Getting ready for the next stage

[Nikk Hearn-Sutton SOC]

Well its coming to the part where I'm getting ready for the next stage of operating and that is going with a bigger rig i.e Masters Series.

Myself personally IM SCARED SHITLESS :blink: :unsure:. I'm sure this is the same that other ops have went through is the financial side of it. I have an SK2 and I've grown out of it and a majority of shoots I get asked are HD full sized cams or 16mm and every so often a 35 here and there. Im going to get a used rig but its just the idea of 27 to 37k for it is where I go "OH DAMN when i get this i have to get to a workshop(s) and get to work. I love what I do I just need to grow but i dont have the fertilizer yet to do it. I'm I the only one who felt/feel this way or is it just me. BRUTHAS and SISTAS...I would like some guidance. Thanks

 

Nikk "Sounding like Jesse Jackson" Sutton

[Bryan Trieb]

Nikk,

 

I'm sure we can all relate. Bottom line is....it takes money to make money, and in the big picture of your career, is $40K really that much money? The answer is NO my friend, it isn't a lot of money. You love what you do, and when you invest in yourself and your business you will love what you do even MORE. Believe in yourself brother, there's nothing you can't accomplish when your intentions, integrity, and business plan are clean and efficient.

Sometimes, adding pieces of gear one at a time is the way to go.....use what you have, and rent what you don't have...so many ways of doing it though.

I just bit the bullet....bought the Klassen harness, Pro arm and had my Master Arm fixed/upgraded by Robert Luna (it snapped on a job recently...D'OH!!!) BTW...Klassen/PRO/Luna are all amazing companies for customer service and quality of product/service in my recent experience.

So am I feeling a bit of pinch from this recent spending spree? Sure, but how happy am I with my new gear and investment into my business?....DELIGHTED!!!!!

Invest in the gear dude...you won't regret it...invest wisely with the used stuff though!!!!!!!!!

 

Respect,

 

Bryan

[Erwin Landau]

Hi Nikk,

 

Whatever you decide, make sure that you don't buy yourself into a corner where you can't grow from. Think modular and check the used market frequently. See how the prices are moving and also look what ends up more then average in the classifieds. If a certain pieces of equipment is sold over and over again, stop and think why that is and if you buy it, just because it's cheaper... how long before YOU want to get rid of it too.

 

The modular approach is better in that sense that you can upgrade as your finances do allow it to. Also it gives you the freedom to wait until the piece is available that you are looking for or if nothing else go and buy it new. Always make sure that the equipment will be up to todays standards... don't step to far into the past.

 

Think of your equipment as an investment that will give you a return over the long run. It's a part of you, it's a calling carte, advertisement and assurance to the Producer that you know what you are doing, all in one.

 

Is it a lot of money? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. Is it what you want to do? Yes. Will the gear get you where you want to go? Yes..... so it's actually not much money when you take in account what you get in return.

 

Good Luck,

 

 

Erwin"Went through 8 rigs until I knew what I wanted" Landau

[BJMcDonnell SOC]

Hey Nikk,

 

I agree with Erwin 100%. Make sure you are buying something modular. I have a PRO 1 rig but I have upgraded everything I had untill I was happy. As a matter of fact I have a PRO 1 battery base from one of Erwins eight sleds. I went through 4 arms EFP, IIIA, Steady rigs silver spring arm, and now I have a PRO arm and I am satisfied. I went through 3 monitors until I was happy with my TB6. I bought used stuff and upgraded as the jobs started getting better. Read the classifieds and make sure you are making the right investment with your money.

 

BJ McDonnell