Made in California...

[Paul Ellington]

Open Letter to Jim and Jarred,

Hey guys, I know what it's like when people try to look past you, they aren't, but it's like looking at a guy in a brand new car you know it's there, you just wish you were driving it. The jealousy will subside, and the divide will vanish. You are doing great work, at great prices, and people who think Scarlet is too pricey, frankly should go shoot on a DSLR, see if you can make some money with that. Having owned a 1D, which I sold in lieu of an additional Scarlet I know how hard a sell it is. I am already almost fully booked through May of next year!!! Weenies will be weenies, and you and Jarred are too classy - you have arrived, people are just a little jealous is all. Like you said, you can't stop the message, and many of us speak it every day.

My best.

- Paul Ellington

 

[Stefan Antonescu]

This post makes me want to want to retire.

Jim

It's astonishing how fragile you can be sometimes...

Maybe this will help you : we LOVE you. For changing our lives and the industry.

 

[Jonathan Stevenson]

I'm 100% for not having your camera made out of lead-laden plastic by an unpaid 9 year old in China.

But honestly, the products coming from Nikon's Thailand plant are very nice quality and it's hard not to wonder how affordable Scarlet could be...

Scarlet isn't already affordable enough? Where do you think the Canon C300 is made? And it's more expensive with less features...

 

[Sergio Perez]

Hi Jim,

The recognition will come. The biggest asset you have is that you are, first and foremost, not in the stock market. You are not going public. So everything is up to you and your chosen partners. Your decision to make everything in the US is spot on: Film making is a passionate business. You are driven by passion. Having your factory in the US,. by having every team in the manufacturing and development in the same place allows the flexibility to be able to push the limits of development and innovation faster and further and have 100% Quality control. And it allows for the passion to go through every single step of the production of a Red Product. This is what makes Red such an extraordinary and unique development in this industry (and others!) in itself.

Its because of this passion and unique approach to a bland, corporate world that you have such a big and enthusiastic user base- that is growing every day. You can see that in these forums. Its true that there are always those that don't understand this, that just see the short term, that cannot see the advantages of owning a pice of equipment that has the potential to grow, and just want cheap. They don't think about upgradeability, costumer support, constant updates and improvements.... These people have their right to be that way. They have the 7D's, the 5D's, the 60D's and, even cheaper, the 600D which gives excellent pictures. Hell, a hacked GH2 produces images that are superior to a shoulder mount 2/3rd DVCPRO HD camera. These options are out there. Red however is introducing a completely different product entirely, and this product, a true range of filmmaker cameras, are what is truly unique in my book. I tend to like to compare you to Ferrari not because of the exclusivity and the expensive price of the brand, but because of the pride and philosophy behind the company. I think Leica is another good comparison. However, Leica is, (even though they do make some of the best glass in the world) a bit elitist. Red is making professional cameras for filmmakers, for audiovisual content makers. They are making cameras to respond to individual's needs, and not big corporation needs. Like Ferrari focuses on the driver.

The pride you, your team, everyone from design, development to manufacture will reflect in your product. As a filmmaker in Macau, China, I'm more than happy to know that you at Red are making it 100% in the US. And your commitment to improve, to give us more, to support us wherever we are is a motive for me to feel secure and be brand loyal and a spokesperson for the brand. I think every single red owner is a spokesperson for you, everywhere in the world. As long as you Jim and Red stick at your philosophy, keep doing it the way you do, you can be sure that more and more news pieces will appear.

Never lose your vision, keep pushing forward, we will be here all the way. And our numbers will rise. Don't, however, place yourself in Apple's shoes. Don-t aim to conquer the hearts of every single person. Apple now is a corporate mess, a cash making machine that somehow forgot their original core user base, creative industry, which gave them that "cool" aura they still maintain. . The moment Apple loses their "aura", the boat will sink. Will they look at their core, old creative install base and change some of their current missteps? I hardly doubt it. They lost their leading man, Steve Jobs, the one that could actually talk above the corporate shareholder mass. When the shareholder and the corporation structure sees only the short term money as the driving force of their decisions, big mistakes will be made- like they are being done now.

So, Red and Jim, grow slowly, but firmly: don't aim for the quick buck, but for the solid foundation to become the next Filmmaking force. Originally I said Hollywood force, but Red should be the essential tool for all filmmakers, and all industries, not only Hollywood. Its true, filmmakers are a small bunch. The market share will not be the same of the likes of Canon or Sony in the consumer world. But aiming for that market would mean the full corporate deal. It would mean plants everywhere, many products, focus groups, etc. etc. And then Red would just be another one of the big camera manufacturers. What I mean by this is not that Red should not aim and have cheaper cameras: Red could make a Gopro like 4K perspective camera, for example, for cinema usage. That would sell a LOT. Or a sub 10K previous Scarlet 2/3rds. I'm not saying RED to only make expensive gear . Just don't aim for the "soccer moms" , or Joe consumer. Everything you make, keep making it for the filmmakers and audiovisual content producers, like Ferrari aimed at doing sport and racing cars. Keep the passion and innovation flowing. And you'll rise above everything else out there, even Apple. Not in cheer numbers, but in overall solidity, brand satisfaction, and prestige. And you will not be in the hands of any market fluctuations, world economic crisis, etc. Because your user base, which is informed, will always be there for you.

EDIT- Just revised my whole post. It was written terribly, in a rush due to a need to get out somewhere. Wanted to say something to give my support to Jim anyway, so came out that mess. Hope this makes everything more clear!

 

[Gunleik Groven]

Scarlet isn't already affordable enough? Where do you think the Canon C300 is made? And it's more expensive with less features...

Besides the point, as Canon is hardly a US corp, and the pricepoint on the street for the C300 is far from settled...

The comparison of prices is relevant than the whole production-philosophy:
Building local competence, closeness to manufacturing and experience that can be used for "any" kind of manufacturng developments in the long run vs draining the local/national area for brainpower, competence and workforce.

When one can deliver a fantastic product at the "right" price, even under those conditions - magic can happen.
One has probably to accept quite a few years of investment before t really pays back. Hard to do for a public company I guess, the way to go for a visionary, if it can survive the initial phase.

RED seems capable of that.

Cheers!

G

 

[John Bannister]

I have never understood the news media, in fact, I sometimes feel that wanting to become a reporter should automatically disqualify you from ever becoming one I belive what you are doing in California is historic and brave, your team is setting an example that other companies should be taking a very close look at. There are many factors at play here, most importantly though you are building something real during a time were many are deconstructing, restructuring and reducing. RED is sending a message to the world, that is is possible to not only create business, but to employ, build, expand, develop and supply a product onshore. This is groundbreaking and newsworthy and your not wrong it is important, I guess it is just not sensational enough to take up valuable space in the depressing business section.

Be proud of what you have created, what you are doing and where you are going. And if yon ever are in doubt, ask ANY of the 400 or so employees at red if having a job is news worthy to them....it will be, believe me.

 

[Liam Hall]

I would think that RED EPIC and Scarlet being made in California would be big news... apparently not.

We have set the goal of creating jobs in the US . It is certainly a precedent for us. Apparently this is not big or important news... to the news gatherers.

Who do you want to deliver that message to? Why? What do you want them to do or think?

There are many avenues you could go down to get your message across, though in my experience, a news agency, particularly in this increasingly dumb world, is not always the best place to start.

 

[Evan Starkey]

It's astonishing how fragile you can be sometimes...

Maybe this will help a you : we LOVE you. For changing our lives and the industry.

Most artists are …. I know that sounds cliché
but i get sad like that just before i let RIP.

 

[David Battistella]

Why do these threads get derailed so fast?

It's just shit to see.

What a waste of energy.



David

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

Amazing news!!!

I was already writing about it here that

Californians are always doing better!!!

All it is about

Effect of latitude: Effect of sun angle on climate >>>>

that also has a huge impact on a human brain and its creative activity...

 

[Jimmy Moss]

This post makes me want to want to retire.

Jim

China makes widges, America makes art..... Red def. falls into the art category.

 

[Marc Berger]

I saw a lot of industrial production: production lines where people stick parts together they even don´t know from which product it is. Some engineers and a strong controlling guarantee the quality...and then production lines where the workers know for which parts they produce and assembly they are responsible. For them it´s not only a job. They are proud of it and love what they do. They know the final product and are a big part of the controlling in the end with their feedback. And they don´t have to travel thousands of miles for this.
In the film business obviously those who produce "in-house"are the most reliable once, like Cooke optics, many others...and now RED. Jim and team, congratulation to this move, it´s huge contribution to future proof top quality!
Thanks,
Marc

 

[Steve Johnson]

Jim,

I liken RED to Aston Martin cars. Superior products. Hand made. Attention to detail.

Its the quality but as you have had said many times before, at an affordable price for anyone to own and extend their creativity. Seeing the images of the plant at Irvine, it reminds me that even though there are production lines, each camera is hand build. Not a mechanical arm in site. Its awesome to be able to talk with the people that design the cameras, build the cameras, support the cameras, sell the cameras - and you just don't get that with "other" products.

I am amazed that the US media have not picked up on the "MIA" brand (made in america) - and I think its a testament that you are making these products, these american products.

I take my hat off to you sir. Congratulations.

If you ever need to feel the love, just pop on here. There are plenty of us that are spreading the word.

)

 

[Eric J Kosinski]

I would think that RED EPIC and Scarlet being made in California would be big news... apparently not.

We have set the goal of creating jobs in the US . It is certainly a precedent for us. Apparently this is not big or important news... to the news gatherers.

It appears to be an assumption that everything electronic should be made in China. Why not? Apple is.

I am quite surprised that no big publication seems to be the least bit interested in the fact that there is another option.

No matter.

RED continues to beat its Asian counterparts in every respect.

Designed in CA. Prototyped in CA. Manufactured in CA.

"The Hobbit" "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" "Prometheus" "The Muppets" "The Amazing Spiderman" "Jack the Giant Killer" "Contagion" "Underworld 4" "The Great Gatsby" "Total Recall"....

Jim

This is definitely big news to us.

 

[Brian D. Goff]

I've worked for news stations for years - it can make you sick what some journalist consider "important" news.... Anyway, manufacturing in your home country has so many advantages and is usually worth every dime it might cost more. And hey, isn't it a great feeling to walk down your own fabrication line when ever you feel like it! You can certainly be proud of what you are/have been doing for the US economy and I'm sure every RED camera owner appreciates what you achieving!

I would think that RED EPIC and Scarlet being made in California would be big news... apparently not.

We have set the goal of creating jobs in the US . It is certainly a precedent for us. Apparently this is not big or important news... to the news gatherers.

It appears to be an assumption that everything electronic should be made in China. Why not? Apple is.

I am quite surprised that no big publication seems to be the least bit interested in the fact that there is another option.

No matter.

RED continues to beat its Asian counterparts in every respect.

Designed in CA. Prototyped in CA. Manufactured in CA.

"The Hobbit" "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" "Prometheus" "The Muppets" "The Amazing Spiderman" "Jack the Giant Killer" "Contagion" "Underworld 4" "The Great Gatsby" "Total Recall"....

Jim

 

[Mark Phelan]

The reason it's not bigger news is because the media is too busy keeping up with the Kardashians, or Justin Beiber, or Lindsay Lohan, or Michael Lohan, things that matter. That's "real" news.

 

[George Butterfield]

.. to the news gatherers.

news gatherers have not existed for over a generation, AP makes the news and distributes it to it's subscribers. There is no such thing as Investigative Journalism in America.

 

[Jon MIchael Puntervold]

I would think that RED EPIC and Scarlet being made in California would be big news... apparently not.

We have set the goal of creating jobs in the US . It is certainly a precedent for us. Apparently this is not big or important news... to the news gatherers.

It appears to be an assumption that everything electronic should be made in China. Why not? Apple is.

I am quite surprised that no big publication seems to be the least bit interested in the fact that there is another option.

No matter.

RED continues to beat its Asian counterparts in every respect.

Designed in CA. Prototyped in CA. Manufactured in CA.

"The Hobbit" "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" "Prometheus" "The Muppets" "The Amazing Spiderman" "Jack the Giant Killer" "Contagion" "Underworld 4" "The Great Gatsby" "Total Recall"....

Jim

You are not the only one who is surprised about the lack of coverage... I've been looking around for coverage for weeks, because I'm really interested in reading in depth about the choices and consequences of Reds approach. A multi-page article in Times about Red would certainly be a good read.

 

[Michael Thornton]

This post makes me want to want to retire.

Jim

Quote Originally Posted by Lee Saxon View Post
I'm 100% for not having your camera made out of lead-laden plastic by an unpaid 9 year old in China.

But honestly, the products coming from Nikon's Thailand plant are very nice quality and it's hard not to wonder how affordable Scarlet could be...

Jim, We need you.

Please don't even think of retirement.

Seriously, there will always be people like Mr. Saxon that will want to compare a Honda to a Ferrari/Formula One Car "Scarlet/Epic".

What you have envision and build is not just a camera system, it's revolution in the making.

Please keep up the good fight.

Thank You.

 

[George Butterfield]

When does the RED Documentary Premiere?