Have you paid back your $30K+ investment?

[Aaron G.]

I was wondering out of curiosity. Has everyone who intended on working their Red's paid off their initial investments?

I've contemplated getting a Red, but the price is pretty huge. I'm relatively young but would like to start doing some freelance videography/ cinematography.

What is the best way to market yourself, and build cliental?

Thank you,
Aaron

[Cüneyt Kaya]

depends on where you are located, how established you are, your network, etc.

know guys renting out their red for 250 Dollars a day (fully equipped with lenses)
but also know guys renting out the red without lenses for 800-1000 Dollars a day without a problem.


really depends on the circumstances you are in right now.
i would forget about buying a red for rentals only...

but you know best...calculate how much you would earn with a red...
if its ok for you...do it.

nobody can decide for you.

good luck finding the answer :)

[Martin Weiss]

Keep in mind that right now there are less than 2000 cameras in the wild. If you order one now, there'll be over 5000 by the time you get it.

[Aaron G.]

depends on where you are located, how established you are, your network, etc.

know guys renting out their red for 250 Dollars a day (fully equipped with lenses)
but also know guys renting out the red without lenses for 800-1000 Dollars a day without a problem.


really depends on the circumstances you are in right now.
i would forget about buying a red for rentals only...

but you know best...calculate how much you would earn with a red...
if its ok for you...do it.

nobody can decide for you.

good luck finding the answer :)

Appreciate it!

I'm located in Dallas, and so far it seems like the Red is pretty scarce... But for how long?

I've asked for quotes for Red shooters locally, and they're charging OUTRAGEOUS prices (for low-budget narrative shorts). So I can only assume they're getting what there asking.

I've thought about starting a user-friendly (indie) production house (greenscreen studio/ sound stage/ ADR studio's/ editing suites/ and rentals). But I wonder how lucrative it could be. Especially nearing the "SCARLETfever," and the release of more Red ONES.

I have a vision that major cinema (AMC/ CINEMARK) will start to deteriorate, and smaller cinema's with HD projectors will be the norm. Think of myspace. There are TONS of indie bands on there, and they have substantial fan bases. Could we have loads of "micro-directors" producing quality "micro-features?"

If so, I'd say mastering the art, and providing user-friendly production houses, and small room theateres (charging $5 instead of $10 admission) are a thing of the future. AND there is still lots of money to be made through self-distro.

Just babbling....

[Gunleik Groven]

I have the feeling that people are allready NOT renting the bodies, but the knowledge and competence around the system. Which is good...

And it is paying for a lot more around itself.

[Jim Hoffman]

$30,000 - HA! I wish!

I'm having a great time. This thing is awesome.

[M Most]

I have a vision that major cinema (AMC/ CINEMARK) will start to deteriorate, and smaller cinema's with HD projectors will be the norm. Think of myspace. There are TONS of indie bands on there, and they have substantial fan bases. Could we have loads of "micro-directors" producing quality "micro-features?"

Only if none of them care about making a living.

[Aaron G.]

Only if none of them care about making a living.

With self-distro, new distro companies based on indie films and distro to these smaller theaters, and more importantly the world wide web... Anything is possible. You've just gotta get more creative.

Why can't a filmmaker set up a tour around the US at these art houses?

Filmmakers could and should be the new rock stars!

[Noah Kadner]

Well are most of us in it for the dough? If so- take a good look at the numbers, not exactly an upwardly mobile profession. More like the sort of luck you get playing the lottery.

Noah

[Aaron G.]

Well are most of us in it for the dough? If so- take a good look at the numbers, not exactly an upwardly mobile profession. More like the sort of luck you get playing the lottery.

Noah

Agreed.

I care more about developing true fans as a filmmaker then making a couple hundred grand on a more then likely one time deal with lack of creative freedom. There are ALOT of chances given but ALOT of directors are just one hit (if that) wonders.