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*
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Website: rugbyotis.com
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