Wrapbook
Modern production payroll and compliance software for entertainment companies
Overview
Wrapbook is a production payroll and workforce management platform designed for the entertainment industry. It handles onboarding, timecards, payroll processing, and tax compliance for cast and crew on film, television, and commercial productions.
The platform streamlines the start paperwork process, allowing actors to complete W-4s, I-9s, and other onboarding documents digitally before arriving on set. Payroll is processed through the system with built-in union and guild compliance features.
How It Works
Wrapbook has gained significant traction with independent and mid-size production companies looking for a modern alternative to legacy payroll providers. Its intuitive interface and digital-first approach reduce administrative friction for both productions and talent.
Pricing is structured for production companies rather than individual actors. Producers contact Wrapbook directly for quotes based on project size and needs.
Who Uses It
Understanding how Wrapbook works can help actors navigate the onboarding process on productions that use it. If you are producing your own content, Wrapbook can simplify payroll compliance and ensure you handle employment obligations correctly. The platform has become increasingly popular as independent productions seek modern, cloud-based alternatives to legacy payroll systems that are often cumbersome and slow. Wrapbook's emphasis on digital onboarding means actors can complete their start paperwork from home before arriving on set, which saves valuable production time and reduces the first-day administrative burden. For actor-producers wearing multiple hats on their own projects, Wrapbook can be the difference between compliant payroll and a tax nightmare.
Pricing & Plans
Wrapbook's pricing is structured for production companies and is based on the size and scope of the project, with quotes provided directly upon request. Individual actors do not pay for Wrapbook — it is a production-side expense, similar to how actors do not pay for the payroll service that processes their checks on a studio production. For actor-producers running their own projects, the cost varies based on the number of cast and crew being paid, the complexity of union compliance requirements, and the duration of the production. While Wrapbook does not publicly list specific pricing tiers, industry reports suggest that their rates are competitive with or lower than legacy providers like Entertainment Partners for smaller productions. The platform occasionally offers introductory pricing or pilot programs for first-time production companies, which can make it more accessible for independent filmmakers testing the platform.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Wrapbook's modern, cloud-based interface is dramatically more user-friendly than the legacy systems that have dominated production payroll for decades, reducing onboarding time and administrative headaches for both productions and talent. The digital start paperwork process eliminates the mountains of physical forms that actors traditionally fill out on their first day, allowing them to arrive on set ready to work rather than sitting in a production office for an hour. Built-in union and guild compliance features ensure that SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and other union requirements are met automatically, reducing the risk of costly compliance errors. The platform's real-time payroll tracking gives both productions and talent visibility into payment status, which reduces the anxiety of wondering when your check will arrive. Wrapbook integrates with popular production management tools, creating a streamlined workflow from budgeting through final payment. The company's responsive customer support and educational resources make it accessible even for first-time producers who have never managed payroll before.
What Could Be Better
Because pricing is not publicly available and requires contacting sales, it can be difficult for small independent producers to quickly assess whether Wrapbook fits their budget without going through a consultation process. The platform is designed primarily for narrative film and television production workflows, and actors working in theater, live events, or other entertainment sectors may find that it does not address their specific needs. While Wrapbook has grown rapidly, it still has a smaller market share than legacy providers like Entertainment Partners, which means some actors may encounter it infrequently and need to re-learn the interface each time. The digital-first approach assumes reliable internet access and technological comfort, which can be challenging on remote location shoots or for less tech-savvy crew members. Some productions report that transitioning from a legacy payroll system to Wrapbook involves a learning curve for production accountants accustomed to traditional workflows. Additionally, because Wrapbook is a relatively newer company compared to decades-old competitors, some producers remain cautious about entrusting their payroll to a less established provider.
Our Recommendation
If you are an actor-producer planning to hire cast or crew for your own production, Wrapbook is worth investigating as a modern, user-friendly payroll solution that handles the complex compliance requirements of entertainment industry employment. It is particularly well-suited for independent and mid-budget productions that want professional-grade payroll without the overhead and rigidity of legacy systems. If you are an actor who is not producing your own content, you do not need to seek out Wrapbook — but understanding that it exists and how it works will make your onboarding experience smoother on productions that use it. For very small projects with just a handful of paid collaborators, simpler payroll solutions or even direct payment through a payroll service like Gusto may be more cost-effective. Compare Wrapbook's offering with Entertainment Partners and Cast & Crew to find the best fit for your production's specific size and requirements.
Pro Tips
If a production asks you to complete your start paperwork through Wrapbook before your first day, do it immediately rather than waiting — productions notice and appreciate talent that handles administrative tasks promptly and professionally. Have your Social Security number, banking information for direct deposit, and a current government ID ready before starting the digital onboarding process, as having everything at hand makes it quick and painless. If you are producing your own content, schedule a Wrapbook demo well before your production start date so you have time to learn the system and set up your project properly. Keep copies of all your Wrapbook-generated pay stubs and tax documents organized digitally, as they will be essential for tax preparation and for verifying your earnings for union qualification thresholds. If you encounter payroll issues on a Wrapbook production, know that the production company is the first point of contact, not Wrapbook itself — the platform is a tool used by the production, and payroll disputes should go through the production's accounting department or your union representative.