RC and YouTube go together like Chinese food and chocolate pudding (name that movie). Just kidding, of course, they go together like the proverbial peanut butter and jelly. Not only is RC action good in video, but video is a great way to learn about RC products and techniques. As such there’s a lot of RC content on YouTube, and one best channels devoted to the hobby is Everyday RC. The man behind Everyday RC is Chris Licata. Learn why he uses MaxAmps.com LiPo batteries and how he goes about making the awesome videos featured on Everyday RC.
MaxAmps.com
How did you get started in RC?
How did you get started in RC?
Chris Licata
Growing up I was always a creative kid. I liked to draw, play and listen to music, build models and Legos–anything science or technology based. I would occasionally take apart a broken radio or stereo to see the inner workings. I eventually asked my parents for an RC car when I was a child. Unfortunately, my parents weren’t aware of the difference between “toy grade” and “hobby grade” RCs, nor did I know anyone at the time, back in the 80s, that was into the hobby to steer me in the right direction so I would usually end up with a RadioShack or Toys”R”Us toy grade RCs, which weren’t the best quality and would not last long and left much to be desired. I believe that’s why I’m very into the hobby now, as an adult, because I’m aware of the difference and I can afford to purchase these sometimes expensive radio controlled machines.
Growing up I was always a creative kid. I liked to draw, play and listen to music, build models and Legos–anything science or technology based. I would occasionally take apart a broken radio or stereo to see the inner workings. I eventually asked my parents for an RC car when I was a child. Unfortunately, my parents weren’t aware of the difference between “toy grade” and “hobby grade” RCs, nor did I know anyone at the time, back in the 80s, that was into the hobby to steer me in the right direction so I would usually end up with a RadioShack or Toys”R”Us toy grade RCs, which weren’t the best quality and would not last long and left much to be desired. I believe that’s why I’m very into the hobby now, as an adult, because I’m aware of the difference and I can afford to purchase these sometimes expensive radio controlled machines.
MA
How long were you doing RC before you started making videos?
CL
I owned low quality toy grade RCs since I was a child in the mid 1980s and 90s. I purchased my first hobby grade RC in 2002 when I was 22 years old. It was a second-hand Traxxas T-Maxx 2.5 nitro. Soon after that, the collection started building. I made my first YouTube video in November of 2012. So, I would say I had been toying with hobby grade RCs for 10 Years before I made my first video.
I owned low quality toy grade RCs since I was a child in the mid 1980s and 90s. I purchased my first hobby grade RC in 2002 when I was 22 years old. It was a second-hand Traxxas T-Maxx 2.5 nitro. Soon after that, the collection started building. I made my first YouTube video in November of 2012. So, I would say I had been toying with hobby grade RCs for 10 Years before I made my first video.
MA
When did you know you were onto something with your videos or did you always set out to have a media channel for other people?
When did you know you were onto something with your videos or did you always set out to have a media channel for other people?
CL
When I first started my YouTube channel, my main intention was simply to document my life enjoying the RC hobby, which I love so much. I would just film my friends and I driving our RCs. I always enjoyed watching product videos and RCs in action. I wanted to capture some of that with my RCs. YouTube is great because it helps you meet other like-minded individuals. Eventually through meeting others on YouTube, networking and making friends, my videos started to be viewed more and more. There came a point after making videos for about two years I said to myself let me try to make the presentation more professional and follow certain YouTube guidelines and start monetizing my videos. My intention and motivation for making videos will always be to share my RC life with people. The monetary gain I receive from making these videos I look at as simply a byproduct of me enjoying my life.
When I first started my YouTube channel, my main intention was simply to document my life enjoying the RC hobby, which I love so much. I would just film my friends and I driving our RCs. I always enjoyed watching product videos and RCs in action. I wanted to capture some of that with my RCs. YouTube is great because it helps you meet other like-minded individuals. Eventually through meeting others on YouTube, networking and making friends, my videos started to be viewed more and more. There came a point after making videos for about two years I said to myself let me try to make the presentation more professional and follow certain YouTube guidelines and start monetizing my videos. My intention and motivation for making videos will always be to share my RC life with people. The monetary gain I receive from making these videos I look at as simply a byproduct of me enjoying my life.
MAWhat are your personal favorite videos that you’ve made?
CL
That’s a hard question to answer because every one of my videos has a special place in my heart. It’s like asking a dad which one of his children does he love more. Ha! I will say throughout this journey on YouTube I have had so much fun making these videos and I have met so many amazing people who I can call friends. It’s been an incredible experience. Since 2013, I have been hosting annual RC bash events to bring the local RC community together. I can say that the annual Everyday RC Bash Event videos really stick out in my mind because it shows people from all walks of life and all different ages coming together for the love of the hobby and it shows that we can break down all walls and come together in the name of RC. Another video that sticks out in my mind that I’m proud of filming and being a part of is when I was asked by Primal RC to film the release and product video for their 1/5-scale dragster out in Floyd Bennet Field, Brooklyn. It was great to be a part of it and film a product video and a cool experience to see 1/5-scale RC dragsters.
That’s a hard question to answer because every one of my videos has a special place in my heart. It’s like asking a dad which one of his children does he love more. Ha! I will say throughout this journey on YouTube I have had so much fun making these videos and I have met so many amazing people who I can call friends. It’s been an incredible experience. Since 2013, I have been hosting annual RC bash events to bring the local RC community together. I can say that the annual Everyday RC Bash Event videos really stick out in my mind because it shows people from all walks of life and all different ages coming together for the love of the hobby and it shows that we can break down all walls and come together in the name of RC. Another video that sticks out in my mind that I’m proud of filming and being a part of is when I was asked by Primal RC to film the release and product video for their 1/5-scale dragster out in Floyd Bennet Field, Brooklyn. It was great to be a part of it and film a product video and a cool experience to see 1/5-scale RC dragsters.
MA
Have any videos surprised you with how they’ve taken off?
Have any videos surprised you with how they’ve taken off?
CL
Absolutely! My most viewed video that has almost two million views. I would have never thought it would have got that many views the day I filmed it. It was the first time I drove my Traxxas XO-1 and I brought my son Louis with me to a big parking lot and I filmed it on my I PHONE 4. It went viral. Not sure why. Hmmm. Maybe I was unknowingly part of TRAXXAS’S secret marketing campaign!LOL J/K. All I can say after all these years why it became so popular is because it shows the simplicity of a DAD and his SON enjoying the RC hobby together with a 100mph RC car!
Absolutely! My most viewed video that has almost two million views. I would have never thought it would have got that many views the day I filmed it. It was the first time I drove my Traxxas XO-1 and I brought my son Louis with me to a big parking lot and I filmed it on my I PHONE 4. It went viral. Not sure why. Hmmm. Maybe I was unknowingly part of TRAXXAS’S secret marketing campaign!LOL J/K. All I can say after all these years why it became so popular is because it shows the simplicity of a DAD and his SON enjoying the RC hobby together with a 100mph RC car!
MA
When did you start using MaxAmps.com batteries and why do you use MaxAmps.com?
When did you start using MaxAmps.com batteries and why do you use MaxAmps.com?
CL
I started using MaxAmps batteries when I purchased my first brushless RC vehicle, which was the Traxxas E-Revo many years ago. One of my good friends was using MaxAmps in his truck and I was intrigued by the incredible power! They were the first LiPo batteries I had ever purchased or used. The reason why I use MaxAmps, to this day, is because the high quality speaks for itself and they are dependable. They have consistent power and duration. Long runtimes and the high C rating helps keep the electronic temperatures low. The packs are made to order and not sitting on a shelf for two years before you buy them. Plus, there’s the quality control with inspectors signatures. The battery wraps look awesome in your rigs and there are free re-wraps if needed. Plus, excellent customer service backed By the MaxAmps warranty program.
MA
What are your favorite segments in RC–bashing, racing, rock crawling, etc.?
What are your favorite segments in RC–bashing, racing, rock crawling, etc.?
CL
I enjoy and appreciate all aspects of the RC hobby. I have always enjoyed monster trucks and RC bashing. I also have really enjoyed the speed aspect of the hobby. I have a few aerial vehicles such as helicopters and drones and recently added a 4k quality drone to the collection that I’m enjoying flying. I also like being mechanical and enjoy gas-powered RCs from nitro-powered to 1/5-scale gas. I have dabbled in rock crawling and trailing, and scale building is something I would like to get more into. Like I said, I enjoy all aspects and I’m not opposed to any genre of RC. The possibilities are endless, and I can see myself getting into any part of the hobby from land, water or air!
MA
How do you see video channels like Everyday RC fitting in the RC media spectrum?
How do you see video channels like Everyday RC fitting in the RC media spectrum?
CL
Great question, and I can answer this in many different ways. The radio controlled “Industry” works just like any other industry–music, automobile, etc. A company is making a product for a consumer to buy. The consumer needs a source to gain information about the product they are going to buy. YouTube is a great source of information. I can see why it would be valuable for an RC company to see their product in a YouTube video. That is why RC companies use content creators as a source of information for their product.
MA
What do you think makes for a good video?
What do you think makes for a good video?
CL
It all depends on what kind of video. I enjoy many different types of videos. From high quality production videos and low production. It shouldn’t matter as long as the point is getting across. The approach that I would say makes for a good video is sincerity, legibility and energy.
MA
What advice do you have for people looking to shoot videos for fun?
What advice do you have for people looking to shoot videos for fun?
CL
The Key word you just said was “FUN”. If your going to film make sure you have fun doing it. Try different camera angles. The way I made filming Fun for me was Attaching My GoPro to my head so It gave me the freedom to drive and film at the same time. You will always see me wearing it when you watch my bashing videos. The camera sees whatever my eyes see!
MA
What makes you cringe in a video?
What makes you cringe in a video?
CL
Negativity makes me cringe. The RC hobby is a positive outlet for me.
MAWhat’s your day job?
CL
I am a small engine mechanic in the landscape industry.
MA
What other hobbies do you have besides RC?
CL
My number one hobby for the past 10 years besides RC is being a good dad and role model for my kids and good husband for my wife. Overall, my family is my number one. I have my 4×4 beach permit and we enjoy surf cast fishing off the shores of Long Island. However, music is another hobby of mine. I have enjoyed playing musical instruments my whole life. I am best at drums and guitar and have played in many bands through the years. I always enjoy playing and teaching my kids how to play. I’m currently on the market for a new guitar! I would like to play in a band again soon. Music is an excellent way to express yourself. I also own a four-year-old Citrus Leatherback Bearded Dragon and have found an enjoyment for herpetology.
MA
How long does it take you to make a video from planning to shooting to editing and finally posting?
CL
It all depends on the length of the video and the intricacy of the video. Making videos have two aspects–filming then editing. Some videos can be made in a few hours. Some have taken days to produce.
MA
What tools of the trade do you use for making videos?
CL
There are four tools of the trade that I use and think are important: iPhone 6S Plus , GoPro, tripod and a good video editor.
