Cars and cinema pair together well. For more than a century, movies like “The Fast and the Furious,” “Speed Racer” and “Ford v Ferrari” have been favorites for film lovers and auto enthusiasts alike.
Many movies contain cars as an integral part of the plot or in the background. So how do movie producers get their hands on these vehicles?
Here’s everything aspiring filmmakers need to know about the process.
Where Do Producers Source Their Cars?
If you’re a first-time or independent movie producer, you should know that production crews will source cars from three primary places: a broker, manufacturer or owner.
A vehicle broker differs from a dealer because they’re more like the middle person in the equation. They work with suppliers and equip producers with cars for blockbuster flicks, music videos, photo shoots, commercials and other purposes. Using a car broker may be expensive because you’ll have to pay them in addition to whoever is supplying the car. However, using a broker has benefits, such as:
- Good condition: Using a broker gives producers the advantage of finding good-quality cars. They likely have a list of clients they’ve worked with, so they know how to source vehicles faster than a first-timer will.
- Less work: There are good reasons why producers hire brokers to get the cars for them. They’ve been in the business for decades and know how to complete a job well. They’ll handle the contracts stating how the film will use the vehicle and what the insurance terms are.
- Good connections: It’s more about who you know than what you know. Connections matter significantly in the film industry, so filmmakers want somebody with solid relationships with car owners. Sometimes, a movie will require a specific rare vehicle. There’s a good chance the broker will be able to find it.
Sometimes, using a car broker will cause a beginner filmmaker to push their budget. An independent film will have a much lower spending plan than a feature film. Independent movies at the Sundance Film Festival have budgets between $10,000 and $100,000. Camera operators and narrators can cost $400 per hour, so filmmakers may have to look elsewhere for their cars.
The other options for a producer are dealerships, manufacturers and going directly to the car owners. Savvy producers may be able to get a sweet deal and beat what a broker could get for them. Appealing to vehicle owners is an option. However, they might micromanage things because they’re worried about their property.
Why Do People Lease Their Cars for Films?
Car owners act like their Ford Mustang is their child. In their defense, they’ve spent a lot of money on the vehicle. They paid to buy it upfront and have spent thousands of dollars on maintenance, modifications, detailing and more. They’re a prized possession, so leasing them for a film is almost like seeing a child do a production of a school play.
Imagine being the owner of a Corvette and seeing your vehicle in a movie like “Corvette Summer” or “Boogie Nights.” It would be hard not to tell everyone about the fun fact when the film is released. The intimate connection with the movie lasts forever, so people try to get their cars on the silver screen.
Also, a film history can add significant value to a car if the owner needs to make money and chooses to sell. In recent years, vehicles in films have sold for millions of dollars in auctions. For example, a 1929 Duesenberg Model J from “The Gay Divorcee” sold for $2.4 million in a 2012 auction. A buyer paid $11 million for the 1968 Ford Gulf GT40 from the film “Le Mans.”
How Much Does Renting a Vehicle Cost?
Beginner filmmakers won’t have to shell out eight-figure sums to rent cars in their movies. However, they should prepare to pay expenses. The cost of leasing a vehicle for a film depends on the filming location, the buyer, the make and model of the car, and other factors. On the low end, producers should expect to pay $250 per day if it’s an ordinary vehicle. Some people will charge up to $500 for each day.
Remember that a broker will add the cost with their fees, but they may be able to get a better price. Another cost to consider is classic cars. Producers will have to fork over more money for them because of their scarcity. For example, Cinema Vehicles allows you to lease a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette for $750 daily. However, a modern car like a 2015 Toyota Prius only costs about $325 daily.
Sourcing Vehicles for Your Next Film
Producing a movie is challenging for many filmmakers. There are many things you have to think about because every detail matters. One decision you’ll have to make is how you’ll source cars. Unless your movie takes place in the 19th century or earlier, you’ll probably need some in the film.
First-time producers should speak with a car broker because they’ll have the best sources and can get good deals. They’ll also handle factors like insurance and legalities. While they require fees, a broker is ideal for beginners. Production crews could also try their luck with manufacturers or go to the car owners directly. Sometimes, it’s all about who you know.
