Airstream - Mobile Production Studio

[Stephen Mick]

'Streamers,

First, since this is my first post, I'll just say it's good to be here.

I make my living as a digital filmmaker, and I specialize in outdoor-themed films (usually fishing, kayaking or other water-based adventure sports). RIght now, I'm in the planning stages for a project that would keep me in a Rocky Mountain town between April and September of next year. Instead of renting a house for that many months, I'm seriously considering a 27'-30' AS to be both home to me, my wife and our two Italian Greyhounds, and a mobile editing/production studio.

Now, that probably sounds like a big can of worms. But basically I would be able to charge batteries and store camera gear in a secure office off-site. So, in the AS I'd have a pretty beefy computer setup with storage that would draw a good bit of power. I would also need access to dependable and relatively fast internet connection in the AS.

My biggest questions are these…

Can I get by with 30amp electrical or should I go with 50amp?
How do those of you who work in your "toasters" have your desks/stations set up?
Any leads on who has the best mobile internet access services, or should I plan on getting access at an RV park?
Size? I've looked at everything from 25's to 34's, and a 28' or 30' with a slide seems to fit my needs. Any suggestions?

And one more thing…

I'm also in the process of shooting and editing a documentary feature film about groups that use outdoor adventures (fishing, hunting, surfing, etc.) to help wounded soldiers recover. Part of the AS appeal is the ability to use the trailer as a marketing tool, either with a wrap or with custom paint. So we'd also be traveling around the country in the AS, showing the film in cities wherever we go. (Just thought that info might stir some additional ideas.)

Thanks, in advance, for any and all advice.

Cheers!

SM

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

What you are proposing is quite doable. We run our internet business (moosetags.com) from our 25FB on the road. We take orders, print invoices, and ship Moose Tags from the road on a regular basis.

We connect to the internet with Alltel's Access using one of our cell phones. When we can get broadband wifi at the campground, we use that. It sounds like you will need true broadband. I would suggest getting a campground that has it. We use two notebooks on the dinette table and operate our printer in place in one of the overhead cabinets. We love working from Lucy. We even advertise our business on her.

[Eagle & Bear]

Stephen,

We bought a 1976 29' Ambassador rear bath last year to use as a video editing/production studio and home for the next 10 years. It was in great shape and cost $5,000. I don't think anything under 26' will work for full time living. I replaced things like the water heater, AC, pump, converter, etc so that we would not have to deal with breakdowns. I pulled out the road side twin and had a cabinet maker build a dresser and storage area for electronics that go over the wheel well on the road side. I had the Mattress Factory make a 4' wide mattress for the other side. It is adequate for the two of us.

I am also shooting in wilderness areas and have an HP tower under the table. We have a 27" and 19" monitor in the "living room" area that we can also use for entertainment.

A 30 amp service is adequate. I increased the number of outlets by using 20 amp "slim" breakers and 12/3 wire in flex conduit.

The AS does get the attention of a lot of people. I was tempted to not clean up the exterior for security purposes (if it looked bad maybe no one would break in) but decided to take off the oxide and polish the alum. Since there are some age restrictions on an RV in some parks the restored and polished 1976 AS can pass for a 1990s model.

I am using Verizon for my Internet service. I am amazed at the coverage we get even in remote areas (I am now in Lee Vining just outside of Yosemite). I am not uploading any raw video or large TIFF or RAW files but for everything else it works.

Michael Springer

[TBRich]

Welcome to the forums! Another one who wants to work on the road! Go for it!

Working from an AS is totally doable, even with high tech/equipment needs that you have. I am a graphic designer, and even though we do not live in it, when we travel, I do end up doing at least some work, including the transferring of large files. 30 amp should be fine.

We have a Bambi, so I use my laptop instead of the tower that I have in my home studio, which is not going to work for your needs, of course. In your case you might consider a dedicated area for your computer equipment, and that may mean some rebuilding (but not necessarily, depending on the size). An AS with a slide might be just the ticket!

I use Alltel's broadband service with an aircard and that has been amazingly reliable, but when WiFi is available I opt for that as it is usually faster. For large files I use FTP sites for uploading/downloading because the files are too large for email attachments.

The wrap or paint idea for advertising on the outside is a good one....it's seen on Airstreams all the time...a good sign shop can give you more information. You will be noticed! Here's and example of an interesting wrap: http://www.airforums.com/photos/showimage.php?i=19441

There are several threads about working from your AS... Here's at least one: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...eam-35802.html and there are no doubt others if you poke around in the subforums and do some searches...

Good luck and keep us posted!

[Stephen Mick]

So, here's the update…

I've found a 2006 28' International CCD that I'll be looking at tomorrow. It looks to be in perfect condition, and the electrical has been upgraded to 50amps, which should be plenty for my needs.

I'll update this thread with more info as I have it, along with details about where we'll be going and what we'll be doing with it.

--SM

[bredlo]

SM,

You know who else might be able to shed a lot of good light are the folks that put together the StoryCorps Airstream. They're doing mobile recording obviously, and would surely have a bunch of good ideas on sound deadening, which equipment to use for recording voiceovers, etc. Just a thought.

Don't know how you'd find the actual people that put it together... Airstream, Inc. might know.