Every other RUclips ‘cinematographer’ - “1 year of owning the Sony A7s” Carlo - “1 Year of owning a 1/2 ton production van” I fkn love this channel SOOOO much. Underrated as hell and amazing value
Definitely think about getting a steel divider between the rear of the van and the passenger compartment. Packing everything tightly may work for normal driving but if you're in an accident having all that gear flying towards you is really dangerous. Also look at ratchet straps for the cart while travelling, the van should have mounting points inside
Funny you say this.. I'm at an uplifter right now having my divider installed for exactly that reason. Accidents do happen (thats why I have a new van being kitted up lol)
For pro work and big setups it's essential. Even for a family SUV it's not a bad idea. We had a removable one in our last car for times when we were packed above the seat line.
I’m a photographer, not a cinematographer but this channel is so refreshing to see. You and Lewis Potts have the most informative videos around the how and why. I can only watch the same video about cameras and lenses so many times. Also your disposition is confident and controlled. Very relaxing as a viewer. Can’t wait to see where it goes 🍻
I have a basic Transit 250 (a bit larger than the Connect), so having enough gear at any given time to use the gear itself to jam everything in place, was seldom an option. The best investment I made with regards to keeping my gear from moving around while driving, was E-Track. E-Track comes in various lengths, so it's easy to custom fit. There is a wide variety of accessories to connect to the E-Track to help secure your items. I don't know what the options are for a Connect with regards to installing E-Track, but it would definitely be worth a look. Thanks for a really insightful video, and being open enough to share details of your business that many of us assume we need to keep to ourselves.
With RUclips flooded by tech-influencers cosplaying as professionals, it’s a treat to watch a video from an actual working professional. Good job my man. More power to you and thanks to you and your buddy for taking the time out to record and finksh this video. God bless
Great video! But I recommend everyone building production vans to make sure there is a wall between the gear and the front seats. Before I built my van I once had to step on the brakes and a c-stand missed my head with just a few inches… within two days I got me a new van, with a solid wall to protect me.
First of all I want to say that I enjoy how you present your content! I don't feel rushed or pressured (if that makes sense). You are calm and logical all at the same time! You also seem very cool, down to earth and humble! I wish you NOTHING but the best in ALL that you do! Keep grinding, I'm certain you will reach ALL of your goals! 💪🏾💪🏾😃
I love owning a van too as an owner operator, if you are able down the road I would heavily suggest getting a metal divider between the driving compartment and the grip. Stands become missiles when in an accident, and a divider could save your life. Converting the van into a primary camera package van with cart, lenses, camera, dp cart with DIT tools for offload and colour could be really great too and you could keep the smaller van size if you focus on just dping and just want to have it stay as an efficient vehicle too.
The return on your investment is ten fold in this scenario. Excellent job. I am in the process of doing the same up in Canada. My Van and 50% of the gear is ready. I have a good friend who is a DOP that rents his gear to production companies on top of his day rate - $2000+ a day. The company saves money from avoiding expensive rental houses and the DOP makes 100K in 50 days. These are great numbers and at first most won't attain this, but keep on growing and it is absolutely in your reach. Cheers guys.
Love it! I was on a project a couple months back and we needed to pick up all of our rental gear plus all of the accommodations for client comfort (chairs, tables, coolers) the producer was so excited when I was like "okay, great, that will all fit in to my van no problem" ...saved us a PA and a van rental.
We had a Ford Transit Connect XLT build for 3 years prior to our trailer build. Loved that van. So versatile. Great in a city. Great highway cruiser for longer trips. Nice setup you got there!
Away from all you you can learn from this video take time and appreciate the effort put into making this video. Dude decided to carry equipment just for us to learn how to organize equipment and how to get inspired to invest. Great work Carlo
I don’t know if you already have them, but I strongly suggest getting dash cameras for your vehicle. If you wrap it with your logo or you have it registered to your business. It may sound crazy, but There are very litigious and opportunistic people who will deliberately jump in front of your truck or cut you off so that they can sue “the company” for negligence. You want and need proof that cannot be refuted. Always have to look out for “the game”. Speaking as one business owner to another, alway protect yourself proactively. You’d be surprised at how many people will do anything to take what you’ve worked so hard to earn. Trust.
Another good reason for having a van versus a pick up truck or suv is that it’s not as attractive for car theft. Depending on where you live? Having a van almost takes you completely off the radar of car thieves.
Very Nice. I'm planning on doing something very similar. I have a truck and a new SUV so now I'm looking at buying a 12' trailer for this purpose. Then I can rent the trailer out and charge to bring it on set. Then I'll just need to build a studio cart.
Awesome. Truly enjoyed seeing how/what you packed and the "why". It takes money to make money and making yourself stand out and more capable is the way to do it. Keep it up!
I always watch your videos from Tokyo. So it will be helpful. You look like you are having a lot of fun at work. that's so good I'll see you again then.
Love your work mate, I've been bingeing the hell outta your material lately, so much value and from someone so down to earth and humble, awesome stuff!!
"How do you make your equipment work for you?" part really stuck with me! Because I have a lot of gear I could be renting out on sharegrid or something but I don't. I've been wanting to make a big investment into my business too just on a smaller scale lol. Like a nice cine lens kit or nanlite kit that I could use on personal gigs but also rent out. So it was cool to hear about why you purchased the van how it's been working for you. Thank you 🙏 Also I really love the podcast man, I just finished EP4 keep killin it! 📈📈
Your channel should have 1M subscribers since everyone seems to be a content creator now. But I guess they’d rather buy one wheelers and watch Peter McKinon and Matt whatever-his-name. You tell us everything we need to know. Priceless.
*I really appreciate your business sense Gian 👍. I am re-gearing up to get back in the freelance shooter game after a life threatening illness took me out of operation for 3 years and essentially de-railed my freelance /indi DOP career. 👀 I'm taking a very serious look at the possibility of going with a Ursa Mini Pro 12K. What are your thoughts about this camera ?*
Great video! I really appreciate this topic. I’m just transitioning into filmmaking/videography and it seems there is a split happening between traditional big film crews where everyone has a specific role and the “one stop shop” filmmakers that do essentially everything or almost everything for a smaller production. I personally like this approach. I think there is a lot of money to be made in this smaller market working with smaller businesses that don’t have The million dollar budget, but still want good production value. I also see more room for adding most/more of the creative input and isn’t that why we’re doing this? I personally like to have a lot of creative input. That’s my take as a noob. This is very helpful.
Thank you so much for this! I just wanted to let you know that the sellfy links in the description don't work. Can't wait for the next Video! Greetings from Austria 🤙
Thanks for all the info and value you put in your videos. Its inspiring to see you bro, that been one of my goals, but honestly its a little hard here in LA, a lot of lowbudget gigs and people dont wanna pay anything
Philly has much more corporate work. LA is a lot more narrative and yeah, independent narrative work doesn't really have a budget. Have you tried doing corporate gigs to pay the bills in San Diego? Carlsbad? Those places have money and a lot less competition. Keep your apartment in LA, but make your down South
thanks for sharing!! could you also make a video on the paperwork behind this? for example, how do you get insurance for your gear that you are renting out
Did you look at methods for c-stand storage? What methods were appealing, space permitting? Nice truck. My work does a similar thing by having gear with the producers. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for giving us insight on your process of owning a production van, I appreciate it as I've recently bought a used van for my production work. I've been searching for similar ramps but haven't found any that look to fold completely onto themselves like yours. Could you provide a link or product name for yours; it'd be much appreciative!
Man, thanks for making this video and breaking down your model and way to view it. I live in SF Bay Area and I also own most of the necessary need gear for these productions, I just haven’t really figured out the best way to advertise myself but simply have been relying on sharegrid and my few friends in the industry. Thanks again for these tips of guidance, I appreciate how genuine you are 🤙🏻 keep inspiring more folks!
Carlo why would you go for Nanlux over similar products at Aputure? Just wondering what's your thought process - nothing else. I don't own Aputure, I bought Godox for cost/quality and I'm also at a stage where I have 2 lights and I test things out, but I would assume if you made a DP kit you'd want to have all the lights from Aputure to use the Aputure app. I know this Q is a bit ridiculous, humor me. Thanks for sharing your prices/packages - great info.
Hi love your works and RUclips video Can u make a video or write a list of ur equipment I don't mind about the money,last video u did about ur van and ur equipment I couldn't see the writing
Awesome setup dude. Really happy for you and you should be proud of the accomplishment of that van. Younger you would be so stoked for current you - and future you will be at that next level! Continue on my friend.
I get it you're probably trying to maximize space and everything, but I've heard enough horror stories and I've heard the sound my bulkhead makes whenever I have an emergency brake with a loaded van. You really should consider having a bulkhead/cargo divider/partition. Stay safe 👍
I live about a hour away from philly and would love to connect with you. I Recently purchased a sprinter my self. I'm literally on the same path . Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Nice one Carlo, very informative! What I'd love to know is how you managed to build and purchase all the gear in a short time. Weather it's sponsorship deals etc and how you have structured your own business as a sole operator. Thanks bro! Loving your stuff
Working and investing my money properly. I never spend my money much of anything other than my business and good food. From the beginning I always made sure I purchased gear that would make me money in return. Sponsors have helped provide some gear but at the cost of having to do promotional videos etc for the companies. It works well. I structure myself as a business which I think helped me shape my mindset to think bigger
oke supernice. The renting part, do people actualy rent your lights and your van? Or do you charge them rent when showing up with your gear and shooting a video?
Carlo, thanks for sharing such valuable information with every video. i‘m loving it😍 keep it up!! also, Brady also just uploaded a video on a production van😂
Nice. When you're supplying everything, would there be a gaffer/grip on set too while you just focus on DPing, or do you prefer to just handle all your own gear yourself.
Very interesting. Do you, or anyone else, know if this also applies for photography? Like when they hire you, you also let them pay for your gear? Or do you put it in your day / hour rate?
Every other RUclips ‘cinematographer’ - “1 year of owning the Sony A7s”
Carlo - “1 Year of owning a 1/2 ton production van”
I fkn love this channel SOOOO much. Underrated as hell and amazing value
Thank you!
Definitely think about getting a steel divider between the rear of the van and the passenger compartment. Packing everything tightly may work for normal driving but if you're in an accident having all that gear flying towards you is really dangerous. Also look at ratchet straps for the cart while travelling, the van should have mounting points inside
i agree
Funny you say this.. I'm at an uplifter right now having my divider installed for exactly that reason. Accidents do happen (thats why I have a new van being kitted up lol)
For pro work and big setups it's essential. Even for a family SUV it's not a bad idea. We had a removable one in our last car for times when we were packed above the seat line.
The dumbass kid read this and didn’t even care for the Advice. I hope someone steals his van! 🤣
I’m a photographer, not a cinematographer but this channel is so refreshing to see. You and Lewis Potts have the most informative videos around the how and why. I can only watch the same video about cameras and lenses so many times. Also your disposition is confident and controlled. Very relaxing as a viewer.
Can’t wait to see where it goes 🍻
I have a basic Transit 250 (a bit larger than the Connect), so having enough gear at any given time to use the gear itself to jam everything in place, was seldom an option.
The best investment I made with regards to keeping my gear from moving around while driving, was E-Track.
E-Track comes in various lengths, so it's easy to custom fit. There is a wide variety of accessories to connect to the E-Track to help secure your items. I don't know what the options are for a Connect with regards to installing E-Track, but it would definitely be worth a look.
Thanks for a really insightful video, and being open enough to share details of your business that many of us assume we need to keep to ourselves.
With RUclips flooded by tech-influencers cosplaying as professionals, it’s a treat to watch a video from an actual working professional. Good job my man. More power to you and thanks to you and your buddy for taking the time out to record and finksh this video. God bless
Great video! But I recommend everyone building production vans to make sure there is a wall between the gear and the front seats. Before I built my van I once had to step on the brakes and a c-stand missed my head with just a few inches… within two days I got me a new van, with a solid wall to protect me.
*stares at my one camera that I throw in a tote bag when going to shoots*
That setup looks like a dream🙌🏿🙌🏿
well done m8. well spoken. no shouting at the camera. you have my like
Thanks!
First of all I want to say that I enjoy how you present your content! I don't feel rushed or pressured (if that makes sense). You are calm and logical all at the same time!
You also seem very cool, down to earth and humble! I wish you NOTHING but the best in ALL that you do!
Keep grinding, I'm certain you will reach ALL of your goals! 💪🏾💪🏾😃
I love owning a van too as an owner operator, if you are able down the road I would heavily suggest getting a metal divider between the driving compartment and the grip. Stands become missiles when in an accident, and a divider could save your life. Converting the van into a primary camera package van with cart, lenses, camera, dp cart with DIT tools for offload and colour could be really great too and you could keep the smaller van size if you focus on just dping and just want to have it stay as an efficient vehicle too.
The return on your investment is ten fold in this scenario. Excellent job. I am in the process of doing the same up in Canada. My Van and 50% of the gear is ready.
I have a good friend who is a DOP that rents his gear to production companies on top of his day rate - $2000+ a day. The company saves money from avoiding expensive rental houses and the DOP makes 100K in 50 days.
These are great numbers and at first most won't attain this, but keep on growing and it is absolutely in your reach.
Cheers guys.
Love it! I was on a project a couple months back and we needed to pick up all of our rental gear plus all of the accommodations for client comfort (chairs, tables, coolers) the producer was so excited when I was like "okay, great, that will all fit in to my van no problem" ...saved us a PA and a van rental.
We had a Ford Transit Connect XLT build for 3 years prior to our trailer build. Loved that van. So versatile. Great in a city. Great highway cruiser for longer trips. Nice setup you got there!
His channel is growing quickly. Very happy for you man.
Away from all you you can learn from this video take time and appreciate the effort put into making this video. Dude decided to carry equipment just for us to learn how to organize equipment and how to get inspired to invest. Great work Carlo
Hahaha I appreciate it
Since buying my van I’ve noticed I get more gigs too! It’s a nice little perk!
Agreed!
I don’t know if you already have them, but I strongly suggest getting dash cameras for your vehicle. If you wrap it with your logo or you have it registered to your business. It may sound crazy, but There are very litigious and opportunistic people who will deliberately jump in front of your truck or cut you off so that they can sue “the company” for negligence. You want and need proof that cannot be refuted. Always have to look out for “the game”. Speaking as one business owner to another, alway protect yourself proactively. You’d be surprised at how many people will do anything to take what you’ve worked so hard to earn. Trust.
Stop selling me on these innovid carts - man that looks like it makes life so much easier.
Hahaha it’s worth it
✅buy ford transit connect
✅put all of my gear in it
✅make all of my youtube videos from and/or in my sick van 😳
Transit connect gang!! Let’s gooo thanks for the inspo I think it’s time I do this
Thanks for the insights bro! Your videos are so pleasing to watch.
Sadly things are so different in Europe, couldn't apply this to my daily job.
So great man, we recently added a van to our business also to house our production gear. Best business investment to date.
This is exactly what I wanted to do. Funny RUclips recommended this vid. Subscribed
15:15 Yep. You'll get there soon mate.
Dude you’re all-in on your career making investments no one else is making, it’s brilliant to see
Carlos is the nanlight master
I'm happy knowing honestly, I love your support to those who don't have access to things
very interesting, thanks for this and all that you do on here
Love hearing your thought process!
It was so satisfying seeing the van being packed. Such an insightful video! Thank you, Carlo!
Another good reason for having a van versus a pick up truck or suv is that it’s not as attractive for car theft. Depending on where you live? Having a van almost takes you completely off the radar of car thieves.
Very Nice. I'm planning on doing something very similar. I have a truck and a new SUV so now I'm looking at buying a 12' trailer for this purpose. Then I can rent the trailer out and charge to bring it on set. Then I'll just need to build a studio cart.
Always dreamed of building a big enough production company to need a van. You’re killing it bro ❤
videos like this = perfect to watch while eating
$300 a day for all that stuff seems like a steal. You should charge more.
Awesome. Truly enjoyed seeing how/what you packed and the "why". It takes money to make money and making yourself stand out and more capable is the way to do it. Keep it up!
Such an underrated channel. Love all the videos, been binging everything. Can't wait to see more!
So much value ,full of insights not only on the filming side but also on the business side of things:) thanks Carlo!
that's dope. glad you've been able to cover the van payment through rentals
I needed this video so much right now. We've been at a crossroads and this really helped. Awesome videos man!
I always watch your videos from Tokyo. So it will be helpful. You look like you are having a lot of fun at work. that's so good I'll see you again then.
Thank you!
Love your work mate, I've been bingeing the hell outta your material lately, so much value and from someone so down to earth and humble, awesome stuff!!
Glad I found you Carlo. You truly inspire me. Keep it real. Keep it authentic. Subscribed yesterday and thank God I did!
I can’t believe how much HE DON’T MISS 😫
My guy
"How do you make your equipment work for you?" part really stuck with me! Because I have a lot of gear I could be renting out on sharegrid or something but I don't.
I've been wanting to make a big investment into my business too just on a smaller scale lol. Like a nice cine lens kit or nanlite kit that I could use on personal gigs but also rent out. So it was cool to hear about why you purchased the van how it's been working for you. Thank you 🙏
Also I really love the podcast man, I just finished EP4 keep killin it! 📈📈
Your channel should have 1M subscribers since everyone seems to be a content creator now. But I guess they’d rather buy one wheelers and watch Peter McKinon and Matt whatever-his-name. You tell us everything we need to know. Priceless.
*I really appreciate your business sense Gian 👍. I am re-gearing up to get back in the freelance shooter game after a life threatening illness took me out of operation for 3 years and essentially de-railed my freelance /indi DOP career. 👀 I'm taking a very serious look at the possibility of going with a Ursa Mini Pro 12K. What are your thoughts about this camera ?*
You worked on the classic tees commercials? those are golden :D
Hahah yes, they’re a blast to work on
Your killing it dude those DOP dreams aren’t far for you
Thanks again for sharing your cool journey with us! keep it up Carlo!
Sweet van. You could possibly configure a way to store extra stands (and those grip arms) on the inside of the doors.
Great video! I really appreciate this topic. I’m just transitioning into filmmaking/videography and it seems there is a split happening between traditional big film crews where everyone has a specific role and the “one stop shop” filmmakers that do essentially everything or almost everything for a smaller production. I personally like this approach. I think there is a lot of money to be made in this smaller market working with smaller businesses that don’t have The million dollar budget, but still want good production value. I also see more room for adding most/more of the creative input and isn’t that why we’re doing this? I personally like to have a lot of creative input. That’s my take as a noob. This is very helpful.
So glad I followed you. This is really what we want to see.
Thank you so much for this! I just wanted to let you know that the sellfy links in the description don't work. Can't wait for the next Video! Greetings from Austria 🤙
Thanks for all the info and value you put in your videos. Its inspiring to see you bro, that been one of my goals, but honestly its a little hard here in LA, a lot of lowbudget gigs and people dont wanna pay anything
Sometimes when one sees the impossible another see an opportunity.
Philly has much more corporate work. LA is a lot more narrative and yeah, independent narrative work doesn't really have a budget. Have you tried doing corporate gigs to pay the bills in San Diego? Carlsbad? Those places have money and a lot less competition. Keep your apartment in LA, but make your down South
thanks for sharing!! could you also make a video on the paperwork behind this? for example, how do you get insurance for your gear that you are renting out
That is a sweet build.
Thanks man!
How many years did it take to own all that gear? I'm so inspired right now!
Tidy little setup. Great vid.
Man, sweet setup. Definitely invest in a cargo divider between the cabin area and back area though for your own safety.
the prices you mention are just for the equipments or DOP fee included? How much you charge as DP only?
Did you look at methods for c-stand storage? What methods were appealing, space permitting?
Nice truck. My work does a similar thing by having gear with the producers. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for giving us insight on your process of owning a production van, I appreciate it as I've recently bought a used van for my production work. I've been searching for similar ramps but haven't found any that look to fold completely onto themselves like yours. Could you provide a link or product name for yours; it'd be much appreciative!
Man, thanks for making this video and breaking down your model and way to view it. I live in SF Bay Area and I also own most of the necessary need gear for these productions, I just haven’t really figured out the best way to advertise myself but simply have been relying on sharegrid and my few friends in the industry. Thanks again for these tips of guidance, I appreciate how genuine you are 🤙🏻 keep inspiring more folks!
Carlo why would you go for Nanlux over similar products at Aputure? Just wondering what's your thought process - nothing else. I don't own Aputure, I bought Godox for cost/quality and I'm also at a stage where I have 2 lights and I test things out, but I would assume if you made a DP kit you'd want to have all the lights from Aputure to use the Aputure app. I know this Q is a bit ridiculous, humor me.
Thanks for sharing your prices/packages - great info.
this is such a great idea
Hi love your works and RUclips video
Can u make a video or write a list of ur equipment
I don't mind about the money,last video u did about ur van and ur equipment I couldn't see the writing
What’s the trolley??? Looks mint! Thanks mate
Such a great video Carl! What’s the reason for not having a wall separating the cargo with cabin? Is it only in the US it’s like that?
Awesome setup dude. Really happy for you and you should be proud of the accomplishment of that van. Younger you would be so stoked for current you - and future you will be at that next level! Continue on my friend.
I get it you're probably trying to maximize space and everything, but I've heard enough horror stories and I've heard the sound my bulkhead makes whenever I have an emergency brake with a loaded van.
You really should consider having a bulkhead/cargo divider/partition.
Stay safe 👍
100% agreed
I live about a hour away from philly and would love to connect with you. I Recently purchased a sprinter my self. I'm literally on the same path . Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy the journey man!
My man and his half ton package, always worth a rent.
look who it is! Hey there
Nice one Carlo, very informative! What I'd love to know is how you managed to build and purchase all the gear in a short time. Weather it's sponsorship deals etc and how you have structured your own business as a sole operator. Thanks bro! Loving your stuff
Working and investing my money properly. I never spend my money much of anything other than my business and good food. From the beginning I always made sure I purchased gear that would make me money in return. Sponsors have helped provide some gear but at the cost of having to do promotional videos etc for the companies. It works well. I structure myself as a business which I think helped me shape my mindset to think bigger
nice work mate, sounds like it's worked well for you!
Nice!! Great van, gear, and prices ...especially since you're doing the editing of the footage.
I was wondering today when are u going to do some tour of your van and there it is! :D
Perfect timing
The van build is sick man. I need one haha or want one tbh. In due time! Also, grandmas beanies are legendary.
I always learn so much from each one of your videos, keep up the great work
This is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this!
oke supernice. The renting part, do people actualy rent your lights and your van? Or do you charge them rent when showing up with your gear and shooting a video?
Awesome setup! What ramp did you go with for the van?
Love it! One day i hope i will have something similar.
Amazing stuff you inspire me a lot. Hope one Day I'll own such a Van for my business.
20k subs soon, well that was fast!
How have you found crews reloading gear back onto van so as desired or a bit less than desired? Labelling interior of van helpful?
Ahhh Carlos posted, today’s going to be great
:)
It wasn't really a +Gear video as advertised but was still cool.
Carlo, thanks for sharing such valuable information with every video. i‘m loving it😍 keep it up!!
also, Brady also just uploaded a video on a production van😂
Absolutely love this, great informative video and very interesting to watch. Keep up the good work!
Your hard work and hustle is inspiring!
Great overview of your business! This is VERY helpful for me. I'm in the market for an SUV or van for my business. Keep growing, bro!
Intersting. Do you rent camera gear a lot. Seems like ALOT of money to invest. But i guess lights are a neccesity
Nice. When you're supplying everything, would there be a gaffer/grip on set too while you just focus on DPing, or do you prefer to just handle all your own gear yourself.
Love your videos they are so nicely put together and grading is soft and feel comfortable.
Thank you!
@@carlostigs an oasis amidst al the fake hyped-up screaming of many of your peers. Keep up the good work;-)
Very interesting.
Do you, or anyone else, know if this also applies for photography? Like when they hire you, you also let them pay for your gear? Or do you put it in your day / hour rate?
I was waiting on this 🔥
Great video.
Is the insurance covered under you or the client that hires you?
Would love a van, right now squeezing my giant combo stand into a Suzuki Swift 😅