Shmee150 - the real life of a supercar YouTuber // The Late Brake Show

Ever wondered what the real life of a supercar youtuber is like? Shmee150 is the original car youtuber. Shmee aka Tim Burton started his career in 2010 and has inadvertently become one of the most controversial automotive youtubers, but there is no doubt he is the hardest working. Jonny first met Tim when filming 'supercar paparazzi' in 2013 for Fifth Gear.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show
This is Idol Chat, where we sit Tim Burton down in the appalling brown leather chairs and try to understand what he is really like, how his life in cars began and how he deals with such an intense lifestyle. Part 2 will go live soon, where we walk around Shmee's car collection in the Shmuseum barn.
Thanks to Tim for taking the time to let us come and film. Tim's channel is / shmee150
Archive clips of Fifth Gear credited to North One Television. We have used the Fifth Gear video clip(s) after careful research into the legalities surrounding 'Fair Use', knowing that we have used the clip(s) in a factual, reportage way to validate the discussion point made by the person(s) involved in the original footage. We have used a short a clip as possible to validate said point. We have also used the clip in the confidence that it will act in a positive transformative way to the original clips.
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Filmed by Michael Rock Perring
Edited by: Matty Graham @ Pixel Click pixel-click.com
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant Design matttarrantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 unloading the chairs with Tim
0:55 Intro
1:23 Who is Shmee?
2:05 Filming Fifth Gear in 2013
4:58 Car interest as a kid
5:15 Dad's cars
5:55 Working in finance, college subjects
6:40 Reverse engineering the algorithm
7:45 KZbin as a serious business
8:34 Do you edit yourself?
9:02 Do you go on holiday?
9:30 Stresses of a KZbinr
10:37 Planning the film and making notes
10:57 Shmee's vintage video cameras!
11:44 Shmee Vs Tim
13:45 First video of La Ferrari online
14:42 Are you misunderstood?
15:07 Every car has a business plan
15:35 Inadvertently controversial
15:48 Trolling of Shmee
17:00 Almost a billion views on youtube
17:57 Dispelling myths of Shmee
18:38 My Dad was an accountant. Had a spreadsheet at 7
19:00 Bought first sportscar (Aston) at 23
19:38 Trading mobile phones on ebay at 14
20:32 'My Dad doesn't think I should own these cars'
21:16 How do you pay for your cars?
23:00 Stockpiling Shmee personal numberplates
23:22 Guilty pleasure cars - £700 Subaru
23:45 Importing phones from Japan and renting a shop space
24:40 Taking time out to become a ski instructor
25:05 Do you like classic cars?
25:40 I like the journey of speccing and buying new
26:23 I'd like a restomod Mustang - classic EV?
27:29 Not all youtubers are the same
28:14 Grew up reading Autocar and EVO
29:25 What cars do you NOT like?
29:44 Like Switzerland during the war....
30:32 Never swear on video.
31:06 Any hobbies outside of cars?
31:24 Where did the SHMEE name come from?
32:39 Do you buy cars just for likes?
33:52 Do you wish it wasn't just Tim on camera?
34:40 Coping with stress and anxiety of youtube
35:50 Shmee in a car under the radar?
36:00 Subscribe and like and comment and subscribe yeah!
#shmee150 #shmeeinterview #supercarcollector #timburton

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great interview, and thanks Tim for sharing this peak into the business. It only confirmed what I had presumed about Tim and the Shmee150 business. It is never an accident when something succeeds over a long period. It is smart hard work.

[@danielmarshall4587]

True... people with money have that money because most of the time they've worked for it, and that's just what they do...work. And here we are enjoying them sharing all this lovely stuff.

[@calmingskys]

I would say it's the same with a lot of people. its pretty simple really, finding out what people want, making what people want, posting it when people want, say first thing in the morning, lunch time or in the evening etc, im sure there are lots of other bits and bobs, like colours, transitions even angles etc if you really look into it. but success never comes as a surprise

[@Shmee150]

Thanks for stopping by Jonny! Pleasure to have you to visit my new garage and chat about it all. Will never forget when we went car spotting together back in 2013 on Fifth Gear.

[@Miggy2j]

Great interview, it was good to see you in a new light.

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

This video made me so happy! Great watch!

[@iandonald5755]

Thanks for doing this interview, very insightful!

[@Mexxx65]

I would have liked to hear Jonny P mention a little more about his "old skool" car background. As you are Definitely are of the "new skool" of KZbin car enthusiasts!

[@mccarthymccarthy1]

Fascinating. Thanks to you both.

[@nicholaslopez7918]

Tim once very kindly took me out for a meal with his mate when I worked at a motorshow in Glasgow (and they drove in an Aston) . We spent all evening chatting about cars and many things in between. He was an incredibly genial guy, who inspite of having driven every vehicle you could think of never boasted or bragged. Its an utter shame people try to put him down as he is one of the good guys!

[@eSysmanSuperYachts]

That was good. Tim should do more of this because it shows him in a different light. Also was good to hear two KZbinrs talking about what it’s like working as a KZbinr as I don’t think many people understand what it’s like.

[@davelangford2439]

Apart from literally every automotive KZbinr ever making videos about what its like to be a KZbinr! Tim does do more of this, he does interviews like this with everyone.

[@steinfossgard5210]

@@HarryMollyNut Nope! I watch and enjoy both Tim and Harrys channels.

[@scaffolding_god1735]

eSysman you're a legend 🙌

[@mikefadian6129]

Tim’s content isn’t really for me, but no one can deny the guy is killing it. Fair play fella.

[@lewis72]

He seems quite harmless but so ferociously annoying.

[@robinthebobin6537]

Same, I don't really enjoy his content, the style just doesnt work for me. But the fact is, he's incredibly succesful with his formula, which is basically all down to hard work, all while still clearly being a very lovely guy with genuine passion! He deserves his success and fairplay to him

[@CrossChris1978]

The stereo audio needs to be flipped. ie: Shmee coming through our left speaker, or preferably mono sound. Great vid though!!

[@gabriellundmark]

Yeah I had to check my headphones!

[@5harp3y]

Thought I had gone deaf in one ear!

[@cingramuk]

As above!

[@LeeM74]

I spun my phone round......... Twice! 😂😂😂

[@DavidAlpine1987]

I just wore my headphones backwards. 🤣

[@patrickharveyy]

I have to say, I've never been a fan of Tim, but now, it's opened my eyes and I get it

[@Duffers999]

Came in sceptical but came out with a higher opinion of Tim, I didn’t expect that.

[@knobexploitmusicelectronic9218]

Amen

[@VLesPaul]

Same 👊🏼

[@stevegifford9989]

Thanks Jonny for sharing this interview with us

[@ryanlister1576]

Jonny has a way of portraying the 'real' side of people. I personally cannot stand more than about a minute of Shmee's usual content but this video shows he's clearly a gent in real life and deserves his success.

[@DarrenCadbyLynch]

Agree - i'm not big on Shmee content but this was an excellent watch, and love the business approach to what he's doing. Fiar play to that man.

[@alistairinnes5439]

Wow. Thought it was just me. I can’t get past “Hello, I’m Scmhee…” without wanting to throw my phone out of the window. Thanks chaps, I’ll have a watch…”

[@wilf18]

mmm… 🤮

[@paulmcaleer2736]

He might split opinion but you can’t deny he knows exactly what he’s doing and has been incredibly successful at doing it! Jonny you are great as always - love your relaxed style of interviewing!

[@RawtenstallBagSnatcher.]

Trust fund kid.

[@DJcurryblaster]

@@RawtenstallBagSnatcher. keep hating lad he’s making money lol

[@RawtenstallBagSnatcher.]

@@DJcurryblaster I dont hate him at all. & I am 10X richer than he will ever be.

[@richardhammer187]

@@RawtenstallBagSnatcher. lol

[@iKaGe01]

I respect him a lot more after this video

[@iKaGe01]

Lol Schmee in a s**t car. Haha

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Well I thoroughly enjoyed that - as a minor KZbinr with a mere 65 million views it was very refreshing to hear Tim's approach to his success, the way he deals with trolling, the business focus and so on....all rings true to me...I shall carry on! Thanks Jonny (and when are you coming on my channel to talk bikes??)...

[@william_SMMA]

Oh okay. So no more trolling from me then regarding his inheritance Respect him 50 times more now Shmee to the world !!! (He's already big lol?

[@Jetskicentral]

Oi oi TMF didn’t expect to see you here … there’s no bikes…..

[@duncanorr5926]

It feels like cheating on cars and being caught bike bikes lol 😆

[@vxlgsi]

TMF do some 70 80 90's bike reviews everyone loves the older bikes.

[@sjoroverpirat]

@@vxlgsi The evolution of the goldwing could be cool.

[@caffinemc1]

Like Tim or not you can’t knock his work ethic and passion, he totally deserves everything he’s achieved. Another great episode Jonny 🙌

[@VeeDubRacing]

Another good video mate. As you say, its a struggle to get one video a week up. Hats off to Tim for doing one every couple of days.

[@craigbrown5667]

You know what, that was a brilliant interview. We can all make assumptions about our KZbin content providers, but this was particularly eye opening for me. Tim came across as a genuinely nice guy. Most of us can't imagine the time and stress that goes into producing regular interesting videos for YT. Johnny, you're doing a service with this series, so hats off to you for that. Tim, go on holiday mate. Your subscribers will still be here when you get back 👍

[@JoeAchilles1]

This will be a good watch :-)

[@nickwatson2167]

A Rolex for sure

[@99crossy]

It really was 🙂 loved it

[@induhvidual123]

That was a lovely interview done in a very calm and collected manner which was pleasant to watch. Thank you to you both 👍

[@richardstubbings6962]

Jonny, great content and great listening to the other side of Tim. Having followed Shmee150 for some years, you can tell his love for cars and passion for tech. But what’s refreshing is his behind the scenes dedicated mindset and business acumen.

[@rpjwhite]

Wasn’t a big Shmee fan because I didn’t quite get his deal. Really interesting chat. Like him a lot more now.

[@martinaragon5117]

Great interview! Thanks Johnny!

[@theprinceofbabylonia]

I love the fact that he still uses his cherished 2013 sony camcorder

[@olivierl2172]

I don't. I would prefer he would bring up the quality a notch. 😁

[@CaseyCollier]

@@olivierl2172 To what? ...a red camera?

[@olivierl2172]

@@CaseyCollier I'd love that 😉

[@CaseyCollier]

@@olivierl2172 That was supposed to be a joke, but I guess you took it seriously. You are dreaming, my man. Red cameras are super expensive and are quite heavy, making them difficult to carry around for extended periods of time. He would have to get a rig to carry it on (which would be too cumbersome). Tim does a majority of the filming himself, so how do you expect any of that to work? How would he be able to film the inside of a car? He simply couldn't do it. You, on the other hand, seem to think that it's possible. I'm wondering what kind of filming experience you have to know all of this. Please... do tell me how you'd make these videos with a red camera on your own.

[@olivierl2172]

@@CaseyCollier I knew it was a joke, hence the wink emoji 😁

[@srodigital]

That was a good watch. Its nice to see Tim in a different situation and one not created by one of his KZbin friends. Its good to listen to a relaxed, friendly and informative chat. Thanks Johnny.

[@somanshlala8620]

I absolutely loved this video. Hands down one of the best videos I’ve watched on KZbin! Thanks a lot for the post!

[@cjp6527]

That, was brilliant, well done Jonny and thank you Tim for your honesty, was a great insight. Keep up the great content chaps...🎩

[@Miggy2j]

Very intelligent guy, I've never understood the hate towards Shmee. Level headed guy who creates great consistent content.

[@smeggy22]

And that consistency is what gave him his success. People just don’t get it.

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

Same, I don't understand the level of hate. It took me a while to get into the channel, but when I did, I always looked forward to the next video and enjoying the passion he has.

[@0-Will-0]

The hate is probably often jealousy driven.

[@justsomeguy1141]

I worked with Tim whilst I was Product Manager at Chevrolet and he was always hardworking, clued up and reliable. More that can be said for some other influencers!

[@RichardMajor86]

More info please

[@Matt-go7ss]

I think it was because he wanted those Matiz test drives

[@justsomeguy1141]

@@Matt-go7ss haha fortunately the Matiz was long gone and in Europe we ended up selling just the Corvette and Camaro

[@justsomeguy1141]

@@RichardMajor86 no gossip here, just to say Tim out works them all

[@SaschaPallenberg]

What a great watch! Thank you guys

[@TheDarrylsandler]

This felt like someone unpacking a Ted Talk with Shmee! This is a fantastic interview - well done Jonny!

[@martinmagee6611]

Interesting interview- nice to see Tim is more like the rest of us car fans than perhaps we perceived 😁

[@rollieenavlogs7370]

Really enjoyed that - gave some insight into Schmee and just how misunderstood he is. Well done 👍

[@Mtthwpez]

It's nice to see the human behind Shmee. I don't think I will ever get on with his content, but I can now appreciate what he is doing. Great video Jonny!

[@fstop10]

Love this series Jonny, looking forward to seeing more! 🤘🏻

[@mmmbilly]

That was excellent, refreshing to hear Tim be himself and not playing a character

[@Stoobers]

I only recently discovered Shmee150, and rather like his videos. Seems like a decent chap. Great to see this interview Jonny :) Thanks!

[@29speedman]

Loved it. Really laid back honest chat.

[@pauliboo2]

Loved this video thanks Jonny! I’m also so so pleased that this was a Part 1, so there will be a Part 2!!

[@micheltebraake7915]

Nice conversation. Heard more about Tim's background again. I met Tim on the Nordschleife when he had his Porsche 911 GT3 and just lost his rear number plate on the highway, and then take the time to talk to you, Tim is a special person.

[@markrizzofield9403]

Two Greats in one video! Really liked this Jonny and I’ve followed Tim a long time.

[@michaeljenkins3347]

Two of my favourite KZbinrs. A great interview

[@deeplato5647]

*JONNY* The intro loading the chairs on the trailer always catches my interest... Thanks for making the effort!!!

[@karlhurn]

Another great video Jonny. Really enjoyed that and getting to know a bit about Tim and seeing that he’s a thoroughly nice guy. I’ve followed a similar path to my KZbin channel, eBay trading, filming friends and travel before coming back to my love of cars. Hope to have a KHTV museum some day 👌😂👍

[@JR90.]

As a huge fan of both The Late Brake Show and Shmee150, this is going to be a great watch.

[@dwn2634]

Really good interview of a very misunderstood character. Good work Jonny.

[@gouldnj]

This was such a fun video to see. I’ve been a fan of Tim’s since his very early days and have met him and chatted on his US tour. He’s genuine and very down to earth. Thanks for taking the time to interview KZbin personalities and show us the stories behind the camera. BTW-you have GOT to remix the audio and combine the channels.

[@tavarish]

Shmee150 is a legend.

[@kev_pe3848]

Didn't expect you here! Love your builds especially the Mcnugget

[@justinsheldon5015]

I hope you are a subscriber to the Late Brake Show, Tavarish ?

[@mattharwood4413]

Jonny - Great channel! I appreciate your your quiet humility, enthusiasm and respect you show to others you invite on your channel, including your viewers. I also appreciate that you are not about all those new big dollar "super Cars" that Schmee is into (though you are willing to...dabble....). I like your taste in cars (thought I want a Rover P6 or and SD1 over that Austin Allegro!). I'm more of the Charger and Impala person as well. Keep up the great work! Great interview!

[@nellyjon423]

Really enjoyed this, thank you both☺️ 👍

[@jaykay5369]

Great watch, cheers Jonny!

[@c04427041]

Really enjoyed this. He comes across as a really decent guy.

[@paulrigby3578]

Excellent insight into shmee 150👍👍

[@briangschaefer7048]

Great video. Thank you both.

[@andrewmullen4003]

Great vid, lovely to meet Tim, and Shmee, yes I just woke up from a coma, no I'd never seen his stuff before, but will take a look now.

[@R-Tap]

Tim knows his onions, a smart very hard working guy whom deserves everything he gets and has.

[@Jonathan-ww8un]

Very interesting this! Looking forward to the second part for sure.

[@toddalvandi]

Love this format, well done.

[@Vonstroke]

Tim's a nice guy but honestly I'm not a fan of the Shmee character.

[@octaneparker6200]

You have hit the nail on the head

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Me neither but when you listen to him brazenly explain that it is a business and he is playing every angle possible to achieve success then you just have to take your hat off. You, me, even Tim himself don't have to like 'Shmee', but it sells, and that's all that counts.

[@cbanks5678]

This is why i prefer the museum channel more than the shmee150 channel...he is more laid back and "normal" on that channel

[@guypool7524]

This was a brilliant insight to Shmee and his history and work, thank you!

[@tomranum6]

Fascinating ! Kudos to Tim!

[@bnkwupt]

Great episode! I had just gotten caught up on some of Shmee's recent videos when this popped up - imagine that.

[@iandonald5755]

Good video Johnny, definitely changed my view of Tim for the better that's for sure! Sound wasn't great though, Tim was very quiet.

[@MuitoDaora]

Jonny I don't think you pronounced his name correctly. Is Shmeeeeeeeeeee.

[@blarkdexture8899]

Hi Shmeeee I'm guys!

[@abbielindley123]

Absolutely fantastic video!

[@vernonhuey5885]

This is the best 2part video I’ve ever watched Mike is a true inspiration

[@DarthTrotter]

Hubnut next please.

[@jimmyh3267]

This is such a fantastic interview to get to see the other side of Tim and getting a more personal insight in to his rise to success this what makes him such a easy person to watch as he is down to earth regardless of his success

[@Meadsy13]

Great video, lovely chat, very honest

[@ricardosanta1162]

Really refreshing to listen to this interview of Shmee150. Really down to earth and very hard working.

[@TomleyRC]

Imagine how successful the trolls would be if they put all that negative energy in to something positive. Another great ‘chat’ Jonny, I wonder how many people are now sat there thinking ‘oh.... I made a mistake about shmee ’ 🧐 (most will never admit it though)

[@JamieD1994]

Not sure if I'll manage to watch this through but I'll try!

[@gtametro]

hahah, im wondering how many dislikes this is going to get he's very Marmite, but can't fault what he has accomplished, i think the on screen persona puts people off.

[@ragemydream]

Really great chat with Tim. Great topics and really insightful.

[@bavariasuhl]

this was awesome. i have been following shmee150 for 7-8 years and learnt more about Tim/Shmee in this 36 min than watching 20 mins a day, for 7-8 years

[@Wirenfeldt1990]

this felt a wee bit short to be honest.. still enjoyable.. keep on keeping on sir!

[@mattpalmer6071]

Audio isn't great through headphones it's only coming out one ear at a time, not sure if it's something you can fix?

[@Yanmak13]

I think R and L channels are switched. It's a bit confusing.

[@Hitstirrer]

I had to put my headphones on the wrong way round as the left channel was J and the right was S as I looked at them.

[@Musketeer009]

Yeah. I noticed the voices coming out from the opposite speakers to their seating positions.

[@asa_williams]

Watching on a tv surround, Tim's audio would get really quiet and then back to normal-ish. Johnny's audio was definitely higher and consistent though. I had to watch with the volume really high.

[@Musketeer009]

@@asa_williams I had no problems with the volume.

[@felipe-nt-d]

This was a good watch! I've watched Shmee150 for quite a few years and really love his content, but now I see I'd like even more to watch some videos with Tim in his professional side like this, it was super refreshing to watch the interview and see him under a new light.

[@jameshigh3038]

Such a refreshing conversation A true credit to both

[@dwftube]

This guy was going to be a success, whatever he did - super smart, great business head, awesome work ethic.

[@Andy-2022]

He surrounds himself by successful people as well

[@DjNikGnashers]

Had a super rich upbringing, and everything laid on a plate for him, so yes he was always going to be wealthy even if he never lifted a finger himself.

[@jonathanhowe2652]

Another nice one! Very interesting,, Tim “Schmee” is a smart cookie and a grafter

[@joshjack6127]

*Shmee

[@jonathanhowe2652]

@@joshjack6127 my bad 👍

[@larssonk22]

Great interview onto part 2

[@sudakayoga]

Great. Thanks for the sharing from Tim.

[@olivierl2172]

You should mix both of your audio channels as mono. With separate channels (and inverted) like this it is a bit annoying.

[@leostreat3573]

Yes!!

[@olivierl2172]

Nice interview anyway. It went by so fast 😁

[@johnboaks]

So annoying

[@paulfarrell7764]

That was great to get an insight into what, why and how Shmee 150 started, progressed and continues with excellent KZbin content. A big thanks to both of you.

[@sj257257]

Nice one. Glad I watched this one. Cheers Jonny and Tim

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Many thanks for this Jonny - I watch Tim's channel on a regular basis because I have a real interest in the automotive industry. But this interview has given a good bit of insight into the person behind Shmee150, and a lot more respect and appreciation for him because of it. Many thanks to those involved. 👍🏻

[@petelattimer6808]

that red subaru 'leone' estate we DID have over here. it was what came before the Legacy estate. my GP had one in the 90s. In the UK they were just called the Subaru 1800 Estate

[@sampatankar1977]

This is what I ended up saying to myself! :D..minus the GP bit..

[@LeoSey]

Whether you like his content or not, you’ve got to admire what he’s achieved. Really good to see him talk so candidly too

[@mark758573]

That was brilliant, really enjoyed that. It's an eye opener how hard Shmee works pushing his business forward.

[@douglasmclaughlin4173]

Thank you, gentlemen,. I liked this the last time I watched it, nice seeing it again 👍

[@justinsheldon5015]

We need the Mischa face clip when Tim goes into Schmeee mode...............

[@coreys2686]

The stereo mix is so weird. Tim's on the left, but his voice is coming from the right, and Jonny's the opposite.

[@jarrocabanes5226]

Love these videos! Hope to see more of these interviews! So much more respect and understanding for Tim! Cheers Jonny! Keep it up!

[@UKCheeseFarmer]

Loving this type of content Shmee! You two gentleman have great chemistry, natural, refreshing. Most informative, no stress or pretense.

[@Wirenfeldt1990]

Did you screw something up here Jonny? My left ear has really enjoyed it so far..

[@neilwilliams2907]

Left and right but the wrong way around!

[@Stoobers]

@@neilwilliams2907 lol yeah, oops :D

[@philipminns3933]

Doesn't need to be panned so hard anyway. Not a good idea.

[@XxRAND0MxG4M3RzZ]

i just turned on mono audio on ios worked a charm

[@daveybaby10]

Got to admire Tim’s work ethic and dedication.he’s built his brand doing something he loves…..well done Tim.

[@jon4539]

Yes agree he's done well for himself and like the way he deals with haters he just bats them away with style

[@jeremyrichards951]

Just a fabulous channel, as always, and such a great and honest interview. Have loved following Shmee’s journey for a while, but to get his insight is fascinating. A truly humble gentleman.

[@paulneilson6325]

Now that was a fantastic video, absolutely superb!!

[@CarCapture]

I just don't like Shmee. Now i know why. Thanks for bringing Tim to the fore and explaining what Shmee is. I like Tim. Very enjoyable chat

[@coffeeguy6673]

I've watched some of Shmee's KZbin content over the past few years and if I'm honest, it just pee'd me off. Before everyone jumps on me and puts the boot in, I take my hat off to Tim who has obviously put the effort in and continues to do so and as a result has made a success of what he is doing. And yes, I am just a jealous middle aged fat bugger !! Thanks Jonny and Tim for your channels and great videos.

[@williwonkah.9242]

He's a complete knob.

[@muigaulwurf]

That was nice, thanks! What weirded me out though was watching with headphones hearing Tim on the right ears and Jonny on the left while looking at them sitting the other way round.

[@peterrandall3369]

Such a great show. Loved the insight.