Choosing the perfect vehicle for your next film shoot

Whether you’re a journalist assembling a team for on-site live coverage, a filmmaker scouting natural locales for your upcoming project, or a company lead looking to invest in vehicles to mobilize your content production team, choosing and operating the right vehicle is a crucial step to ensure success. P.S. This is a sponsored post. Please see my disclosure for more information.

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Picking the right one

Finding the perfect vehicle really boils down to the kind of equipment you’re hauling and the places you’re heading to. Picture this: using camera stabilizers inside a roomy vehicle to capture smooth footage on the go. So, it’s all about diving into those vehicle specs and thinking about what tweaks you might want to make before you take the plunge.

Now, are you hitting the long road or going off the beaten path with a ton of gear in tow? You might want to cozy up to the idea of an electric SUV from VinFast, or maybe a big van with 4×4 drive to get you through the rough spots. And hey, if this ride is for your business, don’t forget to crunch the numbers on weight limits and fuel economy. It’s all about knowing what it’ll cost to operate with all that gear aboard over the long haul.

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Safety & Storage

Safety should always be a priority during filming. Ensure that all passengers use seat belts, and make it a rule for crew members to be seated and secure while the vehicle is in motion. Of course, that also means any modifications you make should never detach from safety implementation, especially if you’re responsible for driving other people around. 

From there, properly secure equipment to prevent it from shifting and causing accidents. Room for storage crates and cages is essential because they will keep loose bags and cases contained and shielded from banging into one another. Keep a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher in the vehicle in case of emergencies too, as you’ll be carrying camera gear, lighting and sound equipment – all electrical components that may cause issues. Additionally, consider any safety regulations and road laws specific to your filming locations.

Consider Camera Mounts

Of course, vehicles won’t only be for storage and transportation, for the budding filmmaker they can also present a camera platform to work with, offering a great number of motion shots in the best possible way.

Those options could include mounting cameras on roof racks, windows, hoods or even the interior with the door slid open. The choice of placement will depend on the type of shots you want to capture, but also the functionality of the vehicle you’ve chosen. Roof racks offer a high vantage point, while hood mounts can provide unique angles.

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Licensing & Permits

Different locations may have specific regulations governing filming. Research the local requirements and obtain the appropriate permits well in advance. This includes permissions for using specific roads, shooting in public spaces, and any other legal considerations such as alterations you may need to make to a route or closing a road in advance with the permission of the highway authority. After all, there’s no point in purchasing the exact car you’re looking for if it means you’re going to have a tough time on the roads.