A podcast about
‍how great projects get made.

We sit down with Ida Lee Henderson, a veteran production accountant whose career spans blockbuster films like Planet of the Apes and acclaimed series like Brothers and Sisters. Beyond her on-set work, Ida Lee is also a respected mentor and educator, having trained countless accountants through her School of Production Accounting.

In this conversation, Ida Lee shares what drew her to the industry, how she’s seen it evolve over the decades, and the key challenges facing producers today—particularly around union compliance, payroll, and budgeting. She discusses the importance of clear communication between accounting and production teams, and how strong relationships can prevent costly financial missteps.

She also dives into the changing role of technology in production accounting, from digital start work to AI-powered invoice tools. She shares why early adoption matters, how tools like Wrapbook’s rate finder can streamline budgeting, and why adaptability is essential in a fast-moving industry.

Whether you're a producer, accountant, or just curious about how productions stay on budget and in compliance, this episode is a must-watch.

We sit down with Amy Denning Winfrey, a highly regarded payroll accountant whose career journey took her from production assistant to supervising payroll accountant. Winfrey shares candid insights into the world of payroll accounting, reflecting on the challenges, responsibilities, and often-overlooked importance of this critical role in film production.

The conversation explores the evolution of payroll practices, from traditional processes to today’s digital systems, and how these tools have transformed the way productions operate. Winfrey highlights the impact of remote work on payroll management, the need for updated contracts to provide clarity, and why strong payroll coordination can ultimately make or break a production.

Alongside guest host Emily Rice, the discussion emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and recognition among production accountants. From training newcomers to building networks that provide valuable resources, both Winfrey and Rice underscore how teaching, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another are vital for the health of the industry.

Listeners will also gain perspective on the realities of hiring practices, the undervaluation of payroll accountants, and why having a reliable payroll coordinator is non-negotiable. This episode shines a light on the professionals who keep productions running smoothly behind the scenes and reminds us of the human connections that sustain the industry.

We head to Fort Worth, Texas—a city that’s quickly becoming a key player in the film world. We sit down with Taylor Hardy, Commissioner at the Fort Worth Film Commission and Director of Video Content at Visit Fort Worth, to explore how this once-overlooked city has transformed into a go-to destination for major productions like 1883, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and even music videos from artists like Kendrick Lamar.

Taylor shares how it all started. Back in 2015, Fort Worth didn’t even have a film office. Fast forward to today, and it’s hosting large-scale productions and attracting top-tier talent. Taylor walks us through that journey—from scouting locations herself as an intern to building a film-friendly culture rooted in community, collaboration, and a can-do attitude.

Taylor highlights the city’s hands-on approach—from helping with scouting and permits to offering hotel rebates and travel support. She also touches on the city's new training initiative, the Fort Worth Film Collaborative, which helps locals jump into film work by applying existing skills to the production world. With over 200 students already enrolled, it’s a clear sign of the city’s investment in long-term industry growth.

Taylor also breaks down the state’s revamped film incentive program and shares how Fort Worth helps productions access these benefits while also offering additional support through local programs and community outreach.

Whether you're a producer looking for a new filming location, a filmmaker navigating state incentives, or someone building out a local crew, this episode is a must-listen.