Bottom line online

Axium, Columbus plan Web-based accounting service

By MARC GRASER

Axium Entertainment Services, one of Hollywood's largest payroll system providers, has teamed with Internet data manager Columbus Entertainment to give studios and TV networks the ability to record, manage and track production costs online.

Columbus' InfoNet enables producers to access this data and generate reports from any location worldwide.

By joining forces, the two companies are expected to be the first to offer an array of Web-based tools for production information to track call sheets, purchase orders, travel authorizations, cost reports and other accounting issues related to the film and television industries.

Twentieth Century Fox, Fox TV, Paramount Network TV and Studios USA have used the service. Lucasfilm has also said it will use the system on its next two "Star Wars" prequels.

Monitoring budgets

"Producers need a fast, easy way to monitor their budgets and expenses, not only on any given project, but across projects on a global basis real time," said Axium prexy Ruben Rodriguez. "We feel that Axium and Columbus are a natural fit."

Said Jon Gaster, prexy of Columbus Entertainment, "The ability of producers and studios to obtain up-to-the-minute production information is the key to our services. By combining our InfoNet service with Axium's services, together we can provide truly innovative and cost-effective new services to our customers."

Columbus is also developing software packages that cover script submission, casting, accounting and payroll, and the delivery of digital dailies online.