Do you have an old car sitting in your driveway that’s seen better days? Or maybe you have a newer car that’s not getting enough attention? Either way, there’s a surprisingly lucrative way to make use of your wheels: renting them out as a prop for photo and video shoots. With the rise of social media and online content creation, there’s never been a better time to turn your car into a star. In this post, we’ll explore the world of car rentals for media production and show you how to make extra money with your four-wheeled friend.
How much money can you make?
The amount of money you can make by renting out your car as a prop for a photo shoot can vary depending on several factors. These may include the location of the shoot, the length of the rental period, the type of car being rented, and the budget of the production company.
However, in general, you can expect to earn anywhere from $50 to $500 or more per day for renting out your car as a prop for photo shoots. Luxury or exotic cars can command higher rates, while older or less visually interesting cars may fetch lower rates.
Specialist cars can command higher prices for example, a Delorean, as seen in the move Back to the Future, can have a rental charge of $1,500 per day for up to 8 hours of display with $450 for delivery and load-in per location.
What types of cars have been used in famous movies?
There have been many ordinary, older cars used in movies throughout the years. Here are a few examples:
1974 Dodge Monaco
This car was used in the classic comedy film “The Blues Brothers” (1980) as the iconic Bluesmobile.
1969 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle has been featured in numerous films, including the Disney classic “The Love Bug” (1968) and the action comedy “Baby Driver” (2017).
1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe
This Australian muscle car was prominently featured in the dystopian action film “Mad Max” (1979).
1976 AMC Pacer
The Pacer was a unique and often-maligned car, but it gained new popularity when it was featured prominently in the comedy “Wayne’s World” (1992).
1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor
This classic ambulance hearse was used in the supernatural comedy “Ghostbusters” (1984).
These cars all have unique and memorable looks, which is part of what made them stand out on screen. However, they were also relatively ordinary and accessible in their time, which helped to make them relatable to audiences.
And in movies that weren’t quite hits?
There have been many types of boring cars used in movies that were not hits. Here are a few examples:
1998 Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus was a popular family sedan in the late 90s and early 2000s, but it wasn’t exactly an exciting car. It was used in the movie “Corky Romano” (2001), a comedy that was widely panned by critics.
1990 Buick Century
The Buick Century was a reliable but unremarkable mid-size sedan that was used in the movie “The Client” (1994), a legal thriller based on the John Grisham novel. The car played a minor role in the film and didn’t receive much attention from audiences.
2001 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a ubiquitous and practical car, but it’s not exactly known for its excitement factor. It was used in the movie “The Room” (2003), a cult classic that has been called one of the worst films ever made.
2002 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a popular and practical compact car, but it’s not exactly the stuff of movie magic. It was used in the film “Fast and Furious” (2001), but it didn’t play a major role in the plot and was overshadowed by the film’s more exciting cars.
These cars are all examples of ordinary, unremarkable vehicles that were used in movies but didn’t make much of an impression on audiences. They were practical choices for filmmakers, but they didn’t add much to the overall excitement of the films they appeared in.
Why Dirty Old Pick Up Trucks are in need
Dirty older pick up trucks are a popular choice for movies and photo shoots because they add a sense of authenticity and ruggedness to the scene. These trucks can give a nod to the past and evoke a sense of nostalgia, while also portraying a sense of hard work and durability. Their worn and weathered appearance can add texture and depth to an image or scene. Additionally, older pick up trucks are often less expensive to rent than newer models or more exotic vehicles.
A great example of an older pick up truck being used in a movie is the 1973 Ford F-100 in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019).
The truck is driven by Brad Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth, and adds to the overall nostalgic and gritty feel of the film.
Your 20 year old boring Honda Accord may be the next big star
While it may seem counterintuitive, sometimes a boring car from 20 years ago can be just what a movie or TV production needs to add authenticity to a scene. These cars may not be flashy or attention-grabbing, but they can help to create a sense of time and place that is essential to the story being told. For example, a 1990s-era Honda Accord or Toyota Camry might not turn heads on the street, but it could be the perfect car for a TV show set in the late ’90s or early 2000s. In fact, the Honda Accord was a staple of the popular TV show “The West Wing” during its seven-season run, appearing in countless scenes as the car of choice for White House staffers. By renting out your old banger car for use in media productions, you can give it a new lease on life and make some extra money in the process.
Stranger Things have happened
Bicycles are another type of vehicle that can be in high demand for use in media productions. Just like cars, bicycles can be used to create a sense of time and place in a scene. A vintage bicycle from 20 years ago, for example, could be just the thing to give a TV show or movie a sense of nostalgia or whimsy. It could be the perfect mode of transportation for a coming-of-age story or a romantic comedy set in the ’90s. In the hit TV series “Stranger Things,” the main characters often ride their bikes through the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, evoking a sense of adventure and nostalgia for the 1980s. By renting out your old banger bike, you could help to bring a scene to life and make some extra money on the side.
Where can I start to register my car to hire it out for movies and photo shoots?
Here are some US websites where you can register your vehicle if you want to hire it out for movies or photo shoots:
FilmCars – FilmCars is a New York-based company that provides vehicles for movies, TV shows, photo shoots, and special events. They have a large inventory of vehicles and offer both short-term and long-term rentals.
Movie Cars Central – Movie Cars Central is a California-based company that specializes in providing vehicles for the film and entertainment industry. They have a wide range of vehicles available for rent, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even tanks.
Classic Cars.com – Classic Cars.com is an online marketplace for classic cars and trucks. While they don’t specialize in rentals for movies or photo shoots, they do have a section on their website where owners can list their vehicles for hire for special events, including films and photo shoots.
DriveShare – DriveShare is a peer-to-peer car rental platform that allows owners to rent out their classic, exotic, and specialty vehicles for various occasions, including movies and photo shoots. Owners can set their own rental rates and terms, and the platform provides insurance coverage for the rental period.
These websites are just a few examples of the many resources available for owners looking to rent out their vehicles for movies and photo shoots.
In the UK there are several sites
bookaclassic.com https://www.bookaclassic.com/
Motor House Hire https://motorhousehire.co.uk/
and Vehicles on Screen
Australian sites include filmcars.au and Max Action
Conclusion
In conclusion, renting out your vehicle for movies and photo shoots can be a fun and lucrative side hustle for car enthusiasts and owners of unique or interesting vehicles. Whether it’s a classic car, a rugged truck, or a sleek motorcycle, there is a demand for all kinds of vehicles in the entertainment industry. By registering your vehicle with a reputable rental company or listing it on a peer-to-peer platform, you can turn your passion for cars into a source of extra income. With the right preparation, communication, and attention to detail, renting out your vehicle for movies and photo shoots can be a rewarding experience that allows you to share your love of cars with a wider audience.