gm lions!
I made a relatively important investment in my business today, and I'd like to tell you a little bit about it, what motivated to make that decision, and I what I expect as return on my investment (ROI)
Today I purchased a Blackmagic ATEM Extreme ISO.
What does a switcher do?
In essence, a switcher is a device that allows to (as the name implies) plug in several different video sources like cameras and computers and live-switch between those sources with the press of a button while streaming to platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live or VIMM.
Diagram from blackmagicdesign.com
You can also do other fancy editing on the fly like inserting graphic overlays, picture-in-picture and side-by-side shots.
This is very useful for gamers that want different camera angles and even the screen with the game they are playing.
Why I decided to invest in a switcher
One of the main reasons clients come to our studio is to record podcasts. We offer professional, high-definition cameras that record in 4K, a selection of prime lenses, up to four Shure SM7B microphones that look and sound awesome and for a fee, we also give the client the option to build a custom podcasting set.
Our naked recording stages look something like this:
It has sound panels on the wall and ceiling, and some basic props like shelves, coffee tables, screens and of course chairs to sit on.
This is an example of a podcast we recorded with some fellow Hiveans not too long ago:
But if a client wants a custom stage and has the budget for it, we can build them a custom backdrop, neon signs and whatever custom props and furniture that their hearts desire.
Here is our set designer bringing in an all black backdrop. They were very careful not to scratch the floors or bump into walls while they put it together.
The client also requested a neon sign, so here they are testing the right height so that it looks good from the center camera.
This is what the finished set looks like. It's a podcast for a large ATM and payment processing company in the region. It's minimalist, but it's exactly what they requested.
Back to the switcher.
Before the switcher, recording with multiple cameras meant we had to download 3 or 4 SD cards to the main editing computer, synchronize all the video files with the audio files and manually make each cut to each speaker. As you can imagine , it's a time-consuming process.
With this particular switcher, you can record up to 8 cameras and switch live between them. The switcher also records the program output to an SSD drive and the "ISO" in the name stand for isolation footage, which means it also records each individual camera's feed separately for later editing if required.
image source: blackmagicdesign.com
This means that we can now edit faster and offer two tiers of service:
Tier 1: live switching takes ($100 per hour)
We pretty much deliver the recording as is with the camera cuts that were done live during the recording. Camera cuts are pretty basic.
You focus on the host when he/she asks a question and then switch to the guest when they answer.
Tier 2: Medium to heavy editing ($150 per hour)
For this service, we go into the session and cut out dead silence, choose different camera cuts, retakes, add lower thirds with the name of the guests, add intro video & music.
With this new streamlined process we can also book more podcast sessions per day and let's be honest, it looks pretty damn professional, doesn't it?
The switcher cost us $1,200 and the above client has already signed a contract for the production of one season consisting of 12 fully edited podcast episodes. That's $1,800 in revenue from a single client. Did the investment pay for itself? I would say yes.
What percentage of revenue comes from video podcasting?
At the moment, video podcasting represents about 20% of the studio's revenue. The new, streamlined workflow that the Atem mini Extreme ISO gives us will boost it to 30% of our monthly revenue. Our goal for 2024 is to book three sessions per day, 3 times a week. This will allow us to also offer two of the studio's main service offerings:
- Audio and video work for agencies (46% of revenue)
- Content creation for brands (11% of revenue)
Music production for bands and rehearsals is down to 10% of the studio's revenue and is mostly done as a hobby for me at this point. As much as I love it, it's just not a huge source of income for the studio.
I might pick up more remote mixing sessions if the price is right, but for 2024, I'm focusing on the above services for high paying clients.
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Ohhh... So that's how the Infinite Waters guy is doing his videos! 😃 I was wondering how he can do live videos while he is talking, switching cameras, changing the visuals, etc... And I can't talk and read at the same time... lol... 😂
Nice setup and having a gig that paid out the investment is awesome! Every next gig is a profit! Good job!
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I could never go back to working without a switcher! I can literally operate 8 cameras with one hand and drink coffee with the other one 😄. How could I live without it???
Yeah, when the client confirmed the purchase order I immediately pulled out my credit card. A single client will pay for the investment.
A couple of the added benefits are:
Hey excellent, I think it's a very good investment, I imagine you're already wondering how you survived so long without that device hehehehe. I'm just organizing with other Hiveans some podcasts in Spanish, but starting from 0, I hope to have the opportunity to have this equipment and scenography, I think the most important thing for us is to start.
I wish you success in your projects, it's good to know that I can find people with experience in this kind of work.
Maybe you already know about the new delegation functions in Inleo, but I would like to leave you here the post about delegations.
Nice!
Hey, love the clickable banner. I think you need to update the description though. It still says
INLEO is much more than just crypto and finance now.
Thank you for your observation and I totally agree, I will mention it to the team members.
Regards
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It is really nice seeing your studio's journey. From the smaller areas, to the renovations, and even to the device upgrades. It is really wonderful that your business is growing. Focusing on what brings in the most money is smart, but I think keeping the things that make it fun for you like the music production that you treat as a hobby, can help deal with stress and overwork.
Yeah, you're right! That's why I don't get rid of music production. It's lots of fun. I'm just clear that I do it for fun and not for business.
That's awesome. Anything fun that also earns you something is always good in my book. Is it possible to make it earn more? Maybe look for bigger artists or something?
It's a matter of demand, man. You have to focus on what people want from you. Of course, if there's demand for both, it makes more sense to focus on the profitable one. I wish you the best!
Right now there's demand for business podcast productions. If there is demand, I'll supply that demand in the best way possible.
There's also demand for band rehearsals, for example. But that's $12 an hour. I'd rather focus on the services that bring in $150 an hour.
Perfect then! I wish you the best as I said man
Buying a switcher for your investment is a great investment. I’ve never heard about a switcher before though but this seem like a nice one
Kudos!
It's more of an investment for a running business, but yeah, it's been a super useful tool so far.
I strongly believe this is a great investment and I am so sure at the long run even though you have invested a lot monetary wise, the net expenses will end up in profit
Thanks, yeah, that's what we're going for. The idea is for our business to make a profit. We're investing in things that will bring us closer to that goal.
Wow dude your studio looks so cool!!! That is like my dream man, do you enjoy doing the podcasts and working with clients like that?? I would waste so much time if I had access to my own studio 😅.