Our client, Phil, has been a TV drama producer for over 26 years. Initially training as an actor at Bretton Hall College in Yorkshire, he eventually made the jump to the other side of the camera.
Phil has produced many of the UK’s favourite series including Doctor Who and Coronation Street, as well as:
He was also one of the team spearheading the revival of Doctor Who in 2005 and went back in 2022 to manage its journey to global streamer Disney+.
He has been Bafta nominated five times and won twice for Doctor Who and Coronation Street.
In Phil’s own words: “The key challenge for a film and TV professional is instability.
“Most of us are self-employed and it tends to be feast or famine. You’re either super busy when employed or, during the gaps between jobs, it can be many months before you have an income again.
“As a result, it’s vital to manage your funds and accounts carefully, budget well and to keep an eye on changing tax rules and government policy.
“Managing a day-to-day working role, it can be really challenging keeping across personal finances as well. It’s easy to overspend, not save enough for tax, run out of money when you’re not working and I’ve known many in my industry get into trouble in this regard.”
Phil came to us in the late 2000’s when his previous accountant joined the firm so he’s had help from the FFT team for most of his working life.
He says, “the whole team have been amazing – keeping me informed, gently reminding me of due payments, helping with record keeping and correspondence with HMRC.
“It’s a constant stream of questions and info flowing between us, which is really reassuring. I’m always well informed as FFT send me a summary after every budget or big tax law change.
“I can honestly say they have taken so much of the stress of my accounts and tax affairs from my shoulders, enabling me to concentrate on my day-to-day job and keep the money coming in.”
Phil also praises the way each of FFT’s departments communicate and work as a whole:
“I receive a 360-degree service from FFT which feels gold standard.
“The various teams in the vat and tax departments are always delightful and very easy to contact and seek advice from. I get concise accounts and regular reminders when payments are due, and their team have contacted HMRC on my behalf and helped navigate any complexity.
“The most vital part of what the teams do though is in making the whole business of tax and VAT a bearable part of daily life.
“I would recommend anyone in the entertainment, TV or film industry to look at FFT for all accounts advice.
“They are really the best accountants for TV and film businesses and with other friends in the industry now looked after by the team, I can confirm that they have a unique perspective on our industry and its challenges.
Registers to carry out audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Freedman Frankl & Taylor is the trading name of FFT Limited.
Company number: 04510195
Registered to carry on audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales