Sargent-Disc: 30 Years in the Making

Tagged: Payroll, Production Accounting, SD Online, Software, Training, Awards, Digital Purchase Order

Sargent-Disc is the industry's leading supplier of production payroll and residual services in the UK. It's comprehensive payroll solution allows for artists and crew to be paid, in a range of currencies with confidence. Having been one of the first to offer a computerised payroll service to productions in 1986, Sargent-Disc launched the first online payroll gateway in the industry in 2005 called SD Online.

Following changes to recent government legislation, the company now combines the Auto Enrolment pension process with its tried and tested payroll service. It addresses the complex needs of the film, television and media industries for a wide range of roles and contracts, and direct or third party payments.

 'I started working with Sargent-Disc many, many years ago and it started a long and very productive relationship with a terrific company' Roderick Smith, Senior Vice President Production Finance, Paramount Studios

'It's been fantastic working with Sargent-Disc, its been very professional. We have a trust and a personal friendship that goes way, way back' Paul Steinke, Senior Vice President, Production Finance, Walt Disney Studio

Sargent-Disc History:

Founded in 1986 by John and Marija Sargent, Sargent-Disc has worked closely with its clients to ensure personalised, professional and cost effective services to a wide range of productions; from low budget documentaries, commercials, through to major Hollywood blockbusters, independent films and high-end TV drama. Now run by Laurence and Lara Sargent, Sargent-Disc continues its commitment to invest in and support the film and television industry at home and abroad.

'It's the personal touch that is the best part of working with Sargent-Disc.'Camille Mayo, Finance Executive Domestic Production, BBC Worldwide.

Earlier this year, the company was unveiled as a finalist in the Specialist Payroll Provider category for the 2016 Payroll World Awards; an award that honours a company which demonstrates innovative solutions for their market and delivers significant business benefits to clients. The winner will be announced in November. Sargent-Disc last won the award at the 2014 Payroll World Awards.

'You just know, once you've brought them on, everything's going to be done absolutely correctly.' Kevin Trehy, SVP Production, Warner Brothers (Gravity, Inception, Harry Potter 1 - 7)

Supporting the Industry:

The company is a major patron of the Royal Television Society, business partner of the Production Guild and a member and sponsor of the UK Screen Association, working with them to inform and educate their members. It also helps the UK and international film industries to build relationships at the Festival de Cannes, one of the world's largest annual film festivals, through hosting an annual reception for international producers to network with each other, and by supporting Women in Film and Television (WFTV). Sargent-Disc is also proud to support two Production Management Diploma Scholarships at the National Film and Television School (NFTS).

'They go over and above their payroll service requirements.' Betty Williams, Production Accountant (Edge of Tomorrow, Mamma Mia)

Transforming the Production Office:

Over the last 30 years, Sargent-Disc has helped transform the financial reporting and management processes for the Production Office on productions of all sizes. In 1986 Sargent Disc helped to bring MicroDisc to the UK. MicroDisc soon became the industry standard accounting software helped by real time support in Europe and an electronic interface from Sargent-Disc's payroll. One industry standard was replaced by another with the arrival of Vista Accounting. An early appreciation of the industry's need for effective production management software led to Sargent-Disc selling the Production Toolkit from 1987 to 1989. Sargent-Disc then became the first UK reseller of Movie Magic software in 1989. Sargent-Disc continues to develop and improve its technology in order to simplify our clients' workload and maintain efficiency of production. The company looks forward to introducing Smart Accounting to its suite of products and services in the near future.

'He [John Sargent, Founder of Sargent-Disc] dragged the British film industry, well certainly the accounting section of it, into the computer age' Will Tyler, Financial Controller.

The Digital Production Office ®, Sargent-Disc's suite of software demonstrates  it's commitment to raise awareness of and encourage sustainable production through a selection of environmentally friendly 24/7 digital tools, which incorporate SD Online Payroll, Payslips, Payscales, CrewStart, Digital Purchase Order, and SD Production Card. Sargent-Disc strives to help the industry by developing solutions for its processes through the services they provide; working to increase efficiency whilst reducing costs, the carbon footprint and saving time.

'At every stage over the years, they always seem to have been at the forefront in terms of developing what they've got. There's never been a sense of sitting back and being complacent. …  I always think that they've got that right.' Kevin Trehy, SVP Production, Warner Brothers (Gravity, Inception, Harry Potter 1 - 7)

'They would be my first choice every time.' Julie Baines, Producer, Dan Films

Sargent-Disc would like to thank its partners and clients for their continued support over the past 30 years and looks forward to the next 30 years.

Please contact us or download a copy of our brochure for more information about the company.