B Smith's Second Sticks- Ryan Rude

In the mid 2010's (you can debate the timeline), increased film and television production inspired more than a few workers in our industry to pick up and move to Georgia, seeking a cheaper cost of living and more industry work. By 2023, the production boom in Georgia started to dissipate for a number of reasons, not the least being an exodus of productions moving out of the United States. With this possibly being the new norm, I have to ask for the sake of today's podcast: is Malta the new Georgia? B Smith's Second Sticks speaks with old friend Ryan Rude, who made the move to Malta a year ago with his partner, and is finding an interesting work market. We discuss our origins together on season one of Hell's Kitchen, consider the legend of Sweet Boy, and track Ryan's career, including passing up a job position on The Office. We ultimately land on his decision to move out of the states to the beautiful surroundings of a small Mediterranean country and a unique production landscape. We also discuss the film Ryan co-produced and DP'd, "Wilma, Wu, and a stripper named Lorraine,' an indie film playing this coming weekend at the Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles this weekend (links in show notes). This is a robust conversation and a must-listen for anyone considering the possibility of taking a big step to move outside the familiar confines of the United States.Show notes:Dances with Films festival:https://danceswithfilms.com/2026-wilma-wu-and-a-stripper-named-lorraine/See the trailer for the movie:https://vimeo.com/1190818506Information on the movie's Instagram account:https://www.instagram.com/wilmawulorrainemovieAd links:Get 30% off The Cumin Club now!https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKSGet 20% off LIQure gummies now!https://liqure.com/discount/STICKS