The Studio Business Book

by Mitch Gallagher, Jim Mandell

All studios, both large and small, spend a lot of money every year in an unending quest to attract clients-- whether they are upgrading equipment, tweaking acoustics, or adding that big leather couch for the back of the control room. But merely throwing money at a studio may not be enough to keep it competitive. As with any other business, a recording studio must be properly managed in order to be profi table, or merely to break even. This all-new and expanded edition of The Studio Business Book is the bestselling step-by-step guide to operating and managing a professional recording facility. Used by studio owners, managers, and as a text for university courses, it begins with the formulating a business plan, estimating studio startup costs (from small project studios to world-class rooms), finding a location, getting funded, and making equipment purchases. From there, the book takes you through the necessary details of business accounting, phone, network and utility services, insurance plans, promoting your venture, and increasing revenues. Other chapters cover the fine art of studio scheduling sessions, dealing with clients, hiring and firing employees, maintaining and upgrading equipment, and how to cope with all kinds of disasters. The authors combine decades of insider experience and knowledge of the subject in this solid, well-written and carefully organized text. As an added bonus, numerous interviews with leading experts in every facet of the business are interspersed throughout the chapters, providing rare insights and fi rst-hand advice from successful industry veterans who deal with studio operations every day. This is truly a must-have book for anyone interested in starting a recording business.

376 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2005