Insert car rental

What is a insert car?

• Insert car is the common name for a traditional camera car. Actsafe's version of Bulletin #8 calls them traditional camera cars (insert cars). Source: Actsafe, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars and Process Trailers

When it is used

• Used to film driving scenes when a performer should not drive: impaired vision, action that interferes with driving, unsafe speed or terrain, or vehicles in close proximity. Source: CSATF Safety Bulletin #8, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars (rev. 07/19/06)

Typical crew

• Driver/operator, with riders set together with the 1st AD and the Key Grip. Only people needed for rehearsals and the shot ride; extra gear goes in a follow vehicle. Source: CSATF Safety Bulletin #8, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars (rev. 07/19/06)

Typical package

Gear the listed vendors publish on their own sites. Check each vendor for current inventory.

Biscuit Jr · C-2 Chase Car · Edge Crane · Escalade · Maverick · MTV with Crane · Porsche Camera Car · Process Trailer · Push Pull Rig · Remote Drive POD

Safety notes

• Inspect the camera car before and after use, or at least daily: brakes, tires, steering, engine, drive train, electrical, towing gear and safety equipment. Source: CSATF Safety Bulletin #8, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars (rev. 07/19/06)
• Rigging and rigging changes are done by qualified people in a secured area away from traffic, discussed with the driver, and checked by the driver afterward. Source: CSATF Safety Bulletin #8, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars (rev. 07/19/06)
• Everyone riding gets a secure place to ride, such as a railing at the right height or a properly secured harness. Source: CSATF Safety Bulletin #8, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars (rev. 07/19/06)
• Hold a shot-specific safety meeting with a walk-through or dry run, and agree on abort signals. Meet again whenever the choreography changes. Source: CSATF Safety Bulletin #8, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars (rev. 07/19/06)
• The driver signals movement with two short horn taps or the onboard PA. Nobody gets on or off while the car is moving. Source: CSATF Safety Bulletin #8, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars (rev. 07/19/06)
• Anything extending beyond the camera car brings in the power line distance rules (Addendum C). Source: CSATF Safety Bulletin #8, Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars (rev. 07/19/06)

Permits and police

• City of LA: insert car without trailer, minimum 2 LAPD motorcycle officers; with process trailer, minimum 3. Both need LAPD review. Source: FilmLA, LAPD Motion Picture Officer Hire Assignments
• In the City of Los Angeles a filming permit is required for commercial on-location filming, with at least three full business days of processing. Source: FilmLA, Area Requirements: City of Los Angeles

Insert cars vendors

Related rig types

• Process trailers
• Camera cars
• Arm cars

Questions