The WrapBook Podcast Daniel Brea & Jonathan Sanger

Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we continue our deep dive into the making of "Cabrini" with our special guest, the multi-talented Cristiana Dell'Anna. Join us as Cristiana reveals the unexpected challenges and triumphs of mastering an Italian accent for her role, despite her natural British flair.

You'll be captivated by her fascinating tales of auditioning in Italy and the incredible transformation she underwent to embody her character.In this episode, you'll hear firsthand from Cristiana about the pressures and joys of transitioning from the stage to the screen, and how her theater training uniquely prepared her for the intense, emotionally charged scenes in "Cabrini." She shares her personal experiences of rejection and resilience in the acting world, offering a raw and honest look at the highs and lows of pursuing a career in the arts.We also explore the innovative filming techniques used on set, including the intricate dance between actors and the camera to capture the perfect shot.

Cristiana's vivid descriptions of working with the director and the crew will transport you to the set, where every frame was crafted with precision and passion.Whether you're an aspiring actor, a film enthusiast, or simply a lover of compelling storytelling, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that you won't want to miss. Tune in for a glimpse into the magic of filmmaking and the dedication it takes to bring a powerful story like "Cabrini" to life.

In this thrilling episode, Jonathan and Daniel dive deep into the making of the iconic film "Vanilla Sky." Uncover the fascinating story behind how this American classic is a remake of Alejandro Amenábar's Spanish hit "Open Your Eyes," featuring Penelope Cruz in both films. 
Listen as Jonathan shares insider stories from the set, including the meticulous and methodical approach of director Cameron Crowe, and the lengths they went to for authenticity in the film's makeup and special effects. Discover how the team managed to shut down Times Square for one of the movie's most iconic scenes, a feat of logistics and coordination that required weeks of preparation and the cooperation of New York City.
Hear about Tom Cruise's unwavering dedication, from enduring hours of makeup to ensuring the crew's comfort with catered meals and even massages during long shoots. Learn how Tom's passion for the project and his unique collaboration with Crowe brought this complex, mind-bending story to life.
Jonathan also reveals the challenges of integrating real-world events into the film, like deciding whether to keep the Twin Towers in the background post-9/11, and how this decision added another layer of depth to the production.
Filled with personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the intricate details of filmmaking, this episode is a must-listen for fans of "Vanilla Sky" and anyone fascinated by the magic of movie-making. Tune in to explore the creativity, dedication, and sheer hard work that turned "Vanilla Sky" into a cinematic masterpiece.

Join hosts Daniel Brea and Jonathan Sanger in a captivating conversation about the making of the iconic film “The Producers.” Dive into the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, from the initial conception by the legendary Mel Brooks to the challenges and triumphs of bringing this hilarious and groundbreaking comedy to life. Jonathan shares personal anecdotes and insider secrets about working with stars like Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, and Uma Thurman, and the incredible journey from stage to screen. Don’t miss this insightful and entertaining episode that celebrates one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Tune in now! 🌟🎬✨

In this captivating episode, Daniel Brea and Jonathan Sanger dive deep into the creation of the sports drama "Without Limits," exploring the extraordinary life of legendary runner Steve Prefontaine. More than just a sports film, "Without Limits" is a tale of perseverance, human spirit, and relentless determination.Listen as they discuss:
- Working with Tom Cruise even though he wasn't in the film
- The unique filmmaking techniques used to capture the essence of Prefontaine's journey.
- Behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs, including filming in Prefontaine's coach's actual house.
- The humorous and unexpected moments on set, like the time a cameraman forgot to load film during a crucial boat crash scene, leaving the crew to rely on two side cameras to salvage the footage.Discover how Prefontaine's story inspired the cast and crew, and get a glimpse into the meticulous planning and creative decisions that brought this remarkable film to life. This episode is a must-listen for movie buffs, sports enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good behind-the-scenes story.

In this episode we Jonathan gives Daniel Sh*t for being a Jewish filmmaker with extensive tattoos. But for real - after a humorous anecdote about a spontaneous tattoo session in South Dakota, Jonathan then shares how a biopic about Mother Cabrini, the first American saint and patron saint of immigrants became his most recent big $40+ MIllion dollar, privately funded project. He recounts how he got involved in the project, initially hesitant due to his lack of connection to Catholicism. However, he was convinced by the story's emphasis on Cabrini's entrepreneurial spirit and determination. He shares detailed historical context about Cabrini's life, her struggles with illness, and her journey to the U.S., where she established a vast network of hospitals, schools, and orphanages. We then chat about Cabrini's tenacity, noting how she never took no for an answer and always aimed to help the most disadvantaged. The discussion also touches on the production challenges faced during the pandemic, the decision to shoot primarily in Buffalo, New York, and the unique approach to filming, which involved long, continuous shots rather than traditional coverage. Jonathan emphasizes the collaborative effort of the cast and crew, many of whom were theater-trained and adept at adapting to the precise blocking required. The episode concludes with a discussion on the film's reception and distribution, particularly its partnership with Angel Studios. Despite the potential for controversy due to the studio's association with previous projects, Jonathan remains optimistic about the film's impact and success, both commercially and critically. Daniel and Jonathan express their hopes for the movie's continued success and its ability to inspire audiences worldwide and vow to record a future episode after it's run its course in theaters.

In this episode, we delve into the journey of creating the film Frances. The conversation begins with a discussion about Mel Brooks' influence and his encouragement to pursue new projects with Jonathan after the success of "Elephant Man." The dialogue shifts to the production of "Frances," a film about the tumultuous life of actress Frances Farmer. Daniel and Jonathan explore the challenges and triumphs of working on such a compelling yet somber story, drawing parallels to other emotionally charged films like "The Whale" and "Casino." They discuss the significance of finding the right actors, highlighting the process of selecting Jessica Lange for the role of Frances Farmer. Lange’s performance is credited with being pivotal to the film's success, showcasing her depth and talent beyond her initial roles in "King Kong" and "Postman Always Rings Twice. The episode also touches on the difficulties of staying versatile in Hollywood, with anecdotes about the hurdles of transitioning from dramatic to comedic roles. The intricate dynamics of the studio system in Hollywood's golden era are examined, providing context to the film’s depiction of studio politics and power struggles. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and resilience in the face of systemic challenges, drawing lessons from Frances Farmer's story and its relevance to contemporary Hollywood. Overall, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, the importance of casting, and the enduring influence of classic Hollywood studio dynamics on modern cinema.