The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) invested heavily in new audio and video technology in 2022, an attempt to deliver state-of-the-art educational materials to its students, it said.
After opening a dedicated audio-video studio in a 20-by-60-foot building in October 2021, NRVTA invested several hundred thousand dollars last year in new equipment to produce professional-grade video content, said Garrett Syfrett, NRVTA’s video production manager.
“While filming the upcoming RV Unplugged video series, we upgraded our equipment by purchasing a studio-quality Black Magic URSA 6k camera, two Canon handheld 4k cameras, seven new GoPro Hero 10 action cameras and three Rode audio lapel microphone systems all for use in on-location shooting,” he said. “The investment also includes updated lighting, sound equipment and set designs for the indoor studio.”
In fact, NRVTA’s investment in video technology stretches out over the past three years, said Terry “Cooper” Cooper, the school’s founder.
“When Tony and his team first proposed setting up a studio to create videos, I’ll admit I was a little apprehensive about making a capital investment of that size. But the results speak for themselves,” Cooper said. “We hear from RV users all the time who express their appreciation for being able to watch easy-to-understand videos about common maintenance concerns. There is no question that the future of training will incorporate much more video content.”
NRVTA Sales and Marketing Director Tony Flammia, who oversees the studio, said the school has invested nearly $200,000 in setting up the studio and acquiring audio/video technology to create professional videos not only for NRVTA, but for other companies in the RV industry. NRVTA currently has five dedicated staff members involved in producing video content.
“Hardly a day goes by where someone is not utilizing this resource to help connect with RV owners, technicians, inspectors or people just thinking about purchasing their first RV,” he said. “We seem to have stumbled on the ideal formula to create short, entertaining videos that deliver information people are searching to find.”
The school’s effort is paying off with a larger online audience and greater influence within the RV industry, said Flammia.
“Although NRVTA has invested some money on advertising the school’s YouTube channel and videos, the bulk of growth has come organically through people looking for answers to problems they are experiencing with their RVs,” he said. “By utilizing equipment to provide broad overview shots or extremely tight, close-up images, we have the ability to produce videos in a classroom setting, a service bay or outdoors.
“Since we already made the investment and have everything in place to create excellent video content, we invite industry professionals to come to Texas, tour the NRVTA campus and utilize our equipment to prepare first-class messages for their companies.
“With a fully-functioning campground and three lakes on our campus, we are able to create a very realistic RV setting to film training videos and even commercials,” Flammia said.
The NRVTA’s studios are available for renting out to others not affiliated with the school that want to create their own content. If interested, contact Tony Flammia at tony@nrvta.com.
