On Production

Wrapbook

Join Cameron Woodward, Co-founder at Wrapbook, to discuss the intersection of creativity and commerce, and what the future holds for the production industry in commercial, film, TV, and more.

  1. The New Reality of Reality Television with Michelle Van Kempen

    4D AGO

    The New Reality of Reality Television with Michelle Van Kempen

    We sit down with television producer and NPACT General Manager Michelle Van Kempen, whose career has helped shape the unscripted landscape for nearly three decades. As an executive at FilmGarden Entertainment, Michelle oversaw more than 2,000 episodes of television, developing and producing series for major networks while learning firsthand how to run unscripted shows at scale. Now, through her work at NPACT and as founder of Women in Nonfiction, Michelle supports the production companies and professionals behind much of the U.S.'s unscripted content. In this conversation, she shares what it takes to keep shows on time and on budget, how to lead production teams with flexibility and foresight, and why the producer’s role is often about planning for spontaneity. She also reflects on the evolution of the unscripted business model—from a commission-heavy era to today’s shifting mix of buyouts, co-productions, brand partnerships, and short-form experimentation. Whether you’re running shows, pitching buyers, or trying to build a long-term career in nonfiction, this episode offers a look at the challenges and opportunities of producing in a fast-moving, post-streaming world. ABOUT WRAPBOOK Wrapbook is the AI platform for production finance. Built for today’s fast-moving production landscape, Wrapbook brings payroll, spend, and accounting into one AI-powered system—giving production teams the tools they need to do more, faster. Built for features, TV, or commercials—Wrapbook helps the industry’s biggest production companies stay compliant, track every dollar in real time, and eliminate the paper-chasing that slows everything down. AI handles the busywork—reading invoices, flagging issues, syncing data—so your team can focus on the work that really matters. But software is only half the story. Wrapbook pairs powerful automation with concierge support from industry experts who’ve worked on set and know what’s at stake. It’s how the best production teams scale smarter, protect their budgets, and keep their crews happy. See how Wrapbook is a force multiplier for production finance teams at www.wrapbook.com.

    36 min
  2. Why Film Editing Is Emotional Work with Viridiana Lieberman

    JAN 27

    Why Film Editing Is Emotional Work with Viridiana Lieberman

    We sit down with Viridiana Lieberman, an award-winning editor and director behind some of the most acclaimed nonfiction films and series of the past decade. Her work includes The Sentence, Call Center Blues, and most recently The Perfect Neighbor—Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature Film, as well as winner of the US Documentary Directing Award at Sundance 2025 and the Critics Choice Documentary Award for Best Editing. With a style marked by precision, restraint, and emotional clarity, Lieberman’s projects consistently push the boundaries of what a documentary can be. In this conversation, Viridiana shares how she approaches the craft of editing not just as a technician, but as a storyteller and partner in the filmmaking process. She reflects on her years-long creative collaboration with director Geeta Gandbhir, the unique editorial challenges behind The Perfect Neighbor, and why she believes documentaries can feel as cinematic as narrative film. We also talk about the editorial mindset she brings to directing her own work, including her debut feature Born to Play, and how that perspective shapes how she receives footage from other teams. Throughout the episode, Lieberman opens up about how nonfiction editors help define structure, tone, and trust—on both sides of the screen. For anyone working in documentary or nonfiction production, this is a conversation rich with insight on the power of restraint, the value of long-term collaboration, and what it takes to build stories that last. ABOUT WRAPBOOK Wrapbook is the AI platform for production finance. Built for today’s fast-moving production landscape, Wrapbook brings payroll, spend, and accounting into one AI-powered system—giving production teams the tools they need to do more, faster. Built for features, TV, or commercials—Wrapbook helps the industry’s biggest production companies stay compliant, track every dollar in real time, and eliminate the paper-chasing that slows everything down. AI handles the busywork—reading invoices, flagging issues, syncing data—so your team can focus on the work that really matters. But software is only half the story. Wrapbook pairs powerful automation with concierge support from industry experts who’ve worked on set and know what’s at stake. It’s how the best production teams scale smarter, protect their budgets, and keep their crews happy. See how Wrapbook is a force multiplier for production finance teams at www.wrapbook.com.

    52 min
  3. What It Takes to Turn a Bestseller into a Box Office Hit with Bob Bookman

    JAN 13

    What It Takes to Turn a Bestseller into a Box Office Hit with Bob Bookman

    We are joined by legendary literary agent, producer, and manager Bob Bookman, whose career has spanned over five decades at the intersection of publishing and film. From discovering the source material for Jurassic Park and The Silence of the Lambs to helping bring A Beautiful Mind to screen, Bob has been instrumental in shaping how great writing finds its way into cinema. In this conversation, Bob reflects on how he identifies truly cinematic material, what makes an adaptation viable, and how the process of getting a film made has evolved—from pre-streaming theatrical logic to today's algorithm-driven systems. He shares stories behind major projects, including the 25-year journey to produce The Burial and how A Complete Unknown came together with Timothée Chalamet and Searchlight. He also breaks down the complexity of rights deals, why strong material isn’t always easy to adapt. Whether you’re a producer, manager, agent, or simply someone navigating the shifting ecosystem of development and IP, this episode offers a candid, detailed look at what it really means to bring a story from the page to the screen. About Wrapbook Wrapbook is a smart, intuitive platform that makes production payroll and accounting easier, faster, and more secure. We provide a unified payroll platform that seamlessly connects your entire team—production, accounting, cast, and crew—all in one place. Wrapbook empowers production teams to manage projects, pay cast and crew, track expenses, and generate data-driven insights, while enabling workers to manage timecards, track pay, and onboard to new projects from any device. Wrapbook brings clarity and dependability to production payroll, while increasing the productivity of your whole team. For crew: The Wrapbook app eliminates the headaches of production payroll by providing a fast, transparent, and secure solution for workers to complete startwork, submit timecards, and track pay. Trusted by companies of all sizes, Wrapbook powers payroll for some of the industry’s top production companies, including SMUGGLER, Tuff, and GhostRobot. Our growing team of 250+ people includes entertainment and technology experts from SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and more. Wrapbook is backed by top-tier investors, including Jeffrey Katzenberg’s WndrCo, Andreessen Horowitz, and A* Capital. Get started at https://www.wrapbook.com/

    1h 3m
  4. The Producer’s Role in a Changing Film Economy with Tom Butterfield

    12/26/2025

    The Producer’s Role in a Changing Film Economy with Tom Butterfield

    We’re joined by producer and production executive Tom Butterfield, whose 17-year career has spanned studio collaborations, independent features, and public sector funding bodies on both sides of the Atlantic. As the principal of Culmination Productions, Tom has produced a diverse slate of films including The Critic, Cellar Door, The Banker, and Die in a Gunfight. He brings a uniquely grounded perspective on what it takes to get a film made. In this conversation, Tom unpacks the realities of producing in today’s market. He compares the financing and development models between the UK and US, offers candid lessons from multi-year development journeys, and explains how casting factors into packaging decisions. We also dive into his philosophies on creative collaboration, managing talent relationships, and the producer’s role as a problem-solver. Tom also reflects on industry shifts—from the decline of mid-budget theatrical films to the rise of streamer-era economics—and how organizations like Producers United are helping redefine the producer’s role in today’s evolving landscape. About Wrapbook Wrapbook is a smart, intuitive platform that makes production payroll and accounting easier, faster, and more secure. We provide a unified payroll platform that seamlessly connects your entire team—production, accounting, cast, and crew—all in one place. Wrapbook empowers production teams to manage projects, pay cast and crew, track expenses, and generate data-driven insights, while enabling workers to manage timecards, track pay, and onboard to new projects from any device. Wrapbook brings clarity and dependability to production payroll, while increasing the productivity of your whole team. For crew: The Wrapbook app eliminates the headaches of production payroll by providing a fast, transparent, and secure solution for workers to complete startwork, submit timecards, and track pay. Trusted by companies of all sizes, Wrapbook powers payroll for some of the industry’s top production companies, including SMUGGLER, Tuff, and GhostRobot. Our growing team of 250+ people includes entertainment and technology experts from SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and more. Wrapbook is backed by top-tier investors, including Jeffrey Katzenberg’s WndrCo, Andreessen Horowitz, and A* Capital. Get started at https://www.wrapbook.com/

    41 min
  5. Future-Proofing Your Studio in a New Era of Production with Joel Pilger

    12/12/2025

    Future-Proofing Your Studio in a New Era of Production with Joel Pilger

    We sit down with creative entrepreneur and studio advisor Joel Pilger. After running Impossible Pictures for two decades—serving major clients like Disney, Nat Geo, and Ford, Joel now helps creative studios and production companies around the world build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses without compromising their creative identity. In this conversation, he shares what it takes to lead a creative business in today’s landscape of remote teams, tighter margins, AI disruption, and increased competition. Joel unpacks the most common pitfalls creative studio founders face, especially around sales, marketing, and pricing. He explains why growth doesn’t have to mean dilution, how studios can structure their teams for creative freedom and financial discipline, and why the future belongs to lean, elite, highly specialized teams who know how to deliver at scale. Whether you're running a five-person shop or scaling beyond 20, Joel offers practical insights on navigating the “anxious middle,” setting smart financial guardrails, and focusing on what he calls your "genius." This episode also dives into how studios can escape commoditization by shifting from order-takers to trusted experts, developing proprietary methods, and building community with both clients and peers. About Wrapbook Wrapbook is a smart, intuitive platform that makes production payroll and accounting easier, faster, and more secure. We provide a unified payroll platform that seamlessly connects your entire team—production, accounting, cast, and crew—all in one place. Wrapbook empowers production teams to manage projects, pay cast and crew, track expenses, and generate data-driven insights, while enabling workers to manage timecards, track pay, and onboard to new projects from any device. Wrapbook brings clarity and dependability to production payroll, while increasing the productivity of your whole team. For crew: The Wrapbook app eliminates the headaches of production payroll by providing a fast, transparent, and secure solution for workers to complete startwork, submit timecards, and track pay. Trusted by companies of all sizes, Wrapbook powers payroll for some of the industry’s top production companies, including SMUGGLER, Tuff, and GhostRobot. Our growing team of 250+ people includes entertainment and technology experts from SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and more. Wrapbook is backed by top-tier investors, including Jeffrey Katzenberg’s WndrCo, Andreessen Horowitz, and A* Capital. Get started at https://www.wrapbook.com/

    41 min
  6. Filming in Wisconsin: What the New Incentives Mean for You

    11/28/2025

    Filming in Wisconsin: What the New Incentives Mean for You

    We explore how Wisconsin is emerging as a new destination for filmmakers. We sit down with filmmaker Nathan Deming and veteran studio executive Suzanne Jurva, two key voices behind the recent passage of groundbreaking film incentive legislation in the state. Together, they break down how this bipartisan initiative came to life, what it means for the state’s creative economy, and why it could serve as a model for regional film development elsewhere. Nathan shares his experience shooting in Wisconsin while splitting time between LA and the Midwest, and how the lack of infrastructure highlighted the need for change. Suzanne, whose career spans DreamWorks, independent film, and tech, discusses how her studio background shaped her advocacy efforts and why she believes the state is uniquely positioned to support both indie and studio-level productions.  This episode dives into the real challenges of regional filmmaking—from crew access to gear rental—and how smart, community-driven policy can unlock growth. We also explore the early impact of these changes, the importance of post-production and training ecosystems, and the broader economic ripple effect of investing in film.  About Wrapbook Wrapbook is a smart, intuitive platform that makes production payroll and accounting easier, faster, and more secure. We provide a unified payroll platform that seamlessly connects your entire team—production, accounting, cast, and crew—all in one place. Wrapbook empowers production teams to manage projects, pay cast and crew, track expenses, and generate data-driven insights, while enabling workers to manage timecards, track pay, and onboard to new projects from any device. Wrapbook brings clarity and dependability to production payroll, while increasing the productivity of your whole team. For crew: The Wrapbook app eliminates the headaches of production payroll by providing a fast, transparent, and secure solution for workers to complete startwork, submit timecards, and track pay. Trusted by companies of all sizes, Wrapbook powers payroll for some of the industry’s top production companies, including SMUGGLER, Tuff, and GhostRobot. Our growing team of 250+ people includes entertainment and technology experts from SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and more. Wrapbook is backed by top-tier investors, including Jeffrey Katzenberg’s WndrCo, Andreessen Horowitz, and A* Capital. Get started at https://www.wrapbook.com/

    31 min
  7. Film Distribution in the Age of AI with Tara Hein-Phillips

    11/14/2025

    Film Distribution in the Age of AI with Tara Hein-Phillips

    We’re joined by Tara Hein-Phillips, CEO and co-founder of Jolt—a film distribution company using AI, data, and performance marketing to reinvent how independent and documentary films find their audiences. With a background as Chief Product Officer at Sundance, where she launched the first virtual festival and co-founded Sundance Collab, Tara brings a rare blend of creative sensibility and digital strategy to the conversation. She shares how Jolt’s Interest Delivery Network helps filmmakers identify and activate niche audiences through community partnerships, targeted events, and iterative data testing. From climbing doc Girl Climber to the upcoming Boston-set Cathedrals, each film receives a personalized rollout aimed at maximizing impact and viewership. We also explore how Tara’s time at Sundance shaped her approach to Jolt, the role of festivals as modern-day marketing launches, and why sustainable careers for filmmakers require a mindset shift around budgets and reach. Tara offers a timely, thoughtful perspective on what it takes to connect stories to the people who need them most. About Wrapbook Wrapbook is a smart, intuitive platform that makes production payroll and accounting easier, faster, and more secure. We provide a unified payroll platform that seamlessly connects your entire team—production, accounting, cast, and crew—all in one place. Wrapbook empowers production teams to manage projects, pay cast and crew, track expenses, and generate data-driven insights, while enabling workers to manage timecards, track pay, and onboard to new projects from any device. Wrapbook brings clarity and dependability to production payroll, while increasing the productivity of your whole team. For crew: The Wrapbook app eliminates the headaches of production payroll by providing a fast, transparent, and secure solution for workers to complete startwork, submit timecards, and track pay. Trusted by companies of all sizes, Wrapbook powers payroll for some of the industry’s top production companies, including SMUGGLER, Tuff, and GhostRobot. Our growing team of 250+ people includes entertainment and technology experts from SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and more. Wrapbook is backed by top-tier investors, including Jeffrey Katzenberg’s WndrCo, Andreessen Horowitz, and A* Capital. Get started at https://www.wrapbook.com/

    42 min
  8. Tech-Driven Payroll for a 24/7 Industry with Steven Fishman

    10/31/2025

    Tech-Driven Payroll for a 24/7 Industry with Steven Fishman

    We sit down with Steven Fishman, a veteran in entertainment payroll and a Wrapbook team member. With more than 26 years of experience at companies like Media Services and Cast & Crew, Steven brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to the conversation. He shares the story of how he broke into the industry on Sunset Beach, and how he’s since played a key role in serving nearly every format—from commercials and music videos to reality TV and high-budget streaming shows. Steven takes us behind the scenes of his decades in the business, reflecting on the evolution of entertainment payroll and the critical lessons he’s learned—like why software readiness can make or break a company, and how strong industry relationships can be the key to long-term success. He also opens up about the importance of scalable, purpose-built tools for modern productions, explaining why Wrapbook’s technology-first approach offers a refreshing contrast to the legacy systems he worked with for years. The episode explores how technology is raising expectations across the industry—from always-available support to feature-rich apps for crew members—and how Wrapbook is uniquely positioned to meet those demands. Join us for a candid, thoughtful conversation with someone who has not only witnessed the transformation of entertainment payroll firsthand, but who is also actively shaping its future. About Wrapbook Wrapbook is a smart, intuitive platform that makes production payroll and accounting easier, faster, and more secure. We provide a unified payroll platform that seamlessly connects your entire team—production, accounting, cast, and crew—all in one place. Wrapbook empowers production teams to manage projects, pay cast and crew, track expenses, and generate data-driven insights, while enabling workers to manage timecards, track pay, and onboard to new projects from any device. Wrapbook brings clarity and dependability to production payroll, while increasing the productivity of your whole team. For crew: The Wrapbook app eliminates the headaches of production payroll by providing a fast, transparent, and secure solution for workers to complete startwork, submit timecards, and track pay. Trusted by companies of all sizes, Wrapbook powers payroll for some of the industry’s top production companies, including SMUGGLER, Tuff, and GhostRobot. Our growing team of 250+ people includes entertainment and technology experts from SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and more. Wrapbook is backed by top-tier investors, including Jeffrey Katzenberg’s WndrCo, Andreessen Horowitz, and A* Capital. Get started at https://www.wrapbook.com/

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Join Cameron Woodward, Co-founder at Wrapbook, to discuss the intersection of creativity and commerce, and what the future holds for the production industry in commercial, film, TV, and more.

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