IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC
A better creative world
Young creatives around the world face a significant challenge: understanding how to manage their finances while pursuing their art. The lack of financial literacy leaves many struggling to fund their passions and build careers that last.
Bills and Beats bridges the gap between creativity and financial knowledge, offering inspiring stories, practical advice, and resources to help young artists succeed.
What do artists say?
We asked artists about their biggest financial struggles. Here’s what they told us:
“Budgeting feels impossible.”
“I want to focus on my music, not invoices.”
“No one teaches you how to make a living from your art.”
We believe the creative world can be better — and together, we can help make it happen.
The stories behind the struggles
Take a closer look at the stories of young musicians as they confront financial challenges head-on. These personal journeys reveal the delicate balance between creativity, ambition, and the need for financial stability.
The challenges for Gen Z musicians
Bills and Beats is the UK’s first documentary series addressing financial literacy for young creatives. It follows three musicians, ages 20-25, from northern England as they confront the financial realities of pursuing their dreams. Over one pivotal year, they balance their passion for music with the practical need to make a living, highlighting the importance of financial literacy.
Through three half-hour films featuring candid footage, personal stories, animations, and original music, the series explores different stages of a creative career and their financial challenges.
Film 1:
Tiger’s story
Torn between medicine and music, a financially anxious medical student sets herself a bold challenge: to release an album on Spotify within a year. As she navigates the pressures of balancing her studies and her artistic ambitions, she hopes the experience will help clarify her next steps.
Film 2:
LUCY-ANNE’s story
A jazz songstress finds herself at a crossroads, worrying that her singular focus on live performances leaves her financial future uncertain.
As a rising star, she begins to confront longer-term goals and explore financial strategies to secure her career in the ever-changing music industry.
Film 3;
YOUR story
Are you aged 16-25 and working in the arts? We want to hear about the financial challenges you face and what support would help most. Have you found a community that truly supports and encourages your growth? Share your experience and help us shape the future.
The financial
gap in creativity
The absence of financial literacy among young creatives not only limits their personal career growth but also creates widespread challenges for the creative economy and society as a whole.
Tech-Savvy but Financially Underserved
While Generation Z excels in technology, they often lack the financial planning skills necessary to manage their careers effectively.
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Managing finances is the top concern for young people in 2023.
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15% of the workforce are freelancers, with 32% in creative industries.
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80% of musicians work as freelancers.
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Fewer than 40% of UK schools provide foundational financial education.
The Broader Impact
The financial challenges faced by young creatives have ripple effects that go far beyond the individual, influencing the wider creative sector and society at large.
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A lack of financial mentors, products, and services leaves creatives vulnerable.
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Financial insecurity perpetuates the ‘starving artist’ stereotype.
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Many are forced to leave the creative industry for more stable careers, weakening the creative economy.
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This trend reduces diversity and stifles innovation, impacting society as a whole.
Screening and events
Bring Bills and Beats to your community or organisation and spark conversations that matter. Each screening creates an opportunity to explore the financial realities facing young creatives, with engaging discussions and live events that bring the Bills and Beats universe to life.
In a world where money still holds sway, and financial literacy is more important than ever, these events resonate not only with Gen Z audiences but also with parents, educators, and creatives seeking universal insights into finance and art.
Be Part of the Bills and Beats Community!
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Virtual Screenings: Host an online watch party with a follow-up discussion.
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In-person Events: Screen the film at your venue and pair it with live Q&A or workshops.
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Custom Packages: Tailor the experience with materials, discussion guides, or even guest appearances.
Sign Up For Updates
Be the first to hear about screenings and events by signing up for our updates. Stay inspired by the stories awakening a financially vulnerable creative community to the power of financial literacy.
Meet the Filmmaker
Jin-Theng Craven is a Leeds-based journalist, filmmaker, arts producer, and former banker. She directed and produced the documentary *Edge of Obedience* (2017), exploring Malaysian artist Ahmad Zakii Anwar’s defiance of cultural taboos.
Jin also served as executive producer for *Being and Becoming Chua Ek Kay* (2013), a film about Singaporean artist Chua Ek Kay. Her diverse background informs her storytelling, which focuses on the intersection of art, culture, and societal issues.
Why Make This Film?
Jin is passionate about highlighting the financial struggles faced by young creatives. Her latest project, *Bills and Beats*, aims to equip artists with the tools needed to sustain their careers. Drawing on her experience in both the arts and banking, she provides a unique perspective on the importance of financial literacy in creative fields. This film series blends personal stories and practical insights, bridging the gap between creativity and financial stability.
Why Make This Film Now?
As a mother of Gen Z daughters, Jin understands the rapidly changing nature of work. In a world where employment rules shift radically but money remains vital, she hopes to ensure the next generation has the financial wisdom to succeed. *Bills and Beats* addresses this urgent need by empowering young creatives to navigate an uncertain future.
Get involved
Join Bills and Beats as a partner or contributor to drive meaningful change, empower young creatives with financial literacy, and help build a thriving, inclusive creative community.
Partnerships
Bills and Beats isn’t just a film — it’s a movement. By partnering with us, you can help young creatives overcome financial barriers and build a more inclusive creative world.
Why Your Support Matters
Your partnership helps us:
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Give young artists the tools they need to succeed.
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Challenge outdated ideas about “starving artists.”
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Connect with socially conscious, tech-savvy Gen Z audiences.
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Build a creative economy that’s inclusive and sustainable.
How You Can Make a Difference
When you partner with Bills and Beats, you’re helping to create a better future for young creatives. Here’s how your involvement makes an impact:
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Show Your Support: Align with education, empowerment, and positive change.
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Engage Gen Z: Connect with an audience that values purpose and innovation.
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Drive Real Change: Help build a world where creativity and financial security thrive.
Your support can help shape the future of Bills and Beats and make a difference for creatives.
Contact us at hello@billsandbeats.com to explore sponsorships, partnerships, and opportunities to get involved and empower young creatives.
Contributors
Bills and Beats is all about creating a thriving creative community. Whether you’re an artist, a mentor, or just someone who loves the arts, your voice can make a difference.
Young Creatives—Your Stories Matter
Are you aged 16-25 and working in the arts? We’d love to hear from you!
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What are the biggest financial challenges you face?
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What support would help you most?
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Have you found a supportive community?
Your insights can shape the future of Bills and Beats and help other creatives like you.
Contact us at hello@billsandbeats.com to explore ways you can contribute, collaborate, or support our mission to empower young creatives.