more efficient, and less costly audit process. 

Wrapping up

Audits are a fundamental tool for protecting revenue and ensuring contractual compliance in the post-release life of a film or series. The complexity of entertainment finance means that only a small number of firms possess the true expertise to navigate this work effectively.

Choosing the right auditor saves time, reduces financial risk, and provides the clarity needed to maintain investor confidence. By pairing a specialized firm with a proactive financial platform like Wrapbook, you create a powerful combination of accountability and transparency that protects your project’s long-term financial health.

See how Wrapbook makes financial reporting and audit readiness effortless. Watch now.