Why Film Crew Stay Broke (and How to Fix It Fast)

 Last month I had to make a choice. It would've seemed impossible. Just a few years ago, a production company offered me $17,500 to produce a project for them, but they wanted me to work with a director that I knew from experience was toxic. The kind that gives you a stomach ache from call. Time to wrap, then that ache continues into the night as you ruminate about the day.

Which leads to wondering how bad day two is gonna be, the constant second guessing, the mind, changing the belittling of the crew and arguing all day long. The client at the ad agency and even the production company that hired them had it up to here. I told myself that no amount of money would get me to put myself or the crew that I hire through that ever again.

Years ago, I would've taken that job because, well, financially I had to, but this time I said no. And I felt free as a bird, and this freedom didn't come from pure luck or inheritance. It came from a system I developed for nearly 25 years of working in the film industry, hiring thousands of crew members just like you.

Today, I'll show you the four part framework that you can use to get more work to control of your finances, build a piece of mind fund, and destroy your debt. Then you'll be in a powerful position to start building true wealth. This exact process would work for any film crew member, even with our crazy irregular income.

The best part. It's easier than you might think. I'm on a mission to help 1000 freelance film crew members build $1 million in wealth. The steps are simple, but staying consistent isn't easy when your work and pay fluctuate. That's why I created this channel to guide you through with tools made for our industry and a mindset built to last.

This is in theory. Everything I'm about to share comes from real experience, both my own journey and from working with film crews across call's, productions. I've watched some crew members build incredible wealth while others making the same day rate struggle to make ends meet. The difference often comes down to having the right system.

So let's start with the foundation of it all. Maximizing your income by simply getting more work. This is key because you can't build wealth if you're constantly underearning, overspending, or both. Let's take action. Step number one, get more work. Have you ever just wrapped a big project, maybe a movie or a series with solid pay, and instead of celebrating, you're already feeling the pressure to line up the next gig.

It's like you're still unloading your gear and that little voice inside your head says, Hey, what's next? That feeling is more common than people think, and it's exhausting. After hiring thousands of crew members, I've noticed that the ones that consistently thrive follow three key principles. First, they're proactive about securing work.

They're not waiting around for opportunities. They're out there making them happen. Second, they build meaningful relationships with multiple producers. They know it's not just about who they meet, but who they genuinely connect with. And third, they create value beyond their technical skills. Sure, they're talented, but they're also problem solvers who make every project better just by being there.

Here's exactly how you put this into practice. First you create your producer network. One of the smartest things you can do to keep the work rolling in is to stay on the radar of the people who hire you. Start by making a list of every producer, production manager, and coordinator that you've worked with in the past year.

Then this week, reach out to at least three of them. But don't just say, Hey, you got any work? There's an art to this. Instead, send them a useful article, offer some help. Ask for advice or mention a mutual contact. Even something as simple as thanking them for a previous job can keep you top of mind.

And here's a power move track which months are typically slow for you.  Then two to three months before that slow season hits, start reaching out to producers proactively. That way you're securing work ahead of time instead of scrambling when things dry up.

Click here to download my "FIRST CALL FRAMEWORK" to start earning more money as soon as this week.

Another key to getting more work is making yourself indispensable on set, what I call building your value stack.Start by identifying three specific ways you can make a producer's life easier. Maybe that means arriving early to set up your cure with time to spare, to help out another department, or having your paperwork game down so that the production team does not have to ask you seven times for your signed W nine.

That's the worst. Or how about this? Once you are wrapped, announce that you're off the clock and then offer to lend a hand to the production team or another department. Small habits like these make a big impact. Next, document your specialized skills. Maybe you work with special camera rigs or have an unusual amount of experience working with celebrity talent or your proficient in multiple roles on set.

These should not be secret. The more unique your skillset, the more valuable you are. These skills prove your ability to think ahead and solve problems under pressure. Two things producers love. Finally, follow up after the job. Wait a few days, ask how it went, if the client was happy, and if there's anything you could do to make it better for them.

On the next one, these little things add up, and when producers know they can count on you for more than just your job description, you become one of the first calls for the next shoot. Does this sound familiar? It does to me. You're taking every job you can get, indie S shorts, low budget commercials, gigs that barely pay for your gear, rental and gas.

You tell yourself it's all about staying busy, staying booked, staying seen, mad. Deep down you're burning out, and honestly, it's not sustainable. Now imagine this on set. Instead of you just doing your role, you step in to help another department. Maybe it's bringing some water to the camera team. You know, they rarely get to leave set or taking something off someone's hands.

Whose hands are full or simply holding the door for those coming in behind you. People notice clients notice. I notice after the shoot you post a quick behind the scenes shot on Instagram. Nothing fancy. Just a little a great day on set. Moment. And then you send a short friendly email to the producer just checking in, maybe mentioning a new piece of gear you picked up and how it could save time and money, of course, on their next shoe.

And here's what happens within a couple of months, you're not chasing work anymore. You're getting calls, referrals, repeat clients. You start turning down the projects that used to drain your time and creativity. And the wild part, your income jumps not because you raised your rate, but because you stopped saying yes to everything.

Now you're choosing the right projects, the ones that pay well and actually fire you up. By the way, if you'd like to see a full video on getting more work, let me know in the comments and if you and others are into it, I might just make that happen. Now, making money is great, but it's what you do with that money that really matters.

Let's talk about how to manage it in a way that works with our irregular income. Step number two, take control of your finances. You just wrapped a killer 10 day job, maybe the biggest paycheck you've ever had on paper. You should be doing great, but then you open your banking app and it hits you. Where did it all go?

You scroll through the transactions, some unexpected expenses, a few gear upgrades, bills here and there. Nothing crazy, but it adds up fast. And without a system in place, the money just flows in and out. Do you have a plan? No priorities, Uhuh progress? Oh, uh, no. You're working hard, making great money, but somehow there's nothing to show for it.

Before I show you how to manage irregular income effectively, we need to start with something crucial. Knowing your numbers. After hiring thousands of film crew members, I've noticed something important. The freelancers who consistently build wealth all have one thing in common. They know their numbers.

What do I mean by know your numbers? Well, it's pretty straightforward. First, you need to clearly understand your income. How much are you actually making, and how regularly does it come in? This means tracking every payment from every job. Big or small. Next, you need to know exactly where your money is going.

What are your monthly and annual expenses, not just the obvious bills like rent and groceries, but everything, even those sneaky subscriptions and coffee runs. Then there's debt. How much do you owe right now? Credit cards, student loans, card payments, or anything else? Lay it out clearly, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

Finally, consider your savings. Do you have an emergency fund? If so, how much is in there? Knowing this number helps you feel secure when things inevitably slow down. Getting real about these numbers is the first and most essential step towards financial freedom as a freelancer. Once you've got your numbers down, it's time to manage your money.

And when you're dealing with irregular income, you need a system that's built to handle both feast and famine. Here's what I do, something I call the three account system the essentials account. This is exactly what it sounds like. It's where you handle all your regular expenses, but here's why it's so powerful for freelancers.

It creates a buffer between your unpredictable income and those very predictable bills. No more stress about making rent just because you're waiting on your next project. And then there's your freedom account. This one's my favorite. It's your guilt. Free spending money. Ever have one of those tough days on set when you just wanna treat yourself without feeling guilty or worried.

That's exactly what the freedom account is for. Spend freely because you've already planned for it and frankly, you deserve it. Finally, there's your Peace of mind account. We all know how it goes. Some months your book solid and others crickets.

This account is your safety net, the backup plan that lets you relax during those slower periods even better. It gives you the power to say no to those toxic jobs we've all dealt with because you aren't desperate for the paycheck. This three account setup isn't just budgeting, it's your script for financial security and freedom in an unpredictable industry.

Here's exactly how you set this up. First, let's start off with a quick reality check. Go ahead and download your bank statements from the past six months. I know it might sound tedious, but stick with me. It's worth it. Once you've got them, list out every expense by category. Don't forget those sneaky, irregular bills like insurance premiums or taxes that can throw you off after you've got everything listed at a 10% buffer.

Life always has surprises. Right. Now, let's look at your other spending patterns and find any leaks. These are little or sometimes big expenses that creep in, but don't really add value to your life. Subscriptions you don't use impulse. Online shopping, take out habits. You want to dial back things you'd be better off, cutting down, or even eliminating.

Now it's time to set up your three separate accounts. Here's a pro tip. Open these accounts at different banks. Why? Because it reduces temptation and helps you keep things separate. Trust me, it works. Then set up your automatic transfers into each account, even if it's just 1% of your income. To start, it's more about building the habit first.

Finally, create your distribution plan. Here's what I recommend as a solid starting point. Just remember 50 30, 20 50% into your essentials account, 30% into your Freedom Account, and 20% into your peace of mind fund. Follow this plan and you'll quickly feel more confident in control and ready to handle whatever your freelancing career throws your way.

Just so you know, I'm not a financial advisor. I'm a producer who survived 25 years of budgets, overages, and surprise line items that would make your head spin from someone who saved projects and paychecks when the numbers didn't add up. Always do your own research. Remember that moment when you realized the money just kept slipping through your fingers.

Now, picture this. Just two months after putting a simple system in place, you check your peace of mind account. And you've saved more in eight weeks than you've saved in the last eight months. This alone feels like a win, but then comes the real breakthrough. A rush job pops up, the budget's tight and the client's demanding and the vibe off.

In the past you might have said yes just to keep the money flowing, but this time you don't have to because your peace of mind account has your back. So you say, I'll pass, and it feels great. A week later, you get a call for a commercial gig, solid budget, great crew, and yes, all the support you could possibly need.

Same talent, same industry. Totally different level of freedom. Once you've got clarity on your numbers and a solid money management system in place, you're ready for the next step. Building your safety net. Step number three, peace of mind fund. Last year, I watched one of my favorite location scouts lose everything because their car broke down just at the start of a big project.

There's two things. A location Scout can't succeed without their camera. And their car. No car meant no way to get out and scout and no scouting means no income. And with no safety net, a simple car repair spiraled into rental car bills, increased credit card balance, and three months of financial stress.

It reminded me of my early days when every unexpected expense felt like a potential career ender. But here's the thing, it doesn't have to be that way. This isn't just about saving a little money. It's about building financial confidence. It layers. After working in the industry for years, I've learned that a real safety net goes far beyond just a rainy day fund.

Let's start with what I call your quick response fund. This is your first $1,000 of savings. Think of it like your basic kid on set. Just like you wouldn't show up to work without your essential gear. You don't wanna navigate this industry without at least $1,000 saved up. You know those moments that can derail your whole week.

Maybe your car needs repair or your laptop crashes the night before a project. That's exactly what a quick response fund is for. It keeps those small problems from snowballing into career emergencies. It's your first line of defense, and once you've got that first layer of protection, we build up to what we call your full safety net.

This is where we want to save up enough to cover three to six months of your essential expenses. Now, you might be thinking, Rob, that sounds like a lot. But stick with me. Your full safety net is like having the best insurance policy. You can imagine when work slows down, and we all know it will at some point.

You're covered Rent covered bills, covered groceries. Yeah, covered. But there's something even more powerful about having the safety net. It gives you something that's absolutely priceless in our industry. The power to say no. When that sketchy project comes along, you know the ones I'm talking about, you can actually turn it down because you know you've got months of expenses.

Covered. That's not just financial security, that's creative freedom. Here's exactly how to build your safety net. First, kick things off by setting aside a starter amount. $1,000 is perfect, or whatever you have is fine. The important thing is that you get started. Open a separate savings account just for this, something that's completely off limits unless you hit a genuine emergency.

Each time you get paid for a project, take 20% right off the top and put it into this account. The key. Don't touch it no matter how tempting it gets. Once you've got that $1,000 cushion in place, your next step is to grow it into a solid emergency fund that covers three to six months of your essential expenses.

Start by adding up your must have monthly costs, ranch, utilities, groceries, transportation, and any minimum debt payments you have. Multiply that total by three. That's your initial target. Once you hit three months, aim to stretch it up to six months for even greater peace of mind. So how do you actually fund this account?

Here's a simple plan. Set aside 20% of your take home pay right away. Anytime you receive unexpected money, a bonus, a big tip, a generous birthday check. Put at least 50% of that straight into your safety net. And here's a bonus tip. If you cuss something from your spending, like that subscription you never use, take 100% of that saved cash and move it directly into your savings.

In case you're wondering where your money for investing comes from. Stay tuned. We'll talk about that in a future video, but not until your emergency. Fund is solid. Follow these steps and you'll quickly build a safety net that keeps stress at bay, giving you confidence and security no matter how unpredictable your freelance journey gets.

Now, location Scout, despite her breakdown with her car, is now in good shape. She continues to be one of my regular hires at Washer transform her situation. She started small, just $50 per project into savings. Within six months, she had her $1,000 quick response fund. A year later, she had three months of expenses saved soon after her car broke down again.

But this time it was just an inconvenience, not a catastrophe. She got it fixed, kept working, and never missed a shot. Now with your safety net in place, it's time to tackle something that holds back too many talented crew. Step number four, destroy your debt. I was doing my taxes one year, adding up my credit card statements when I discovered something that really surprised me.

In a bad way. I wasn't just paying off client dinners, my new computer, my iPhone, and my emergency expenses. I was paying thousands in interest alone. Money that could have been growing in investments was just. Disappearing. It felt like dragging heavy equipment through sand on the beach every step forward took twice the effort it should have.

But that moment led me to seek out a system that would finally break the cycle. After trying out dozens of strategies on my own, I found the approach that works best for our irregular income, and it helped me turn over $20,850 of debt into an eight 50 credit score. Start with the smallest debts, build momentum through quick wins.

It's perfect for those who just need to get started chipping away at their debt. This is called the snowball method, a perfect strategy for our crazy rollercoaster income. Here's exactly how to pick and put your debt destruction plan into action. First, list out all of your debts from smallest to largest.

For now, don't even worry about interest rates. We're going for momentum. First, once you've got your list, make minimum payments on everything except the smallest debt. Then put every extra dollar you find toward completely knocking out that smallest balance. Here's how it works in practice. Let's say you have three credit cards, credit card, a $500 balance, and a $50 minimum payment credit card VA $1,500 balance, and a $75 minimum payment credit card, C $3,000 balance, and a $100 minimum payment.

You'd throw every extra bit of cash towards credit card A while making the minimum payments on cards B and C. Once credit card A is history, go ahead, celebrate a bit. You take that $50 payment you were making and add it to the $75 minimum payment on credit card B. Now you're paying 1 25 each month toward credit card B.

Once credit card B is done, roll that 1 25 into credit card C. Bringing your monthly payment on C up to 2 25. That's the 1 25 plus the hundred. Keep going until you've wiped out every debt on your list. Yes, there are other ways that it's not a one size fits all, and I'll talk about them in future videos, but here's why the snowball method works so well.

For freelance film crew like us, it's the quick wins. Paying off your smallest debts first gives you immediate victory, helping you stay motivated. There's a psychological boost too. Seeing those balances disappear fast, builds confidence, and keeps you committed. There's clear focus. A structured step-by-step plan reduces, overwhelm and simplifies your path forward.

The snowball method is perfect. If you need motivation of small victories, feel overwhelmed by juggling multiple debts. Want a straightforward, easy to follow plan that keeps you on track. Stick to this and you'll watch your debt shrink faster than you ever thought possible, giving you real freedom and control over your money.

Let me share how I tackled $20,850 in credit card debt. I decided to use the snowball method. Starting with my smallest $2,000 balance every month, I immediately pay the minimum on every card plus 10% of my paycheck towards that card, with the smallest balance. Just six months later, that first card was completely paid off.

After getting a quick win and feeling encouraged by my progress, I decided to get more aggressive with the next card and the next. Within two years, I was completely debt free and started using the same payments to build my wealth instead. And now I have an eight 50 credit score. Now, what I've shown you today is actually just the beginning.

There's a larger framework behind this one. What I've developed through years of experience and these four steps are just the foundation which will allow you to build real long-term wealth while having the freedom to choose only the projects you truly are passionate about and tell those sketchy projects to kick rocks.

Drop a comment below with your biggest freelance film Crew Challenges, and I'll share your story. I read every comment, and your feedback helps me create content that serves you better. Thanks for watching. Stay Focused, stress Less, and Build Wealth. That's a wrap.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, walking away from that $17,500 toxic job wasn’t about the money...

it was about freedom. And that freedom came from having a system that worked even with our crazy, up-and-down income. You don’t have to stay stuck saying yes to the wrong gigs or wondering where your last paycheck went. You can take control, build your peace of mind fund, and create the kind of financial security that lets you choose projects that actually excite you.

The steps are simple. The real difference comes from starting, and sticking with it. So don’t just read this and move on. Put one piece into action today, and you’ll already be ahead of where you were yesterday.

If you’re ready to take this further, I’ve built tools and strategies designed specifically for film crew members like us. That’s what this channel is all about—helping you stay booked, stress less, and build real wealth.

Click here to download my "FIRST CALL FRAMEWORK" to start earning more money as soon as this week.

Let’s take action.