The WrapBook Podcast

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.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of filmmaking with an in-depth discussion on the journey behind the creation of the critically acclaimed film "The Elephant Man." Our guest shares his experiences working alongside industry legends such as Mel Brooks and David Lynch, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of producing a major motion picture.
We'll answer questions like

Why Elephant man was nominated for every Oscar and didn’t win even one?

Why Dustin Hoffman wanted to play the elephant man and was denied! (even though he was the biggest actor at the time)

How a FIRST TIME producer took a script from his baby-sitter and turned it into one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time.

Why Mel Brooks helped make the Elephant man, but didn’t want his name on it.

We explore the initial discovery of the script, the process of securing funding, and the innovative approaches taken to ensure the film's success. Listen in as we uncover behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including the pivotal role Mel Brooks played in championing the project and the creative decisions that shaped the film.Additionally, the episode touches on broader themes in the film industry, such as the dynamics between producers and directors, the evolution of independent filmmaking, and the significance of a strong, collaborative team. Whether you're a film enthusiast or simply curious about the intricacies of movie-making, this conversation provides valuable insights into the art and business of cinema.Join us for a captivating discussion that highlights the magic of storytelling and the enduring impact of "The Elephant Man."