Faster, Redesigned Project Setup
Powered by: MyCast&Crew
Who it impacts: Studio & Finance Executives, Project Admins
What's New
- Project setup is now organized into three focused parts: core project details, users and permissions, and optional configurations like approval workflows and integrations.
- Submit the first two parts and Cast & Crew begins configuration immediately. Optional settings in Part 3 no longer block the start of payroll.
- A visual progress tracker shows your setup status in real time: what's complete, what's in progress, and what's optional
- Save and return at any point, no need to complete the entire form in one sitting
- US and Canada productions see a streamlined experience; only questions relevant to your jurisdiction appear
Why It Changed
The previous setup form required every field, including optional configurations, to be completed before Cast & Crew could begin any work. This delayed productions that had all their critical information ready but were held up by settings they hadn't finalized yet.
Why It Matters
- Productions reach payroll processing faster by submitting what's required first and handling optional settings on their own timeline
- The progress tracker gives everyone, including your team and Cast & Crew, a shared, real-time view of where setup stands
- Fewer irrelevant questions means a faster, cleaner setup experience for US and Canada productions
What You'll Need to Do Differently
If you have templates set up, we highly recommend reviewing them to ensure you have all required fields filled in before using them for future projects. The following fields are now required:
- Estimated Total Budget (located in Part 1 – Project Type, Budget & Dates): If you've previously left this blank, you'll need to fill it in
- Last Name (located in Part 2 – Add Users to a Project): In the previous experience, first and last name were combined into a single field. They are now two separate fields.
- PSL+ Access Level (located in Part 2 – Add Users to a Project; only if you have PSL+ access): If you have PSL+ access, you will be required to select an access level. This was previously optional.
- Departments (located in Part 2 – Create Departments): Previously, this field was only required for Hours+ projects. It is now required across all project types.
For more information, check out our learning resources:
California SB 294 Compliance
Powered by: MyCast&Crew, Start+
Who it impacts: Payroll Accountants, Hiring Managers, Crew (California productions only)
What's New
- A compliance checkbox now appears automatically in the Emergency Contact section of MyCast&Crew for crew members onboarding onto California productions
- Required SB 294 data is captured during the standard onboarding flow. No separate form, no extra step for your team.
- Compliance data flows directly into Cast & Crew systems, and Start+ provides reporting and audit trail capabilities for hiring managers
Why It Changed
California's SB 294 requirements introduced new data collection obligations for productions filming in the state. Rather than add a separate compliance process on top of onboarding, the required step is built directly into the existing crew emergency contact section, so it's captured at the source.
Why It Matters
- California productions meet SB 294 requirements automatically. No separate compliance forms to manage.
- A full audit trail is available through Start+ reporting, ready if documentation is ever needed.
- Only applies to California productions. There is no change for crew working on productions outside California.
What You'll Need to Do Differently
- For production admins and payroll accountants: no setup required—this applies automatically to California productions.
- For crew working on a California production: look for the new checkbox in the Emergency Contact section and fill it if applicable.