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Wrapbook’s next-gen technology equips production teams with unprecedented levels of speed and flexibility, two critical traits in the world of unscripted content. The expertise required to keep up with the breakneck pace and hyper-variability of shooting unscripted film and television is a natural point of exploration for our podcast, On Production.
Hosted by Wrapbook Co-founder Cameron Woodward, each episode of On Production centers on an in-depth conversation with leaders and specialists from every corner of the production industry. Join us below, as we highlight five recent episodes that take listeners behind the scenes to see the reality of unscripted production.
Unscripted television is in a constant state of flux. From the ever-shifting conditions of a typical shoot to the emergence of new technologies to the evolution of the industry itself, managing the complexities of reality TV requires both a diverse skillset and raw endurance.
With over 15 years in the industry, Nicole Walberg knows exactly what it takes to sustain a career in unscripted production. She joined Cameron for an episode of On Production to explore the creative process behind some of our favorite reality series.
Walberg shares her journey from experimental filmmaking to shows like Top Chef, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller. She draws on her robust background to walk listeners all the way through the production pipeline, from generating an initial concept to delivering a final product. Through her insight and advice, Walberg provides an invaluable resource for aspiring professionals.
The challenges of film financing are not exclusive to independent features. Securing the funds to get an unscripted production off the ground can be just as complex and arduous as with their traditional, scripted counterparts. Nathan Wakefield sat down for an episode of On Production to take Cameron and listeners on a journey through the fast-paced world of production finance for unscripted content.
As the VP of Production Finance at iTV America, Wakefield has developed a unique and highly qualified perspective on the unscripted market. He oversees a slate of productions whose budgets collectively exceed $400 million and account for more than 500 hours of content per year.
Wakefield unveils the interconnectedness between film finance and nearly all aspects of the creative process. Grounded in a background balanced by both accounting and physical production, he mines his personal experience to demonstrate the fundamental importance of finance in bringing reality TV shows to life.
The rapid-fire pace of production and distribution often lends a sense of impermanence to unscripted content. However, its seemingly ephemeral surface conceals a rich culture built upon the legacies of unscripted artists throughout cinema history.
Few understand the power of that legacy in unscripted film and television better than Chuck Braverman. With a remarkable career that includes everything from music videos to feature films to an Academy Award-nominated documentary short, Braverman was kind enough to bring his pedigreed perspective to an episode of On Production.
Drawing from the deep well of his own career, Braverman spoke to Cameron about why storytelling is at the heart of any production, even if it’s not scripted. He shares with listeners the secrets behind his craft and his tips for building a lasting legacy. Using his work with Westdoc Online as an example, Braverman outlines the power of making connections and the importance of building community.
The appeal of unscripted programming relies on a potent blend of careful organization and the chaos of authentic human nature. When successful, the alchemy of these two ingredients creates a sensation that anything might happen. Unscripted audiences know that they can expect the unexpected.
Irad Eyal linked up with Cameron to dig into the nuts and bolts of this rare form of suspense on an episode of On Production. As the EP at Haymaker West, Eyal is a key voice behind several hit shows, including Southern Charm and the breakout Netflix series Floor Is Lava.
Eyal sheds light on the characteristics that make an unscripted format compelling and explores the behind-the-scenes dynamics that bring an on-screen drama to life. His expert insights demonstrate the importance of clearly communicating your own ideas and encourage listeners to embrace the inherent unpredictability of an unscripted production.
Wrapbook is proud to serve Smartypants as one of our many high caliber production company clients. Founded by Joshua Seftel, Smartypants specializes in compelling stories that connect with people. Among these stories is Stranger at the Gate, a short film directed by Seftel that was nominated for Best Documentary Short at the 95th Academy Awards.
Stranger at the Gate tells the story of Richard “Mac” McKinney, a former US Marine whose plan to bomb a Muncie, Indiana mosque was cut short by the friendships he formed with its congregants. The film touches on important issues like PTSD, Islamophobia, and the power of human connection in the face of corrosive hate.
Producers Suzanne Hillinger and Conall Jones were generous enough to join us for an episode of On Production. Hillinger and Jones walk our listeners through the process of bringing the film to life, from initial development of the story to managing an effective festival run.
The world of unscripted productions is as rich and varied as reality itself. These five episodes of On Production provide a rare glimpse at how an unscripted project comes together from the perspectives of professionals who do the work every single day. Be sure to keep an eye out for more episodes in the near future.
Wrapbook is a force multiplier for production finance and accounting teams to achieve success faster. Beyond our next-gen digital platform and a concierge service model, we believe in providing resources that empower the filmmaking community toward more confident and collaborative decision making. For a deeper dive into unscripted production management, check out our guide to unscripted production incentives or our free eBook on more effective collaboration on unscripted productions.