RENTING&HIRING
“We weren’t looking for a traditional week-long rental, but rather a lowday rate”
More information Hireacamera: www.hireacamera.com Zach Lower: www.weareeven.co KitMapper: https://kitmapper.com/ Far Lama: https://fatlama.com/ Decide what works for you and take a fresh look to see if it’s time to change your own views on renting. This is an area that is now very much coming of age and it could well constitute part of a good modern business model for filmmakers. in, saving the need to ownmore than the bare necessities. Of course, hiring from established rental specialists does have its advantages, such as fully checked and calibrated kit that you knowwill work flawlessly every time and well-organised delivery and return logistics. But now there is an option that could be more affordable. Meanwhile, if you do prefer to own your own equipment then there’s now an option tomonetise it, with reports that incomes of hundreds or even thousands of pounds a month via this route are possible.
face-to-face dialogue with the renter, while there’s also an opportunity at this point to talk someone through how to use the gear if necessary.” Fat Lama was founded on similar principles and, again, the need for comprehensive insurance was taken on board at an early stage. “We were very conscious from the beginning that a robust cover policy for lenders was absolutely essential before anyone, individual or business, could feasibly consider a rental platform,” says Tim Slater, who looks after the company’s communications and supply. “In the first instance, borrowers are liable for theft and damages to an item- something we make very clear to those who rent through the platform. However, should there be any difficulties in reclaiming this amount, we have an underwritten guarantee that covers lenders against theft and damages up to £25,000 per item.” Times are changing fast. Renters at all levels are becomingmore flexible and willing to offer good value weekend deals, andmany filmmakers will also charge their clients for kit that is hired
with an international team across time zones and super supportive throughout the process. Although we rentedmost of the equipment we needed, such as lenses and lights through traditional outlets, I would definitely expand on future orders with KitMapper. Their flexibility and professionalismmade a real difference: we were even able to return the camera body on a Sunday to save fees, something that isn’t usually available through conventional rental houses. “Everything was seamless,” she says, “and we will definitely be back when we shoot in London again later this year.” “Theprocess ispretty straightforward,” says KitMapper founder Dave Charlesworth. “There is a single form for both renters and listers, and those hiring out gear need to upload images, descriptions and a daily, weekly and monthly hire rate. All users have to be verified by us to be able to hire or even rent their kit out, and this is a quick process that is powered by Experian. “Generally most of our hires are picked up by hand, and this is howmany listers prefer it in any case, as it gives them vital
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SPRING 2018 PRO MOVIEMAKER
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