I´ve rented out (other) vehicles and props to TV and movie productions numerous times. My main advice: Never, ever, rent it out without you being present all the time. Or better, bring a buddy with you so you can go to the bathroom while the other is watching the vehicle.
Otherwise, the prop department will do with your Humvee as they see fit: Drill a few holes for a camera rig, repaint the vehicle, etc.. Or the director will decide to spice up the action sequence with more crashes at your expense.
And forget about any insurance they promise. Even if you get that in written, afterwards you´ll be fighting with an unwilling insurance company working for a not longer existent production company. So: Better be close to your vehicle all the time.
Since the daily rate then needs to replace your daily income, plus that of your buddy, and cover any wear and tear on your Humvee, $ 500 doesn´t look much. Obviously, rental rates will be different depending on location, but overhere, daily rates for a Humvee would have been considerably higher than $500. Plus, vehicle transport, travel, hotel and food would be extra.
Admittedly, daily rates seem to drop overhere, however, since more and more inexperienced Humvee owners offer their vehicles on "movie car agency" sites at far too low prices. Some production companies prefer to work with the pros they know, and pay more; other companies just go for the cheapest offer, and just wear out another newbie.
Personally, I´m not going to go cheap. TV or movie work is not as much fun as you would think, and time in my real job is precious. I´ve been burned by one or two production companies over the years, so am very careful now.
Im in the movie prop business, been at it for 10+ years. Getting g 550->650 a day is the normal rate for a hmmwv. 5tons or specialty builds can get closer to 850 a day. Im my experience, no-one is gonna pay you 1000 a day unless the unit is very very special. Movie car companies are everywhere. The way the business works unless its Tom Cruise many productions are being made on slender budgets to either get more funding or indies trying to get a distribution deal via one of the many film festivals. There are many indies being made. We find them much more fulfilling than autocratic 100 milion dollar budget films. We've done both, there are more indies looking for stuff than big budget.. the big guys will buy a truck abuse it, then sell it off later.
There are a couple things to keep in mind.
- the 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) is usually running the set, make sure you know who they are. They will resolve issues if you have concerns. Be professional. For us we have a good reputation and are often assisting in fine tuning action or setup for more realism. (If they have time)
- I whole heartedly agree with the dont leave it alone. Movie people range from ignorant city dwellers to narcissistic megalomanacs who simple dont care.
- get paid up front, use venmo, PayPal or cash.
- determine EXACTLY what they want to do. Its not unusual for them to want to film a fight scene next to your pristine 10 coats of hand rubber lacquer prized show truck and they end up tossing an actor over the hood with belt buckles leaving their mark.
- dont be afraid to step in front of the camera to stop abuse.. its digital, they can film it again with the adjustments to protect your property.
- make it CLEAR no one drives or moves it but you
- bring a chair and a book. Its a massively tedious process
- define what "A Day" means for the "Day Rate".. movie days aren't 8 to 5.. they generally can go much much longer and I've worked with shows that swapped crews at 6pm and kept going..
- Get a "Certificate of Insurance" with you named as an additional insured, with vehicle coverage. They will provide an Accord 25. I know it was stated earlier that this is worthless, but if you tell your insurance company it was destroyed in a movie expect pushback.. even hagerty will take a pause. With the "additional insured" you are extended specific rights. We get coi on any rental (furniture to wardrobe) over 500$. Its much easier to get paid, because the policy is for you, specifically.
We have more than 40+ vehicles we rent, military, police, fire and ems.
We also work with local collectors on rents to movies and help to make sure they dont get screwed.
Edit: This number 550 is for the SE USA and DOES NOT include mileage.. thats a different deal. Take a look at the fees for stuff and regional movie car providers..
Ymmmv, but this is my experience.
-- Chris
