Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 Posted by Jim Thacker

CETA Software launches Artist Access


CETA Software has launched Artist Access, a new time-tracking solution within iCFM, its production-management platform for VFX, post-production and motion design studios.

It enables artists to log their hours online, providing the studio with a real-time overview of the state of a project, and forecasting the cost of the hours remaining.

A suite of cloud-based production management tools for VFX and post-production studios
iCFM (CETA Facilities Manager) is a suite of cloud-based production management tools, providing studios with tools for managing the bidding, scheduling, reporting, and billing of jobs.

Its users include post-production and VFX companies of a range of sizes, from boutique studios to large firms like Framestore and The Mill.

Artist Access: new tools for time tracking and artist contract management
Artist Access is a time-tracking system tailored to “sectors where bespoke contracts and dynamic workflows are the norm”, including regular, overtime and weekend rates for artists.

The Artist Access application itself provides an interface through which artists can manage their schedules and log their hours on jobs, replacing the legacy Artist Portal application.

It is coupled with a new Artist Contracts system and updates to existing iCFM workflows.



A ‘time-tracking tool for creative teams’
In its news release, CETA Software pitches the key features of the combined updates as:

  • Artist contracts
    Easily integrate and manage artist contracts, reducing manual input and the potential for errors.
  • Flexible time-tracking
    Allow artists and freelancers to log their own hours, even to projects they have not been directly assigned to, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Production can then review these logged hours before they become a true cost.
  • Real-time cost insights
    Get up-to-the-minute data on artist hours and associated costs, providing better financial control.
  • Overtime tracking and prediction
    Accurately track regular and overtime hours, with advanced forecasting tools that predict when an artist is likely to enter overtime, helping you stay ahead of potential budget overruns. Reports show costs, total hours, and overtime hours, providing full visibility to manage labour costs proactively.
  • Accurate hours forecasting
    Predict and report on lunch breaks, overtime, and total hours worked. See detailed information to keep you on top of utilisation and project costs.

Artist Access was initially rolled out to individual clients last year, and now available to all users “at no additional cost for an unlimited number of artists”.

Price and system requirements
iCFM is a browser-based solution. It is priced on enquiry, but pricing is subcription-based and tiered.

Read more about the new Artist Access features in the iCFM documentation

Read more about iCFM’s other features on the CETA Software website

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