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  • Wrapbook Review: Unwrapping this Entertainment Payroll Software [2024]

    Wrapbook Review: Unwrapping this Entertainment Payroll Software [2024]

    There are many entertainment payroll services available for producers and accountants who need help managing their finances and paying people on time. One of those solutions is Wrapbook

    In this post, you’ll learn what this platform does, who it’s for, and whether it’s worth considering.

    What is Wrapbook Payroll?

    Wrapbook is a payroll software specifically designed for those in production. It connects everyone on the team, including producers, cast, crew, and accountants.

    If you’re in charge of payroll, Wrapbook allows for the creation of crew profiles that monitor union and non-union workers from one job to another. Their mobile time cards allow for the correct calculation of their pay. 

    The service also shows all expenses in one place, including payroll, purchase orders, and petty cash, and users can generate reports whenever the need arises.

    Wrapbook Review

    Here’s a breakdown of all Wrapbook features to help you decide if this production payroll company is what your production needs right now.

    Wrapbook Features: How Does Wrapbook Work?

    Here are some of the available features when you use Wrapbook for your production.

    Entertainment Payroll

    The most important Wrapbook feature is arguably its payroll capabilities. The tool aims to ensure everyone gets paid on time by recording hours, reimbursements, expenses, kit fees, and more.

    Pay the whole crew with the click of a button, and automate compliance for union dues like SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and more.

    The whole crew accesses their information through the iOS app, where information updates in real-time.

    Onboarding

    Wrapbook allows for the addition of new workers to an existing crew with its onboarding feature. Collect signatures electronically and store them within the platform. If they forget to sign something, you can send a reminder and you can keep track of their documents, like I-9s and W-4s, in real-time.

    This feature also lets you invite candidates to a project. There’s also a record of everyone who’s worked on projects, so it’s easier to rehire. 

    Cost Tracking

    This platform allows you to create, manage, and share purchase orders with other stakeholders in your production. You get to see everything in real time, so there are (hopefully) no surprises at the end of the production run.

    The iOS app allows users to log receipts on the go. Then, generate reports at the end of the production to know how much was spent overall. 

    Production Accounting

    Accountants access all the information they need in one location, including the total budget, timecards, cost reports, and the general ledger. Plus, with everything done digitally, there’s no need for manual re-entry if there are changes to job costs. As soon as someone changes job costs, it will show up for all users with access to that information.

    Reporting

    To find specific records, filter your reports by worker type, department, payroll ID, and more. Then, generate reports with the exact information needed. The filters are also useful when you need to create reports without sensitive data that isn’t appropriate for everyone to see.

    Wrapbook logs every change made to the records. So if there are disputes, refer to the logs for a quick resolution. Plus, reports are available in real-time and everyone has access to their records whenever they need them.

    Wrapbook Pros

    Here are some advantages of using the Wrapbook platform: 

    Wrapbook Cons

    While Wrapbook is a strong platform, it does have some limitations: 

    • It can be expensive, especially for smaller productions
    • Crew can get confused by the UI, like not understanding how to add kit fees or rentals
    • Accountants have no control over where payments get sent (for example, it sends checks to talents directly and not their agencies)
    • The app is only available on iOS

    Pricing

    There is no publicly available pricing information. You’d have to send an inquiry or book a demo if you’d like to learn more.

    Wrapbook Reviews

    There are positives and negatives to using Wrapbook. Accountants seem to enjoy its clean and simple interface. However, some claim that it’s not so easy for crew members to understand. They’d often have to explain the system, which takes up valuable time.

    Its users praise the built-in features. However, it is a costly solution. The platform charges a percentage of the salary amount it processes. There are complaints about talent needing to sign off where their checks go. And there’s no way for accountants to override it at this time.

    Some would like Wrapbook to offer different budget levels, especially for smaller production companies just starting.

    Wrapbook Alternatives

    If you’ve used Wrapbook before and aren’t pleased with the product, or are doing your due diligence before committing to a payroll management software, we have you covered!

    Here are some Wrapbok alternatives for your review.

    1. LÜK Network 

    Luk logo

    LÜK provides comprehensive production payroll services, crafted to accommodate the intricate dynamics of the entertainment industry. The services extend to independent contractors on a studio shoot in LA or a full cast and crew on set. They take care of precise freelancer categorization, administer workers’ compensation, and handle payroll taxes with proficiency and simplicity.

    LÜK simplifies all payments into one clean, straightforward invoice, therefore alleviating the need for their clients to manage multiple payment channels and a myriad of invoice emails. Clients can merely approve or contest a single invoice per production, and LÜK manages the rest.

    Of note, with the shifting landscape of freelance work and the implications of laws, LÜK’s services ensure that all talent is compensated as contractors, in compliance with each state’s labor laws, thereby simplifying and taking over these responsibilities for their clients.

    Luk software

    Services

    • Integration with 1099 contract workers comp to ensure all your cast and crew are covered
    • Holds liability for paying talent as contractors, adhering to specific states’ labor laws such as the AB5 law in California
    • Comprehensive tax oversight and handling
    • Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
    • Acts as an AOR for productions, taking on all liability for financial and legal procedures
    • Accurate worker classification

    LÜK is ready to become your 1099 payroll hero. Welcome to a streamlined payroll at your fingertips.

    Get Started with LÜK today

    2. Cast & Crew

    Cast & Crew is an accounting and financial company serving the entertainment industry. Aside from handling a production outfit’s finances, the tool also assists in processing payrolls and fulfilling certain HR tasks.

    Businesses use it to set up budgets, track day-to-day costs, and pay vendors. Its metrics and insights function allows users to collect, filter, and visualize their company data with custom reports. They also offer digital asset management capabilities to store and access your documents and files in a central location. 

    Services

    • Tools for speeding up payroll operations
    • Custom reports
    • Built-in onboarding tools
    • Customizable interface
    • Digital asset management for production and payroll documents

    3. Entertainment Partners

    entertainment partners

    Entertainment Partners (EP) provides entertainment payroll, workforce management, residuals, tax incentives, finance, and other production management solutions

    Their software offerings include accounting systems along with Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling programs, which they tout as industry standards. Additional services, such as casting and payroll for background actors, are facilitated through their Central Casting division.

    The company provides hands-on training for production accounting teams and production workers as part of the onboarding process. For more information, check out our Entertainment Partners Review.

    Services

    • Payroll and residual services 
    • Production management
    • Crew scheduling
    • Digital document management solution
    • Real-time overview of all your ongoing productions
    • Corporate and government compliance requirements documentation

    Is Wrapbook worth it?

    Wrapbook is an established player in the entertainment industry. Their payroll solution aims to keep your business in compliance with industry regulations, and aid with hiring and managing employees, vendors, and contractors. 

    However, when comparing Wrapbook to LÜK, the choice is easy. In addition to the meticulous handling of payroll, worker classification, and seamless tax management, LÜK simplifies the entire process from onboarding to approvals, payments, and reporting. 

    What truly sets LÜK apart from Wrapbook is its all-encompassing nature. It’s not just a payroll wizard, but a comprehensive talent-booking platform–so that every tool a production needs is all in one place. 

    So, is Wrapbook worth it? While Wrapbook qualifies as a credible contender in the entertainment payroll space, LÜK has been shaped by industry expertise to keep producers moving through their workday with confidence and speed–backed by a trusty source at every turn.

    “Knowing that they create a portfolio of available talent for us and then manage the booking and payments from start to finish has been a true LIFESAVER for us.” Tim Abney, Global Director of Education, Cosway Beauty Brands

    Ready for a modern, streamlined, and stress-free payroll?

  • 15+ Best Producer Software Tools [2023]

    15+ Best Producer Software Tools [2023]

    If there is one group of people who could use an extra hand, it’s creative producers. You have talent to book, sets to approve, entertainment insurance to secure…and we all know time is finite. 

    Sure, you could do this all on your own and never have a moment’s rest during the entire production. Or…you could incorporate producer software tools to streamline your workflow, automate tasks, and increase productivity. Imagine: less time on admin and more time for creativity! 

    Sounds good? Then you’re ready for this post! We’ve put this list with some of the top-performing software to help producers get to the next level. 

    Types of Producer Software Tools

    There are numerous software tools for producers that range from music editing to production payroll. All of the tools help streamline production and enhance output. Here are some of the many types of producer software tools: 

    • Music & audio production tools 
    • Production management
    • Payroll & accounting software 
    • Animation software 
    • Film and video production

    The lists below cover the best producer software for music, payroll, and production management! 

    Best Producer Software for Production Management

    Out of our undying love for the entertainment industry and our quest to help producers with anything and everything, we’ve curated this list of software designed to streamline your production. 

    Remember, the software listed below are only a few options that you can choose. Plenty of software exists with unique services, tools, and features that could help make your productions and projects run smoother. 

    Here are some of the best producer software tools for managing your production.

    LÜK

    Luk logo

    LÜK makes production management easy, efficient, and compliant with an all-in-one solution for budgeting, crew management, and 1099 payroll. 

    Features & Services:

    • Booking logistics, crew management and payroll one platform
    • Payroll services and white-glove support
    • Budgeting
    • Scheduling
    • Crew onboarding
    • History of past shoots and talent/crew
    • Invoice management
    • 1099 payroll
    • Workers comp insurance
    • Labor law compliance

    As payroll is a key attribute of the platform, we’ll talk more about those features in our “producer software for payroll” list below! 

    Studio Binder

    Studio Binder logo

    StudioBinder is a production management software designed to streamline video, photo, TV, and film production processes. The platform helps with project management by providing tools for tasks like scriptwriting, shooting scheduling, storyboarding, call sheets, and more. 

    Features & Services:

    • Script breakdowns: Users can import scripts and tag elements like props, wardrobes, etc. 
    • Contact lists: Send messages and manage talent, crew, vendors, and more. 
    • Shooting schedules: Drag-and-drop interface that helps users plan and schedule shoots. 
    • Call sheets: Create and send out personalized call sheets while tracking RSVPs. 

    Yamdu

    Yamdu logo

    Yamdu is a cloud-based platform for film production management that streamlines workflows and centralizes production data. This platform offers production, scriptwriting, scheduling services, and data protection for scripts and other files.  

    Yamdu software

    Features & Services:

    • Cast and crew: Bring teams together to collaborate and share production information. 
    • Project calendar: Store all the production events, plans, and off-periods in one calendar. 
    • File sharing: Share files with talent and partners directly from the platform. 
    • Tracking: Can track who viewed, edited, uploaded, downloaded, lost, commented, and received any documents at any moment. 

    Celtx

    Celtx logo

    Celtx has scriptwriting and pre-production tools that help with story development and the production of TV and film projects. This platform can format scripts, organize lists, maintain catalogs, and more to keep production on track.

    Celtx software

    Features & Services:

    • Beat Sheet: Map out scenes, plot points, character arcs, and more to keep the story moving forward. 
    • Catalog: Track, manage, and categorize assets in one location. 
    • Script Sides: Instantly generates and shares dialogues and details about the script with actors and crew. 
    • Shot List: The platform can analyze scripts and generate daily shot lists. 

    Dramatify 

    dramtify logo

    Dramatify is a cloud-based production solution that works with multiple industries like entertainment, sports, documentaries, and more. Some of this platform’s services include cast and crew management, scheduling, scriptwriting, and more. 

    Features & Services:

    • Production dashboard: Get the latest production updates and have access to all documents used for production. 
    • Budgeting: Import breakdown items, templates, budgets, notes, and upload cost spec to line items from any device. 
    • Wardrobe: Have all the information needed for wardrobe items, including cast measurements and character pages. 
    • Location Management: Producers can manage location options, image galleries, information, maps, and weather for upcoming scenes. 

    Assemble

    Assemble logo

    Assemble is a production management software that helps producers track their project tasks, manage files, and more. Users can collaborate in one place with features like file sharing, or users can adjust and monitor their project timelines with a calendar view. 

    Assemble software

    Features & Services:

    • Calendar and tasks lists: Users get a visual view of their entire project with milestones, and events, filter by date, phase, or priority, add subtasks, and more. 
    • Asset management: Store all creative assets in the cloud and organize projects by categories. 
    • Production documents: Create and distribute documents with customizable widgets, rows, columns, and track views across multiple devices. 
    • File sharing and feedback: Users can share their assets and files and receive feedback, track approvals, and leave comments in one place. 

    Scrivener

    Scrivener logo

    Scrivener is a writing platform that can be used for scripts, manuscripts, essays, documents, and more. Users have full creative control over their scripts and can restructure them however they want, perform research within the platform, and more. 

    Scrivener software

    Features & Services:

    • Exporting: Export documents in multiple formats, including RTF, PDF, and Word. 
    • Full-Screen Writing: Full-screen composition mode that is completely customizable.
    • Metadata: Record and find information and color-code section with labels to track revisions. 
    • Collections: Create a list of documents to help write scenes and track chapters. 

    Best Software for Music Production 

    The best music software to create the music for any kind of production.

    Logic Pro X by Apple

    Logic Pro X by Apple icon

    Logic Pro X is a music production and audio editing software created by Apple. It is designed to provide professional-quality audio solutions for musicians, sound designers, and producers. The software has a library of virtual instruments, loops, and audio effects, enabling users to create, mix, and fine-tune their music. 

    Logic Pro X by Apple software

    Features & Services:

    • Producing: Record and edit MIDI or audio with various editing tools. 
    • Beat Making: Program beats, bass lines, and other sequences with the Step Sequencer. 
    • Sampling: Create and edit multi-sampled instruments and import or record them into the Quick Sampler. 
    • Sound Library: Contains over 5000+ instruments, effect patches, and more/

    Ableton Live 11

    Ableton Live 11 logo

    Ableton Live 11 is a music production software that live performers and studio producers use. This software allows for song creation, production, mixing, and even live performances. Ableton Live 11 also has software instruments, audio effects, and MIDI effects and is compatible with Windows and macOS.

    Ableton Live 11 software

    Features & Services:

    • Linked-track editing: Link two or more tracks and edit them at the same time. 
    • PitchLoop89: Create a glitch effect, digital shimmers, and vibrato to add character to sounds. 
    • Tempo following: Users can listen live to adjust tempo based on real-time incoming audio. 
    • Note chance: Set the probability of when a drum or note hit will happen and generate different variations to each pattern. 

    Presonus Studio One 5 Artist

    Presonus Studio One 5 Artist logo

    PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist is a digital audio workstation for music composition and production. This software, developed by PreSonus, comes with features for beginners and experienced audio engineers. The platform offers workflow with drag-and-drop functionality and multi-touch support. 

    Presonus Studio One 5 Artist software

    Features & Services:

    • Sound libraries: Over 100 content libraries are available to use for production. 
    • Learning tools: Users have access to courses, lessons, and videos to help them understand the interface. 
    • Studio One Workspaces: A live chat that lets users collaborate and communicate in real time for mixes and performances. 
    • Community: Users can find and work with collaborators to share mixes, get feedback, and more. 

    Steinberg Cubase Pro 12

    Steinberg Cubase Pro 12 logo

    Steinberg Cubase Pro 12 is a digital audio workstation equipped with audio/MIDI recording, editing, and mixing tools for composers, producers, and mixing engineers. It provides users with an environment with virtual instruments, an array of studio-grade audio, and MIDI effects processors. Steinberg Cubase Pro 12 is compatible with Windows and MacOS. 

    Steinberg Cubase Pro 12 software

    Features & Services:

    • FX Modulator: Create custom LFOs and modulate six integrated effects at one time. 
    • Crossfade editor: Advanced crossfade editor for more control, operation, and editing for blending. 
    • Audiowarp: Edit audio recordings and correct timings in the Project window. 
    • Raiser: Increase the loudness of your production without affecting transients or transparency. 

    Best Producer Software for Payroll 

    Here are some of the best producer software tools for streamlining payroll for your production. 

    LÜK

    Luk logo

    Why are we on here twice? LÜK’s producer software takes care of all your casting and booking…but it also provides a complete solution for producers’ tax, payment, and legal tasks!

    LÜK offers comprehensive insurance and payroll services for the entertainment industry, efficiently handling tasks such as worker classification, workers’ compensation, talent invoicing and payments, payroll taxes, and more. 

    The goal is to streamline producers’ workload, allowing you more time to do what you love! 

    LÜK software

    Features & Services:

    • Payroll: Clients can make a single payment covering all invoices–no matter how many different freelancers or agencies are involved. All you have to do is approve or dispute one invoice for each production, leaving the rest of the payment procedures to LÜK.
    • Wage compliance by state: LÜK takes on the duty of paying talent as contractors by labor laws, including California and all other states in the US. 
    • Worker’s comp: Provides 1099 workers’ comp to any production. 
    • Worker classification: Properly categorizes all employees and contractors to avoid any tax or legal ramifications. 
    • Tax management: Will automatically send 1099-NEC to independent contractors exceeding the threshold set by the IRS for tax season.  
    • Agency of Record: Assumes responsibility for all the financial and legal procedures associated with contractor payroll, workers comp, and tax documentation on your behalf.

    ABS Payroll 

    ABS Payroll logo

    ABS Payroll specializes in delivering payroll services for a range of productions, including independent films, television, and commercials. Beyond payroll, they offer support in production accounting, managing tax incentives and workers’ compensation assistance, catering to the needs of both union and non-union productions.

    ABS Payroll  software

    Features & Services:

    • Production accounting: Detailed cost reporting, vendor management, and cash flow tracking to keep productions under budget. 
    • Production Accounting & Software: This is software for production accountants that includes cost reporting, vendor management, and cash-flow tracking.
    • Insurance: Helps clients purchase annual, short-term, or special entertainment insurance coverage. 
    • Residuals Processing: Residuals processing for all Reuse Markets – ATL / BTL payments, P&H contributions, and payroll taxes.

    Entertainment Partners

    ep payroll logo

    Entertainment Partners provides payroll services in the film industry, collaborating with prominent studios and productions. They offer solutions like SmartStart and SmartTime to simplify the processes of onboarding and time-keeping. Additionally, they offer services aiding in budgeting, scheduling, and documentation. 

    Entertainment Partners plaform

    Features & Services:

    • Enterprise Hub: This platform provides a single digital view of all your productions.
    • SmartStart: Am onboarding tools equipped with templates, custom forms, automatic updates, compliance, and more. 
    • Casting Portal: Book talent, send and track documents, and expedite payroll through a private portal. 
    • Digital W-2s and 1099s: EP offers free digital versions of W-2s and 1099s. 

    Use the Best Producer Software Tool

    As a producer, you’ll most likely have a large tech stack that includes several of the tools on this list. 

    But, if you want a tool that helps with end-to-end production management, including booking, payroll, taxes, legal compliance, and more–you’ll want to work with LÜK. 

    The user-friendly interface allows producers to book and manage their contractors in a way that’s streamlined, efficient, and, well, productive! 

    LÜK’s founders knew first-hand just how archaic and flawed the production process had always been. And they knew that there had to be a way to make it better. 

    So they did! LÜK is working every day to make life for creatives infinitely better–resulting in better morale, better vibes on set, and better creative.