What's The Rate?

RESOURCES: Filmmaker David Ramer

Filmmaker David Ramer! Website: https://rameramaproductions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramerdirects/ Check out "The Screw Up" : https://www.youtube.com/@TheScrewUpSeries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Season 2 Finale!

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RESOURCES: Finances for Indie Creatives! A Money Guide for Artists

Personal finance advice for creatives navigating freelance life, gig work, and inconsistent income. In this conversation, finance coach Julie Ferguson breaks down practical strategies for managing money in your early 20s without sacrificing your creative path. This episode focuses on how indie artists and young professionals can build financial stability while continuing to invest in their careers. Topics include student loan management, investing for long-term growth, setting up a business, and creating sustainable financial habits. Student loan debt is reframed as a financial tool rather than a personal failure. The discussion explores when to prioritize paying off debt versus investing, how to handle high-interest loans, and when refinancing might make sense. The conversation also covers investment strategies tailored to freelancers, including building an emergency fund, using a Roth IRA, understanding brokerage accounts, and investing in skills and networking to increase earning potential over time. Key financial concepts are explained in simple terms, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and index funds, giving beginners a clear starting point for building wealth. Insurance essentials for creatives are also discussed, including health insurance, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), renters’ insurance for protecting equipment, and when life insurance becomes relevant. For those building a creative business, this episode breaks down LLC basics, separating personal and business finances, tracking expenses, and preparing for quarterly taxes. Finally, the conversation highlights how mindset, environment, and habits shape financial outcomes, and how automation can simplify money management for people with unpredictable income. If you are a freelancer, indie artist, or creative trying to build financial stability while pursuing your work, this episode provides actionable insights you can apply immediately!!! SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and helpful resources like this! Like comment and share! Follow the show! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IoUxOa... Instagram: https://instagram.com/whatstheratepod Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Check out Julie: Instagram: instagram.com/positivemoneyproject Website: positivemomentumproject.com Free Guide: stan.store/positivemomentumproject #financialeducation #moneymanagement #indieartists #nyc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Indie Film Production in NYC! Rugby Otis Productions: Episode 11

LAST INTERVIEW OF SEASON 2!!! My heart is so full. Season 3 coming in August! This episode features the host, Breonn Lyons, interviewing the founding team of Rugby Otis Productions: Jacob Boatsman (CEO/creative director), Sadie Prenda (CFO/creative director), and Chris Stucker (sound and post-designer). *Rugby Otis Productions Origins and Philosophy* * Based in Brooklyn, the independent production company was founded by roommates Jacob and Satie. * Their philosophy is built on "scrappy creativity," bold ideas, and a refusal to wait for permission. * The founders were motivated by a desire to remain independent rather than pursuing traditional paths in the "Hollywood machine". * After facing personal hardships and professional uncertainty, they solidified their partnership, emphasizing that their "ignorance is bliss" and naivety helped them drive their business forward. * The group gained momentum through a year-long challenge of creating 52 films in 52 weeks. * Cardboard Island is highlighted as a major project, showcasing their ability to create high-concept visual effects on a negligible budget—reportedly costing only $60 to film—by teaching themselves technical skills through trial and error. * Their work is characterized by "wearing too many hats" and utilizing a supportive community of friends and local business owners to secure locations and resources. * They advocate for "changing the industry" by treating actors with dignity, ensuring transparent production practices, and creating stories driven by hope and love rather than anger. * The team minimizes costs by using owned equipment and leveraging sponsorships, while also crowdfunding for larger projects like their feature *Poor Man's Palace*. * They emphasize the importance of mentors, specifically mentioning their connection to a comedian and Kickstarter board member who provided guidance on crowdfunding and navigating the business. * To manage the demands of their creative pursuits, they adhere to a strict schedule of weekly meetings to hold each other accountable. * The guests stress that "closed mouths do not get fed," encouraging creators to simply ask for what they need and to be kind in the process. * They suggest that while fame may play a factor in the current industry, the primary goal should be to inspire others and prove that unconventional, independent routes are viable. * They urge creators to be the change they wish to see, emphasizing that they do not have to replicate the traditional industry models that they find unsustainable. *Filmography and Creative Process**Funding and Operational Challenges**Advice for Aspiring Creators* SUBSCRIBE!!! NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY!! Follow the show! Instagram:   / whatstheratepod   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTlSLTZmS3ZwdHVVMmE2WGxLOE9RTXBnUm8xQXxBQ3Jtc0tsdHVsTWlEbXhUNVJudGVXWVFTQno4dnA2V0tsQ1ExYU1seldOMkp2dWxSclRaa1ZsRkZUZ0M5UXBvUFM1RmRMSHpTRUFidm95WERWR05sbUU5Nk9zWXhtYXZyOVUyMkFkRGdEaDdtNXkwckNjeUxjSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fwhatstheratepod%2F&v=JGFOUrhaNDg] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2k2dTdTNk1abWpyVkgwSWZsWng3aGhzcHp2QXxBQ3Jtc0tubTZRUHZHTFI4cS1CRlJoRlg1V2EzanY0NGd1T0FySDMtTW5JRVRFWDZZVlIwSDBEN19Nei1fSkxXbXR3ZEVzbzhnVm8wNjM0YkEtVnpLVExNSkVmZ011Nk1LaUNQQ3FPZnFDMWpIejdVY3d4UkhrZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fwhats-the-rate%2Fid1823954393&v=JGFOUrhaNDg] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IoUxOa... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXJXNDFBd196UUFBbzRkbG1yWmRuU0thaHNMUXxBQ3Jtc0ttanN4aVp5OGNTUVB4RTNIdUpkWS1vOVFfZzdTZGRVNWdTM29tUlM0MmdGRjVlWUh0UC1wVjQzclJhV2w1cG9ZNXpsbWdGMnRscWVfWE1SRHQ0U3BhRldHN1BLazYzSGN3MlFXSTlIcllOVzByMWp1WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F7IoUxOa2mBBACALeQK1TEs%3Fsi%3D8da25244bba5434d&v=JGFOUrhaNDg] Youtube:    / @whatstheratepod   [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzhdoL9N26cVWuHdUDGwVBQ] Follow Rugby Otis! Instagram:   / rugbyotisproductions   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXdPUXBNTXdVWEgtemMyZzNEdjdEa0JQZGwwZ3xBQ3Jtc0trcnZPT3ljeW93QzRiLWp2TmFSaUJVbGlISjBrTU1UMWVOUGl5dFN3cklsV0ROZEF5TjJ4cXoxRWlhQVpfdURId1VVaGVCM3dGdkpVUGxjWEhacXkzMHh4UEtVcnlJOWNkdjlHbUJPUHRjWl8zMVhsbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Frugbyotisproductions%2F&v=JGFOUrhaNDg] Website: rugbyotis.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/rugbyotis [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTkzenNpdFd0M0EwbVBVcDdKQ1cyTklTTU9Gd3xBQ3Jtc0tsaEo5aDRrVlBYUWhZc2JPUUFnZUIxcUFCTXJXRUs3dmlFd3NaLWNaRElVRGkyVEpxZTNQcmIzTy02c0sxVTNQenhpVWh5b2JXZkNOTVFoTk12ZjhDdHV3cnNPZTIyYTAxbFVuRGxKYkxYNTlSTVVtZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Frugbyotis&v=JGFOUrhaNDg] Linktree: linktr.ee/rugbyotis #indiefilm [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/indiefilm] #filmmaking [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/filmmaking] #nycpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nycpodcast] #filmproduction [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/filmproduction] #podcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast] #productionhouse [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/productionhouse] #sounddesign [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sounddesign] #director [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/director] #brooklyn [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brooklyn] Learn more about your ad choices. 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Resources: DJ Mode- The Journey of Becoming A DJ

How NYC DJs Build Real Careers (Intern to Music Director) | DJ Mode Interview If you're a DJ or artist in your 20s trying to break into the New York City music scene, this episode breaks down what it actually takes! In this episode of What’s The Rate?, DJ Mode shares: - His 22-year journey from interning at 17 to becoming a music director, creative, and investor in NYC - How to start as a DJ in NYC with no connections- Why internships can be valuable early on - When to stop working for free and start charging your worth- How to price yourself as a DJ or creative - Building a unique sound instead of copying trends- The importance of mentorship and organic relationships - When to get management and when to wait- DJ set strategy: pacing, energy, and reading the crowd - Balancing multiple jobs while pursuing a creative career - Trusting your intuition when choosing gigs - Why moving too fast can hurt your long-term growth! This episode is for DJs, producers, and artists in their 20s navigating the NYC music scene and trying to build something sustainable. SUBSCRIBE!!! NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY!! Follow the show! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatstheratepod/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-the-rate/id1823954393 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IoUxOa2mBBACALeQK1TEs?si=8da25244bba5434d Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WhatsTheRatePod Follow DJ Mode: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmodeyc/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/djmodenyc #NYCDJ #DJLife #ArtistsInNYC #MusicIndustryTips #IndependentArtist #MusicCareer #CreativeEntrepreneur #HowToDJ #NYCMusicScene #emergingartists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]