In this episode of I Hate This Industry, the conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build independent media in a rapidly evolving creative landscape.

Steven Almeida and Darrell Reese Jr. explore the shift from traditional industry gatekeeping toward creator ownership, collaborative ecosystems, and multi-platform storytelling. From building a cinematic universe across film, music, and podcasts to experimenting with new crowdfunding models that connect fans directly to the creative process, this episode unpacks the blueprint for a new era of independent storytelling.

The discussion also touches on the ongoing debate surrounding independence vs. partnership, including the recent conversation around LaRussell and his partnership with Roc Nation, and what it  ...