We're hoping to have our mobile rig (truck) pretty rockin over the next year or so. What would be the next logical step up the ladder for a fairly epuipped rig? I'm assuming alot of our biz will continue to be live recording of bands ,churches, the occasional move in and record an album project etc..... what would be another angle to increase revenues in the mobile biz?
I'm assuming that aiming for the broadcast world would be next...but not knowing a darn thing about it we could use some suggestions.
I've seen a couple of "mobile ADR" rigs in the listings in L.A. as well. Any thoughts? Craig

Craig,

The next logical step up the ladder would depend on you and your crew. You are as good as the crew you keep. The equipment you have should be second on the list, or should I say, third on the list. Maintenance is second!

1 - CREW
2 - Maintenance & QC
3 - Then the GEAR

Don't take this the wrong way, but assumption should not be in the remote recording & broadcasting vocabulary my friend. Aim towards broadcasting because you feel you can do a great job and/or make it a better place. Don't do it because of economics!

Learn your craft and people will come to you! Build on the work you got right now. Learn about the radio and TV broadcasting side of things first. Invest some time and money in preparing for that type of work. Then and only then, you'll have a decent chance (or be ready) for it. Remember, you're only as good as your last gig in this biz!!

Usually, you only get one chance to get it right in the live recording arena. Don't blow it because you didn't spend enough time researching this new type of location work. Do yourself and your client a favor and get the homework completely done, before you set out on this new production venture.

Specialty work also requires special equipment. Do you have all the broadcast related accouchements and equipment you need to do the right job? If not, slow down my man.

I've seen a couple of "mobile ADR" rigs listed too. Is that what you really want to do? I've also seen mobile ADR rigs in the "for Sale" listings too. Don't go there, friend!

Steve, thanks for the reply and careful advice.

No assumptions made as to our future in this sub genre of the recording biz. We're really grateful for the gigs we've had so far and are thrilled that each has gotten smoother and more comfortable for us as the crew. Weve been actively seeking out gigs that give us a chance to work out the bugs in the crew ( phil and I) and the gear. it's called doing freebies, great for the confidence and demo reel. Being a startup biz in the mobile side of things we have only one way to go and the gigs seem to be comming. I didn't mean to sound to cocky about our abilities.....
heh
I really love the added adrenilin of getting it right the first time, and the psychology involved dealing with the client/artist under the more stressful live show. Such a great alternative to being in the studio.....
as far as Broadcast, I don't know my ass from a ....but I'm quite ready to start learning. short of a local stereo feed for a morning gig on a news show, we know litttle to nothing about the tv/broadcast world. I was assuming that (taking into account the fulfillment of your top three previous points) baby steps could be made toward the world of broadcast (not that i know if we'd have any interest in the work...) Just wondering which way the path could possibly lead. Any resources, reading,web, to check out would be greatly appreciated.
Oh yeah the pics of the truck will come as soon as I can get them scanned in.
thanks for taking the time to moderate the remote forum! We're really lucky to have ya here!
Could you give a brief rundown of your biz growth? Stumbling blocks? Anecdotes?
thanks again, craig z

very sound advice Mr. Remote. No pun intended.

this thread got my brain storming. you saved me a bunch time and effort not needed to do yet... kind of like the cart before the horse...

thank you for sharing your experience with us. grggt

I'm glad Gearslutz has a forum like this.

No problem. We aim to please.