Joseph Rust Recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as a Top Entertainment Business Manager for 2026
We are proud to share that Joseph Rust, CPA, CFP, Chief Strategic Innovation Officer at Prager Metis, has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter in its 2026 Power Business Manager List.
Behind many successful careers in entertainment is a trusted business manager helping clients navigate increasingly complex financial decisions. From managing multiple income streams and evaluating investment opportunities to adapting to changes in production and technology, their guidance plays an important role in helping clients plan for what’s ahead.
Joseph has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to individuals and businesses across the entertainment sector, helping clients navigate the financial complexities that accompany success. Through his leadership role at Prager Metis and his work with the firm’s Entertainment & Music Practice, he collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to deliver comprehensive business management, tax, accounting, advisory, and family office services tailored to the unique needs of entertainment professionals.
This recognition underscores Joseph’s commitment to helping clients adapt to an increasingly dynamic entertainment landscape. As emerging technologies, evolving compensation models, intellectual property opportunities, and global business considerations continue to reshape the industry, Joseph and the Prager Metis team remain focused on helping clients identify opportunities, manage risk, preserve wealth, and position themselves for long-term success.
Services for Entertainment Professionals
Whether you’re an actor, musician, producer, director, athlete, content creator, entertainment executive, influencer, or entrepreneur, Prager Metis provides specialized guidance in areas including:
- Entertainment business management
- Entertainment accounting and advisory services
- Tax planning and tax compliance for entertainers and creators
- Wealth preservation and financial planning
- Family office and high-net-worth advisory services
- Cash flow management and budgeting
- Business entity structuring and strategic planning
- Royalty, licensing, and intellectual property income management
- Estate, trust, and succession planning
- Domestic and international tax planning
- Investment coordination and risk management
- Strategic financial guidance for growing entertainment brands and businesses
Looking for guidance from an experienced entertainment advisory team? Prager Metis helps entertainment professionals navigate complex financial, tax, and business decisions with strategies designed to support sustainable growth and long-term financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an entertainment business manager do?
An entertainment business manager helps artists, entertainers, executives, athletes, and creators manage financial operations, tax obligations, budgeting, investments, business interests, and long-term wealth planning.
Why is specialized tax planning important for entertainers?
Entertainment professionals often face unique tax challenges, including royalty income, touring revenue, production earnings, endorsement deals, independent contractor considerations, multi-state taxation, and international tax exposure.
What services does Prager Metis provide for entertainment professionals?
Prager Metis provides entertainment business management, tax planning, accounting, family office services, wealth preservation strategies, royalty and licensing advisory, estate planning support, and strategic business consulting tailored to the entertainment industry.
How can entertainment professionals protect and grow their wealth?
A proactive approach that includes tax planning, cash flow management, investment coordination, business structuring, risk management, and succession planning can help entertainers preserve wealth while creating long-term financial stability.
Who should work with an entertainment business manager?
Actors, musicians, producers, directors, athletes, influencers, content creators, executives, and entertainment entrepreneurs can benefit from specialized business management and financial advisory services designed for the entertainment industry.




