While talking on the phone with a friend last week, the topic of TV and YouTube automotive build shows came up. What’s the formula to success? My plain-spoken friend put it very simply, “It seems to me that people just want to see cars being worked on.” In other words, the wrench-throwing, “we’re gonna lose the shop” drama isn’t necessary and often distracts and detracts from the overall presentation.
HOT ROD and other car-themed magazines and websites have existed for so long for the same reason. People like to look at cars; people like to see cars being worked on. Whatever the reason—instructional or inspirational—the formula works. Several years ago, MotorTrend Group started an automotive streaming service that has attracted upward of 800,000 paid subscribers. Late last year, we returned to YouTube with two original shows: Car Craft Video and 4x4 Garage.
Considering I had been on staff with Car Craft for 12 years, I was recruited to be part of that endeavor, and it has been a lot of fun to relaunch the brand in a video
