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CONSIDER RENTING If you just want some supplementary kit short term, or for somethingmore exotic that is too expensive to invest in for the handful of times it might be used, then renting is a good option. And fast, reliable
Themove towards individuals renting out gear is exemplified by companies such as Kitmapper and Fat Llama, which specialise in simplifying the process andmaking it safer for both sides. A filmmaker with surplus gear can sign up to rent this out, backed by the promise that the hirer will be checked out and gear insured, while those looking to rent through this route have the chance to get a keen price and potentially a littlemore in the way of flexibility. Times are changing fast, renters at all levels are becomingmore flexible andwilling to offer good value weekend deals, andmany filmmakers will also charge their clients for kit that might have to be hired in, eliminating the need to ownmore than the bare necessities. Of course, hiring fromestablished rental specialists does have its advantages, such as fully checked and calibrated kit that you knowwill work flawlessly every time andwell-sorted delivery and return logistics. But now there is an option that could bemore affordable. Thismeans, if you do prefer to own your own equipment, then there’s now an option tomonetise it. 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 verymuch coming of age and it couldwell constitute part of a good modern businessmodel for filmmakers.
courier services nowadaysmean you don’t need to live near to a rental house in a big city anymore. Youmight want to try out a Red camera or an anamorphic lens for a special shoot. Then renting becomes a sensible option. Many rental houses also stockmore general video items such asmirrorless or DSLR camera bodies, as well as camcorders and cinema cameras at all prices. One of the benefits is that you know the kit will be serviced and ready to use. And if you need kit for a longer period rather than just a fewdays, rental houses will often do deals. One of the UK’s top rental houses is Hire a Camera, which stocks everything fromGoPro action cameras to the latest Sony FX9 full-frame cinema cameras and Red Raven, plus all the lenses, grip, audio kit and lighting you could possibly need. There is even a loyalty scheme offering cash off for regular renters. And there are different options for deposits, damage waivers and insurance. However, there is a newbreed of peer-to-peer rental options, where you canmake your kit makemoney for you – evenwhen it’s not being used by your business –by renting it out to others. Or renting in kit you need fromother filmmakers when you need it. So it makes sense to rent in kit when you need it, and rent out gear you own to others who have a short-termneed for it.
EASY LEASING If you really want the latest newkit, but don’t want to shell out a huge lump of cash all in one go, then leasing is amodern option that works formany businesses. Companies like Photolease allow you to choose the video equipment youwant from whichever company youwant to buy it from, then it sorts out themonthly payments. As long as you are spendingmore than £1000, you can lease kit for three to five years. Then, at the end, you pay anothermonthly rental fee and you get to keep the gear. It’s not just about specific video equipment nowadays, as you need a decent computer. Buying brand-newdesktop computers, monitors and laptops has always been the traditional waymost small businesses operate. But the high upfront cost – alongwith constant hardware and software upgrades – can result in a cupboard full of old computers. It makes sense to buy newhardware, but spread the cost of it. Payingmonthly to lease equipment is amoremodernway of getting hold of the latest tech. Specialist firms like Hardsoft offer the latest AppleMacs, Surface laptops, iPads or any hardware you could need, and allow you to pay amonthly subscription, without a deposit. And there is a technical helpline to helpwith any issues. Hardsoft’s range of options includes a pure rental scheme, where you pay a fixed monthly fee for your computer for three years then hand it back, although you can buy it at the end if you like. A flexi-lease gives youmore options to change your kit, send it back or continue with the plan during the three years, then you will own it at the end for a tiny payment – often just £1. Like a mobile phone renewal, you can even get a new machine while keeping the old one, so you are up to date with the latest tech. And, as it’s leased, there is a three-year warranty and a loan computer to keep you working if your device ever needs to be repaired. It’s a modern way of keeping cash flow out of the business to a minimum.
More information Hire a Camera: hireacamera.com Kitmapper: kitmapper.com Fat Llama: fatllama.com
More information
photolease.co.uk hardsoftcomputers.co.uk
ABOVE Renting a full-frame mirrorless camera and lens like this Sony can be a sensible option
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