Buying high end cameras - The Financials

[@lewispotts]

from now on im just gonna send this video to everyone who asks me why would I buy an alexa 35

[@BlaineWestropp1]

OH hi Lewis. You know the drill.

[@pglazzari1]

Lewis I can just hear you saying that in one of your videos. Haha

[@huntercasey1995]

i was watching this and thinking "oh thats why Lewis Potts bought the Alexa 35" and then i scroll down to see your comment. Brilliant stuff

[@soymezus4637]

the legend is here 💪

[@jeffreymarte3770]

The genuine transparency is insane. you made a fan for life🙏🏼

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you so much 😊 more to come!

[@danfrancisjr]

can you imagine the type of bullshit this video would contain had it been made by conventional youtubers? Clickbait title, stupid thumb, Intro, ExpressVPN, dumb screenplay, blueballing us with 10 minutes of filler before the meat of the info. This guy cuts straight through all that

[@tjh__]

I did a similar calculation when I bought my Mini LF... I noticed used Minis were still being sold for quite close to the new price, so it seemed like if you can raise the capital it's close to having a free camera in the long run. Ultimately, I managed to earn back the cost in the first year without even renting it out to other people, which was a relief. After that it has been a line item on my invoices which helps bolster my rates. A big factor for me (which you talk about) was the convenience of not renting and getting to prep/test the camera at my convenience. I can turn up with the camera built for those single day gigs where they can't afford a prep day. Some of the 'machinery' of the filmmaking process also gets out of the way and I have less stuff to organise with assistants/rental houses. It's also fun to whip out the milf on those shoots that are interesting or well-produced, but otherwise might not be able to stretch to an Arri. Agree to be very careful about doing freebies. Unless it's a close friend on a short film, it's usually a recipe to being exploited or working with entitled types (lord knows they're out there). Few other observations from where I am in London: - American banking seems behind the times lol. I just sent the cash as normal through my online banking.. I probably could've done it through my bank's app. Terrifying, but easy. - NY rental rates sound VERY healthy. Rental rate from a rental house here is about £650, but there are big discounts currently (economy in the shitter). I rented a set of Ultra Primes for £80 the other day. - Outside of certain types of work (high-end film, drama & TVC) a discussion about which camera will be used is surprisingly rare. Being an owner op of a high-end camera kind of becomes a personal quest in many ways. The pay off with those clients seems to be the images look really nice, so they book you again. The downside is there's a limit to how much you can charge for the camera as essentially you're upselling them to it when they're open to cheaper options.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Great that it paid for itself in a year.. without even renting it out. that’s what I’m talking about! That’s why it’s a great investment. Thanks for providing some insight on how things are in your market. The rental prices fluctuate over here. Overall it’s a hot item to have. That’s all there is to it!

[@GatorAidMedical]

I will never even be close to this kind of work and camera, this video randomly popped up. Just wanted to say you have an amazing methodical way of laying out information, I was clearly able to understand the financials of owning top tier film production content. I was actually surprised at how good of a return on investment you got from such an expensive piece of equipment. I had no idea film cameras hold their value like this.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

hey thanks so much! some hold their value and are incredible investments. a lot depends on the location, market and the trends. and who knows, maybe you will use one soon.

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

Nice hearing someone professional on KZbin that it’s like being on set with when I work vs all the other regurgitated nonsense on KZbin of cameras. Great work man. And exactly, on everything you’re saying

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you:) more to come.

[@DanIliev]

Bought my FX6 today because of your video! Had 2x a7sIII, FX30 and α7III. Been thinking about the FX6 for about a few weeks, I was expecting a quote today and I ordered it, went there and took it after I watched your video. Thank your for the awesome content! I would love to hear more high-end advice!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Awesome and congrats! I hope it does good things for you :)

[@TsvetanVLife]

It will for sure as far as I know @DanIliev! @@BlaineWestropp1 great videos bro!!! :)

[@jayeshjaidka6319]

Dude I’ve gotta say you’re def such a breath of fresh air. You don’t bullshit, gate keep and your videos are actually so well graded!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

hey thanks so much :) more to come..

[@TylerByars]

I love your thought process that you laid out on this. I'm currently nowhere close to thinking about or needing a camera in that realm (currently debating if I should spend that money on a Sony fX3) but just snapping numbers back into perspective on even that much smaller purchase was needed and appreciated. Mad respect.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

hey thank you. get the FX3 :)

[@oskarneftel3756]

Do it... Great Camera!

[@mabfilm]

I’m really glad you shared this info. I’ve been working towards an Arri camera, but I want to be a wise investment. Seems like Arri is the only brand that really holds its value and you can count on. I’m trying to sell some RED DSMC2 cameras right now and value is totally gone since they release new stuff constantly.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

I really think any of the cameras are a wise investment. the selling of it only really was a consideration for me as a backup plan. once it starts working any camera really should pay for itself multiple times. I just prefer the added benefits of having the top tier, like being able to use it whenever you want.

[@Julianorzel]

Mind reader, again, the content we didnt know we needed but we absolutely did. IDK how you arent a huge creator yet

[@BlaineWestropp1]

lol thank you! more to come...

[@YuvalAloni]

Awesome. Thanks for all this transparency! What about insurance? Happy to see you post a lot of videos man

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Hey thanks! I forgot about insurance 😭. Insurance is about $1500/year.

[@samdotroden]

Curious who you get insurance through. Also do you purchase the annual Arri warranty extension? Not sure what/if there’s a limit to that program

[@pglazzari1]

Straight professor here with what to do and how to do it. Blaine 101. Thanks man for the insight and experience with what to do. I can totally see you shooting a short film in your living room with the LF.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

haha thank you so much. maybe I will make that short film 😂

[@Sodacake]

i love this channel. practical advice and demos, no bullshit.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

thanks so much!

[@HuFilms]

Super vid Blaine. Financing is a good idea I think as you don't tie up all your money in the investment and most of us don't have 10k let alone 100k. Last year I thought about getting a RED Raptor, it would have cost me around €650 a month for the camera and some necessary accessories under a 5 year finance plan. Though it seems costly, to have that payment every month. To rent the camera would for one day, would cost that. So, essentially, just two days a month work would justify owning it.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you! I definitely think that would be a wise investment. You could easily make that payment in a month if you are shooting.

[@zaractus]

This video was a real motivation, this is kinda exactly what I'm trying to achieve, have great equipment to rent in my country and be able to use it for personal work or projects, gotta work hard for but it's the goal.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

ive had the camera for almost 3 years now.. very happy about it!

[@OBLIQUEF]

Nice to have a talk about gears in terms of ROI not just as an image-making tool. Financing is good if you consider your money flow and the money the gear will make a month however I think you should've also mentioned the cons of purchasing high-end gear, the expenses the gear would cause. I've bought Alexa 35 most in cash with a little amount of financing. I totally agree with your opinions of owning high-end gears but I still worry about the expensive sensor repair cost when it's damaged. Some DPs, rental houses who own Reds and Alexas have insurance but that'll cost in addition to monthly financing interest. Owning a 100k-dollar camera actually is a big investment with numerous potential risks that you might not overcome. I always say this to myself. The camera cannot make money alone. It's the owner who makes a profit out of the camera. I recommend starting with buying a 5-inch monitor and a wireless video transmitter/receivers next and then maybe a matte box and so on. These are most frequently used accs on set and you can charge for using them. Start making money flow with affordable accessories even though the amount seems negligible. The important thing for beginners is making the flow works. Loved your video but wanted to tell the viewers who may buy expensive gear without thoroughly considering it.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

The reward outweighs the risk. Insurance is cheap. I think having the 35 is a wise investment! Thanks for your input

[@nathanael_marguereta_dop]

Perfect timing, receiving my Alexa Mini today (in like 2 hours from writing this) since in my area (Marseille, south of france) there is 3/4 Mini LF and 2 35 but 0 Mini. We have some reds but the demand on mini is still there. She will be sleeping in a rental house whenever I wont shoot it.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Good day to receive a mini. Congrats. Should be a fun day for you!

[@nathanael_marguereta_dop]

@@BlaineWestropp1 Yes it is ! Just received it ahah

[@samrtaylor]

Killer video man. Love this channel!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

thank you! more to come!

[@VikTheGreat360]

This feels like forbidden knowledge; I love it!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

😇

[@theanswer3574]

Awesome video. Honestly has to be an amazing feeling as a filmmaker to OWN the camera that The Batman was shot with, or Wonka (watching the trailer in 4K has me going crazy of just how sublime the image is in literally every aspect). Gonna be getting both this and the Alexa 35 very soon. Thanks for the information.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

It is pretty wild owning the camera. Even after a few years it still blows my mind. The day it was arriving (in December) I went out to an intersection outside of my house where I could see down all 4 streets and waited in the car for 3 hours for UPS to be in sight and immediately stopped them to grab the package 😂😂

[@theanswer3574]

@@BlaineWestropp1 oh my haha, to be honest that's pretty much the same thing I would do in that situation.

[@pasaluart]

@@BlaineWestropp1 hahaha. That's so relatable

[@Joshs_Journey]

Great Video! Although a purchase like that is a few steps into the future for me. I would like to add that you can often buy them used from a trustworthy reseller and make a great deal on that. Had a few friends buy monstros or amiras with only a few recording hours that way.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Yes buying used is also a good move if you get it from the right place. Lori Carson, Matt Livingston, and Arri CPO would be 3 spots I would check first.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Balls… am I about to buy an LF that I should have just bought 3 years ago?! What do you do about insurance when you rent it out to others? Insist on seeing there insurance? Have some sort of blanket cover of your own? Hope for the best?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Do it. Or get the 35. I prefer LF, but the 35 is probably wise investment bc it is the newest one and people want it. I don’t rent it out to anyone. When I shoot with it, whoever I am shooting for supplies a COI with my company listed as a loss payee and I get a contract signed that states that during the duration of the shoot if anything happens to any of my EQ they are responsible for fixing/replacing that eq.

[@w500nm]

Was hoping for an episode on this topic! 👌

[@BlaineWestropp1]

There’s still a bit more info to share, but I’ll save that for the discord channel.

[@DanielDiosdado]

Amazing advice. You just made me think about it… 🎥 Keep up the good work!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you Daniel!

[@DanielDiosdado]

@@BlaineWestropp1 you’re welcome!

[@elarrioguajardo208]

I'm very tempted to start a production company soon, to make wonderful & visually creative stuff! I'm also considering on financing an Arri Alexa 35 (maybe an Mini LF if not the 35) and to do what you said here to really motivate me to rent out, get higher end clients, and make projects. I'm making sure to have a game plan so it doesn't crash and burn, but it'll probably take some time before I can finance a high end cine camera. But this really helped me out in terms of ideas to consider!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Hey thanks! One thing to consider… how many times are you currently renting a mini LF or an A35? I typically go after buying stuff when it is on the rental order a lot. Doesn’t have to be the case, but if you’re renting one of those cameras every month, that could be an indication to buy it.

[@elarrioguajardo208]

@@BlaineWestropp1 perhaps I should have worded that better! I meant to say that I would purchase (finance) an Arri 35 or a Mini LF to rent or loan it out to other people & rental houses, get higher end clients with it and make more projects. Sorry for the confusion!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

I of course support the decision to invest in this equipment, you just need to do an analysis of how much you think you will have it working for you. If for example you have a production company that rents the camera 10-20 times per year, could be good to buy. These are the best cameras out there!

[@elarrioguajardo208]

@@BlaineWestropp1 absolutely! I feel I'm in a good environment to be able to get good clientele for them and rental houses are nearby where I live for commissions! Some more refining in logistics & planning, and I feel solid in my intentions to secure such fine craftsmanship from Arri! These cameras are indeed amazing and some of the best out there! Thanks for reading and responding!

[@unbridledproductions2503]

Love your videos and how you demystified this process. Also, unrelated, but what watch(es) do you wear 🤣

[@BlaineWestropp1]

thank you! I have a lot more planned. the watch is a GMT master II :)

[@andrewgandy344]

One question that wasn’t touched on in the video is how you insure the camera/gear and how that factors into the monthly expense of ownership. Is your gear insured, and if so, isn’t it a significant amount? Thank you for your insight!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

You’re right, I forgot about that. I pay about $1500/year to insure just the camera.

[@sammorganmoore]

@@BlaineWestropp1 plus your house must meet the criteria or they wont pay out. I have zero kit in my flat which means it doesnt matter that the walls are made of cardboard and the door of toilet roll. In the UK insurance from a office (unatended overnight) is more cost and they require live alarms et al. $$$

[@johnwalker-xt3oo]

Great breakdown, thanks. Inspiring stuff. I have a couple questions: 1.) Do you think markets like NYC and LA are too saturated for this type of plan? 2.) Aside from all the perks you mentioned, are you profiting quite a bit? If one days rental covers your monthly loan payment, seems like a lot of room for profit, true? 3.) You mentioned declining to rent, if they have no DP. Can you expand on why?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Hey thank you! I think it makes most sense to buy these types of cameras when you are already renting them. That way the money goes to you. Having it work on your shoots is the most money you will make with it. If you shoot with it a lot and charge for it, it is quite profitable. I never rented it out bc I used it a lot, and just always wanted it available for my shoots and for tests!

[@MajorGeneralHavoc]

This is really helpful to hear. Thank you man!!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

sure thing!

[@TylerEdwards]

Great video. Gonna share this with my wife lol

[@BlaineWestropp1]

That’s the reason I posted this.

[@BowenMoreno]

Dude. I’m right there with you guys haha. Doing the same

[@Mitolism]

Love the way you laid out the info and gave insight about your process buying the camera. My only complaint is that you didn't cover the cost of insurance for the equipment. With an investment this big I personally would spring for insurance even if I was consigning it at a rental house and whatever production's insurance it is on covers it.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Forgot about insurance. It’s about $1500/year!

[@Mitolism]

@@BlaineWestropp1 true. Relatively insignificant but still an important purchase for sure

[@cokebottles6919]

One very important consideration is where you live. In Utah, Mini LF's go for $600-$800/day and +90% of the productions shoot on Red or Sony because even that low rate is too hard for most to accept. There are a couple 35's in the state, but at 2-2.5k/day, I don't personally know who if anyone is renting them.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Where you live, where you shoot, and who your clients are, are all definitely important. I think pitching the camera on certain projects is also wise. Depending on the project, especially if you are direct to client, you can pitch having the camera come on board. There are a lot of variables in all of this.

[@Apatura123]

Thanks for talking about this. 100% agreeing with you.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you :) may touch on some more aspects of financials in this industry.

[@Apatura123]

​@@BlaineWestropp1 Do it! A lot of people who are talking about it are only working like 10% in the Industry, are at a very beginner state or the video is completly clickbait. Would like to hear more. I mean... Sure the situation is different for everyone and not everyone is able to rent a Mini LF all the time or use it on shoots where they are DPing, but some general thoughts on this topical are always nice!

[@YoungBlaze]

i like this!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

🫡

[@MossChasteen]

Your beard inspires me.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

😂😂

[@CartyCantDance]

So this is how all my DP friends own their cameras and make tons of money…. Dude you just knock it out of the park with every video

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Haha thank you so much 😊

[@BowenMoreno]

Gotta spend money to make money!

[@JohanGassCommunications]

Great video. I was an artist and now I am getting into the business view of things with my new production company and i totally understand your point of view. My company owne a red komodo and it is suiting my need and those of my team for the moment. My question for Arri Camera is if you shoot in arri raw, is it manageable to edit in your computer or do you need a new computer to manage the fills? 6k 3rd footage are very computer friendly, and i still do my owne edit. Thanks!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Hey thanks! Love the Komodo. What computer are you working with? The M chips from apple handle arriraw nicely.

[@JohanGassCommunications]

@@BlaineWestropp1 I am on i5 last generation, RTX3080, 64GB ram (PC). Have you compare arri raw footage and red raw footage, do you notice some big differences?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

I can process red raw and arriraw just fine but every computer is different. There’s a page on arri site where you can download sample arriraw clips. I’d suggest trying that and testing the footage!

[@JohanGassCommunications]

@@BlaineWestropp1 ok thank you!

[@aov_james]

One day.. I wish having alexa on my arsenal..! It'd be great if you could cover on topic such as "which film equipments to invest in prior"(cuz I often run into buying accessories and find out that costs more than a still lens or camera😅)

[@BlaineWestropp1]

You can do it! This is a good topic. I had a bunch of stuff before this that worked with this one, batteries monitors, etc. I could cover something like that.

[@TotalRADandMORE]

Yo just went through all this in buying my first Red. Only got the Komodo X but its a first toe-dip in the exact waters you described. Good chat, id love to hear more of your thoughts about how you then go about pricing. Is there one number you shoot out? Are you flexible and why etc…

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Welcome to the thunderdome! Rates can begin to become negotiable on longer shoots in my opinion. Month long shoot, likely you are not getting 30 full days for the camera fee. It all depends how you want to do it and what you need to make it happen. Not an exact answer really but is varies so much from person to person and company to company. Be careful with varying rates. It’s good to stick to something solid.

[@eike.zender]

Very informative - thank you! The image looks amazing. What camera and lens did you use on this one? Cheers from Germany!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you! This was shot on a red Komodo and the new Zhongyi s35 T1.0 lenses.

[@escapepizza]

Really good information

[@BlaineWestropp1]

:)

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you!

[@prods5hni]

Damn i thought my Sony FX30 was a big purchase… anyways the video was really nice to watch thanks for the insight!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

its all the same really! congrats on the fx30, I want one!

[@loganlambert]

yo thanks for picking up my call

[@BlaineWestropp1]

😂😂

[@cleverghostchili]

Does the Arri LPL or PL mount communicate with the lens? I have EF lenses that don’t have aperture ring, is there a way to change aperture in camera?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Sup! Both the Arri LPL and PL communicate with any PL lenses that have i/technology (to capture lens data in the metadata). With an ef lens you will need to put an Arri ef mount on the camera, which will communicate with ef lenses and let you change the aperture. I think there are a handful of EF lenses that don’t work but most do.

[@Asomers322]

What are some of the investments that didn’t go so well?

[@codylarosa]

Would love to see this one as well!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

hi Ashley. Besides going to 0 in Vegas once, one investment that didn't go as planned was a camera I bought from amazon after seeing Lewis Potts post a video about it. I bought the same one and then I realized that was his thing so I didn't do anything with it and I returned it. One other thing that didn't go well was an off brand wireless transmission system that I bought years ago that never really worked. It is still sitting at the bunker on N6. as far as the higher ticket items, I am very strict on those and do research and know before buying that they will be worth it. Next in the pipeline are the atlas mercury lenses and the cooke ff panchros.

[@peterchamalian5005]

Thanks for sharing all of this great info man. Any further thoughts on downpayment percentage for a larger purchase like the milf or even a 35?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you! I would not put any money down unless the bank makes you. I suppose you could put some down if the interest rate is higher than what you’d make on the money otherwise.

[@danieladams7782]

Great info, for a second this is making me want to keep my Atlas Mercury pre-order (as investment). But probably not haha

[@BlaineWestropp1]

I would suggest keeping the pre order, or selling the pre order. Depending on when you pre ordered you could make a quick profit if you sold the lenses upon receiving.

[@danieladams7782]

I pre-ordered in December so i still have some time to decide. It's just all the bad reviews have me on the fences. But yeah, it looks like maybe it could be worth keeping as an investment. Love the content thanks!@@BlaineWestropp1

[@-Flynn]

This is a really great insight. Just wondering as a total novice, what is the deal with insurance? Like if you rent it out to a production and they "drag it through the dirt" and break it. Do you have the camera insured personally yourself, does the production company cover some kind of insurance, who pays for what and so on.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Hey thanks. I have the camera insured, so if I break it when I’m doing something it’s covered. Whenever I am using it on a job, the production company’s insurance covers it. They send me a certificate of insurance (COI) listing my company as a loss payee, meaning that if anything happens to the camera during the duration of the production they are responsible for getting it fixed our replaced through their insurance not mine.

[@joaquinperalba1624]

And how much is the insurance premium? BTW, you have a very clear way to explain things. Congrats !

[@joaquinperalba1624]

Forgot my question. Just saw you answered down there … 😊

[@BlaineWestropp1]

$1500 per year!

[@yochintohere]

Very Informative

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you 🫡

[@jarlathmckernan]

Advice for a 20 year old in film school, paying all their money on fees and accommodation? I’ve nothing left by the end of the month. I was thinking a classic to kick start my career as a DP. But even that 5K is out of the question

[@BlaineWestropp1]

you! does the school have cameras you can use? id get the OG bmpcc on Ebay. get something you can swap lenses on and that shoots log!

[@davidmallinson]

hey great video! what watch is that btw?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you! It is a GMT Master II

[@BryceDearden]

It’s dangerous that I saw this video the day the Burano came out

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Do it!

[@ursmader]

🫠

[@BlaineWestropp1]

😂😂

[@ericdargan]

Great video

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you 😊 more to come!

[@JesusMartinezCreates]

Sending this to my wife because I want and now will get this camera haha

[@BlaineWestropp1]

GOOD

[@brettrandolph6531]

Do you own all the gear you use on a set? Or just your Arri? What percentage of gear you use would you say you own vs. rent?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Lately I just supply camera, monitor, a handheld wireless monitor. Sometimes movi pro. Smaller stuff, and bigger doc style stuff, I’ll provide a little bit of lighting.

[@GeneralsComedy]

Hey so I wouldn't be someone who considers themselves a DP professionally, I have been a DP before but its just not my intrest to focus on that I fall more in the directing/ writing/ acting area. I'm in the range of my career where I have my film degree and could peruse it professionally but it just is not what I want my focus to be on. I'm interested in buying an alexa 35 or mini LF just to be able to rent it out, make connections, and use it for personal projects. I'm curious what your take on someone not being a DP but owning a camera like this would still be a benefit. Even if I just like parked it at a rental house to make a profit, what's your thoughts?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Hey! Are you located in a major market? Are you connected to a lot of DPs and directors?

[@GeneralsComedy]

@@BlaineWestropp1 I'm based out of NYC and I have most of my connections through NYU.

[@chano_banano]

Man ... this video makes me wanna set up an LLC, get some business credit, buy some komodos, rent them out and work my way up to an ARRI eventually 🤔🤔 Guess it doesnt hurt to try

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Develop a strategy and do it!

[@MattTipold]

love this

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thanks Matt 😊

[@flochfitness]

How much is the insurance on the rig?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

It’s about $1500/year

[@flochfitness]

@@BlaineWestropp1any other expenses you factor in?

[@etleo3811]

Bro i ❤,❤,❤ the info

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you ❤️

[@djsfilm]

Love ur vids

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you!

[@unbridledproductions2503]

What would you say is a typical percentage split between a camera owner and rental houses?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Ya know I’m not actually positive. I think it’s 50/50

[@waynejordan3295]

this is wild fam.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

:)

[@reflections9367]

Is Rolex also a good investment?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Absolutely. Especially if you buy new at msrp from an authorized dealer. This one was an epic gift from my wife.

[@reflections9367]

tips on getting the first one at ad? heard it's almost impossible today.@@BlaineWestropp1

[@johnnyweissmuller5838]

Im not sure about the 5000 dollars a day, around here the dayrate is around 1000 dollar/day.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

5k is tougher but becomes more realistic when you have a full package (monitors, support, media, batteries) and are including prep. This also happens on very specific types of projects.

[@dangerrayy]

Just to summarize. Get what ever the camera he's talking about if: (1) you're out in the desert (b) filming pyramids (c) getting dessert

[@BlaineWestropp1]

😂 yes this is the message

[@LoganMcNay]

I bought a mini, had it for a year, then sold it. I didn't get it rented out much living in the midwest, but I used it on a few projects & it got me on a couple jobs, but I also didn't market myself much with it. One thing I found was having to deduct the potential loss into the investment as well, so if you want a 10% ROI, it really might need to be a 20% ROI with depreciation, but the loss is also a tax write off. I lost about 9k from depreciation in one year after selling it. Overall, glad I did it, and I'm buying an old alexa right now so hopefully this new go around it gets used more

[@BlaineWestropp1]

It’s not a 100% guarantee for sure. Before buying I told myself I’d be okay with the loss if I needed to sell. I wanted the camera and was okay in a worst case scenario having to pay a little to use it for a year if it came to that. Which Alexa are you looking at buying now?

[@LoganMcNay]

@@BlaineWestropp1 Yeah I had the same mentality, I'm looking at the XT now. It's been a bit weird because I'm angled a bit strange with directing &/or DPing, while a lot of my time is spent doing post work. But the XT has 4:3, arriraw, & all the licenses for about 10k which isn't bad. At worst it'll be nice for personal projects, at best I can rent it out on productions I'm on, hopefully

[@BlaineWestropp1]

XT is a hot move at a good price. Where are you based?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

@@LoganMcNay dope. I will definitely hit you up. I have a couple friends there. Need to make a trip.

[@Eagler365]

Do you think a Arri Alexa mini for 13k with 7900 hrs on it is worth it in 2024 especially from a rental perspective? Gott guy who just needs the money wondering if i should pull the trigger. My guy says he cn definitely get it rented out but he needs 20% just trying to think it through.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Hey! I would first and foremost make seller have it inspected and cleared by arri. Next, I would consider your market, how much you are currently renting one, and how much they are being rented in your city. Is it something you can bring on your shoots, and charge for? How many of those shoots will happen in a year.

[@demonshadow913]

This is a great non-bs thank you

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you. More to come!

[@julienpierb]

Living outside of any major city, I don't know if the productions out here are ready for that. We're already doing a lot of work to make them understand that videos are not just a bunch of random shot filmed with Rebel on a gimbal, smashed together in Flimora with a bunch of "cool" overlay. It'll take some time, but we're working on it and we're slowly gaining terrain. By we, I mean the couple of weirdoes who decided that it'd be a great idea to live in the countryside while having a career in filmmaking hahaha

[@julienpierb]

And also, thanks for making this video, it's amazing. Like everything else you are doing

[@BlaineWestropp1]

thank you so much. sounds like you are at the beginning of something good for the area you are working in. do amazing work, and the word will spread!

[@julienpierb]

@@BlaineWestropp1 Thanks mate. It's a challenge, bit it is one I am fully happy to embrace. Even if it means shooting with less impressive cameras like the URSA G2 and the Red Komodo (let's face it, they're still amazing cameras). In time we'll get an Arri 35 or whatever it is when the time comes!

[@asantelucas931]

yeah the lumix g9 with speed booster is enuff for me 😂

[@BlaineWestropp1]

great cam :)

[@12spies]

I find this value even as someone who has a much smaller budget. I'd be interested to see what you think about the demand for specialty gear like high speed cameras and if the demand for those is high enough to justify this same model. Great work 👍

[@BlaineWestropp1]

I don’t have experience owning a high speed camera, but I have to imagine it would be used slightly less than a mini LF or an Alexa 35 for example. I think you could make money on it, possibly even more per day than an Alexa, but it could get used less since it’s so specialty. But, depending on your market it could be good. If you had the only one in a certain region it could be good. If you had a studio with a robot and the high speed camera it could be good. I know some phantoms have to come with a tech, so there’s also money to be made there, camera fee + tech fee.

[@12spies]

@@BlaineWestropp1 Great points. I need to see if Nashville area has a demand for it. Thanks for the info, sorry for the typos.

[@raulalaris]

Showing my wife this while I only own a canon R5.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

convince her!

[@invisibleadversary]

It almost seems like you could easily make the cost of a Mini LF back plus profit just renting it out for a year but that's no fun I guess. However, it's kind of crazy that you can generate that much income off a single video camera.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

You definitely could. Especially with new releases. Even if you don’t rent it out, if you really think about it you will come to the conclusion that the camera will pay for itself one way or another if you put in some type of effort.

[@invisibleadversary]

@@BlaineWestropp1 Just need to get over the psychological barrier of paying 100k for a video camera I suppose... even if it is the best video camera in the world.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Yep, I researched it and thought about it pretty deeply for a few months before doing it. If you develop a strategy and live in an area where you think it will have success, it can be very worth it. And.. the backup plan of selling it helps.

[@invisibleadversary]

@@BlaineWestropp1 Also makes for great KZbin content 😂I don't think I've seen content like yours anywhere else on KZbin. It's super cool.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thanks so much. It definitely helps in making stuff on KZbin lol.

[@jacobhumpherys6196]

Any advice for renting out cine/vintage lenses?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

I would put them at a rental house

[@BlaineWestropp1]

You could also try share grid, promoting on Instagram, etc. put the word out there and people could rent directly from you.

[@jacobhumpherys6196]

@@BlaineWestropp1 thank you!

[@jalenoutside]

How does insurance factor into your buying decision?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Insurance is about $1500/month!

[@jalenoutside]

Thank you for the additional info.@@BlaineWestropp1

[@SaintProductions1]

The ending 😂

[@BlaineWestropp1]

😂😂 love it

[@UbiquitousBooks]

Need to show this video to my gf.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Don’t we all. Haha

[@antovega2]

insurance?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

It’s about $1500 per year

[@antovega2]

@@BlaineWestropp1 a lot less than expected

[@BlaineWestropp1]

@antovega2 yeah it’s not bad at all.

[@invisibleadversary]

You can also write it off, no?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

if your business buys a piece of eq for business purposes yes, but I am not an accountant and cannot give tax advice. if you ask your accountant they will tell you about section 179 and bonus depreciation (if you are in the US). abelcine also has documentation on this I believe and typically sends out reminders near the year end.

[@toshiro4208]

Hmm should I pay rent or buy an alexa.. tough choices

[@BlaineWestropp1]

The Alexa :)

[@RumRunneerFilms]

This is how you fight GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). No gear is "precious".

[@BlaineWestropp1]

yea its all just tools.. am I slightly precious with a brand new camera.. yeah. but then I get over it and drag it through the dirt.

[@HaydenAckerVideos]

What about insurance?

[@BlaineWestropp1]

1500 ish per year!

[@WestonNey3000]

I think I’d rather pay for an older used Alexa Mini S35 camera. I’m working up to it and have shot with RED cameras and now I’m shooting Sony cinema cameras, with the goal of outright paying $25,000 for a used Alexa Mini. I want to get a mortgage to buy a house so I don’t think it would be smart for me to actually pay $100k for a cinema camera, especially with the film industry tightening up.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

I think the og mini is also a wise investment, they are just such great cameras!

[@jlirving]

@2:30 Also if you're like buying a 6 figure camera you would hope it generates income for you lmao.

[@sloppysteaks]

wearing a submariner in this video is triggering

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Guess again

[@AUTOSARTID]

5 years is to looong.. my case every new gear should be payback in 3 years and start earn more because film making is a lot if stuff to keep up with

[@BlaineWestropp1]

5 years is just a typical loan term for something like this. You can easily have it pay for itself in a year.

[@Arsenjev_Kirill]

👋👋👋👋❤❤

[@BlaineWestropp1]

👋👋

[@SQUAWWW]

Welp, Im off to the bank 🤷🏾‍♂

[@BlaineWestropp1]

tell them Blaine sent you 😂

[@SwissDHD]

Good video, but people watching -- BE CAREFUL of this current market.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Definitely be careful, with any purchase. Lot of variables.

[@mattthecinematographer1915]

rental market , production budgets , resale market has been decimated this past year. Don't get high end equipment anymore

[@jmez927]

Wait…..so by buying this camera without using it and selling it you would’ve made 10k? Damn Arti color science is so good the camera doesn’t even have to be turned on to make a profit 😅

[@BlaineWestropp1]

😂 yep!

[@swashyhimself]

I don’t have the money but I’m ready to rob cheat and steal for it. Yes that’s an expression!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

😂

[@dicekolev5360]

This would be all true in a "normal" country like USA where you have laws and people kinda respect the art. Come to Eastern Europe and good luck earning a dime :D .People here make commercials with smartphones and potatoes :D

[@BlaineWestropp1]

lol. hey.. a smartphone aint bad!

[@Max_filmatic_music]

Great video but I honestly think Arri is dumb and I would take great glass and the best gaffer gear possible over these stupid cameras any day.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Why do you think it’s dumb? Genuinely curious

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Also thank you!

[@Max_filmatic_music]

@@BlaineWestropp1 I think my wording was a little strong because I know its an incredible camera and you sort of convinced me with the who exclusivity and rental houses not having it but I just don’t think it is necessary. Its also pretty important to note that I mostly shoot commercials for products so I did the same thing as you on a smaller scale I thought it was worth financing the freefly ember which is a high frame rate camera that really makes my work stand out. I have only rented a 35 for a music video once recently and I dont think the difference in price justifies me just using my fx3 or Komodo instead I get the color science and durability but I think any camera without good glass and lighting is essentially worthless and I have spent much more on glass and at least equal on lighting gear. But your a DP for films and I am in a different industry so I will take your word for it I just inherently hate thinking of all the other things that could have improved my footage with that 2k a month that would be cutting most business owners budgets pretty thin. I also love when I can shoot a massive commercial and use a camera that costs 1/30th and nobody besides industry folks can even tell the difference and then I just pocket that huge profit. I have shot about 80% of my commercial footage on first the sony a7siii and then the fx 3/30 combo.

[@Max_filmatic_music]

@@BlaineWestropp1 i still love the video and am absolutely going to be a new subscriber though you had zero BS just straight valuable insight and information.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

You aren’t wrong about any of this! All the cameras nowadays can achieve a great look. Good lenses and good lighting are key. I’d love to see some of your work! Also, how do you like the ember. I want one!

[@viniciusadrn]

I think you're adicted looking at camera monitors 🤣

[@BlaineWestropp1]

That’s the job ☺️

[@viniciusadrn]

@@BlaineWestropp1 love your videos bro, very original and helpefull.

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Thank you :) more to come

[@Goalieswede]

Think this guy is real? I think he might be AI generated

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Join the discord and find out

[@Goalieswede]

@@BlaineWestropp1 classic Jeff Bezos reply. This has Amazon written all over it

[@BlaineWestropp1]

He’s my nephew