Ian Coad Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 i've got one year left in my graduate studies. i've decided to sell my semi-suped up subaru wrx, as i need to pay back loans, it isn't mpg friendly and i don't really feel it fits my personality. so i'm faced with the decision of replacing it with something. i'd like something small and managable, like a vw golf or honda civic. the question is: am i shooting myself in the foot if i don't have a cavernous suv or station wagon? because i don't know whether the expectations of lugging equipment around will be an issue for crewing and being hired on low/no budget productions? most films have some sort of a grip truck. can i rely on this? i'd love to hear from the dps out there who are fresh in the industry. thanks. - ian coad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member David Mullen ASC Posted January 6, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted January 6, 2009 Well, I managed to start out with just a small Toyota -- and even now I drive a Toyota Prius, which is the largest car I've ever owned. As a DP, I didn't have to haul a lot of equipment since I didn't own any, and still don't, but there were a number of shoots where I had to haul a basic rented ENG package (video camera, tripod, and a small lighting kit, a few c-stands) and it was easier when I owned a small hatchback (an old Toyota Corolla, back when they were tiny) than when I owned a small sedan (a Toyota Tercel, my car for 13 years until I got the Prius two years ago). So I'd consider looking for a hatchback design at least. Speaking of cars... I used to buy used Toyotas for a few thousand bucks and drive them into the ground in about five years and then buy another one. The 93' Tercel was the first new car we ever owned (my wife bought it right after I finished film school) and we drove it for 13 years until it got pretty worn, much to the amusement of my crew members who drove nicer cars than me. But the truth is that I've never been that interested in cars and just wanted something reliable and affordable to get to work. When I got hired to shoot "Big Love" in the Fall of 2006, I was looking at a daily commute to Santa Clarita for seven months. During the first week of prep, my old Tercel started flashing its "check engine" light at me -- I took it in and found that I had about $4000 worth of work to do on the car, including two cracked axels. Seemed time to finally get a new car, and with a new job, I knew I could buy it with cash. I had my eye on a hybrid for years, so I went to the Toyota dealership and they told me there was a two-month waiting list for a Prius. Figuring my old car could last that long, I put down a deposit. Two days later, I got a call saying that the new Prius was ready for pick-up. Apparently since I didn't really care what color it came in, I didn't have to wait -- which is also why I'm driving a red car for the first time in my life. Anyway, I've been driving it for two years and it's been very reliable, gets great gas milage, and the hatchback design is useful when I have to transport something bulky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve McBride Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I have a '96 Subaru Legacy that I got three years ago and I've carried around a full camera in a huge Pelican case along with a fluid head tripod on sticks as well as a few lights and misc. grip equipment with enough left over room to have another person ride shotgun (and even another person if they were small enough in the back). I didn't notice when I bought it, but the trunk size in it is very spacious, though the only thing that is back there now are my cleats and a few sleds for when me and my friends get bored, haha. But going with what David said, I would see a hatchback working better if your going to be carrying some grip equipment. Definitely go for a hybrid also! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Rodgar Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Yeah, hatchback all the way. I used to have an '86 diesel station wagon with a rebuilt Audi / VW (stock) 6 cyl engine in it that I bought for $1500 in '04. Most awesome cameraman ride ever. 30 mpg city and 60+ highway. When I was working on Swingvote in 07 it died on me, or the part needed no one had available, rather. So I bought a poor man's Prius, a Toyota Yaris hatchback. It has given me very high mpg on the highway, but that is hardcore hyper-miling: slow, steady acceleration, caravaning and never over 60 mph, etc. Awesome little car, but a bit smaller than I wanted. I can easily put an ENG kit in it, but not much more. A far cry from the cavernous Volvo. But very dependable and nice all around car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Coad Posted January 7, 2009 Author Share Posted January 7, 2009 its interesting hearing these stories. its been a while since i've had a real beater, a garbage dumpster on wheels that i don't ever have to worry about getting keyed or getting stolen. its relaxing to have those as long as they stay running, i fear the idea of losing my car mid shoot and its something i dont look forward to experiencing. my cinematography professor also has a prius and we students joke that he got it custom painted at maaco with 18% grey. however, more on topic, i guess what i'm asking is, can one potentially lose work opportunities if their car isn't equipped to carry a lot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Rodgar Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 (edited) Not really. No one who I would like to work for would expect me to bring out an entire 1 ton grip and electric package along with the camera to the shoot. There is always renting a van or something in case the cameraman does need to bring more equipment, paid of course by production. When one works for anything bigger than an ENG shoot, productions with budgets then take care of all that, or in my book they should. My rate does not include providing them with logistics and equipment transportation. Edited January 7, 2009 by Saul Rodgar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Walter Graff Posted January 7, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted January 7, 2009 It's a great time to buy a car, any kind. Might be the best time to buy a car in a long time. Prices and incentives are at their best and will be till the end of 2009. I drive a Tahoe, and drove Blazers before that. Can't beat larger cars for room, especially when it comes to taking equipment and taking people around with you. There are small cars that will get you around with some equipment, but right now you can buy last years Tahoe for $14k. or any SUV crossover for a great price. Beats buying a new car that is a compact for $14k. And overall there are plenty of cars with great gas mileage. Subaru is not one of them. Toyota has some good mpg models but they are more passenger cars than for carrying equipment. Ford and Chevy both have 7 and 8 models respectively that are roomier and get more than 30mpg if gas is an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael K Bergstrom Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I have a two-door Ford Escort ZX2 that gets great gas mileage, with the seats folded down I've carried everything from 4 foot kinos, lights, grip iron, speedrail etc, to a three person crew with an HD camera full lighting and audio package. Tons of cargo room in a tiny package! I get a little stuck on fitting a 12x in there though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin R Probyn Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I think a 1965 Rolls Royce Corniche,in powder blue is by far the best camera persons conveyance ... and will show the grips dept who is boss aswell.. perfect.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Chris Keth Posted January 7, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted January 7, 2009 I think a 1965 Rolls Royce Corniche,in powder blue is by far the best camera persons conveyance ... and will show the grips dept who is boss aswell.. perfect.. Especially when you switch to the track wheels. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Satsuki Murashige Posted January 7, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted January 7, 2009 am i shooting myself in the foot if i don't have a cavernous suv or station wagon? If you are only going to be a DP on low-budget narrative style shoots, not at all. In fact, once it becomes known that you have a large vehicle, you'll be hit up for free gear pick-up/returns and crew rides constantly. It gets old really fast when you're not being paid for your work. It's much better to have a small hatchback, just enough to carry your gear and maybe one or two passengers. If you're going to work as an AC however, then you should have a vehicle with enough cargo space to pick up small camera packages and haul around all your personal gear (magliner, tool kit, etc). But then you'd charge mileage for equipment pick-up/return and rental for your gear, so it works out. Plus, as an AC, you won't often be asked to ferry crew (except for maybe your 2nd or the DP) because you have the gear. On a bigger shoot, production will probably hire a camera truck and you won't need to haul camera gear around in your personal vehicle (which is always dangerous from a liability point of view if the gear gets damaged or stolen on your watch, so cover yourself accordingly). I got my first car last autumn, a 2001 Honda CRV. I never even had a license until last summer. I tried getting work for three years as an AC with no vehicle, and guess what, it's doable but extremely difficult (at least here in the bay area). In LA, it would be impossible. The car's worked out great for me, it even has a little folding table hidden under the trunk floor that's the perfect size for my changing tent! Wish it got better gas mileage though, I only get about 275 miles on a full 13 gal. tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Steven Beverly Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 (edited) I don't know about a DP per se' but as a film maker, get a Ford or Chevy full sized van and for milage make it a 4 or 6 cylinder with a standard transmission. Coppola has there great pictures of these of Ford Elconoline vans from Zoetrope stacked to the rafters (you know....If Ford vans HAD rafters) with film making equipment in fact in Fog City Mavericks I think it was Lucas who said that he believed that everything they needed to make a feature should fit into a van. Edited January 7, 2009 by James Steven Beverly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin R Probyn Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Especially when you switch to the track wheels. ;) I use the Roller to block up the car park,so they cant get their pimped out SUV,s out... works everytime.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Buick Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I've got a Vauxhall Corsa TD 5 door hatchback. I don't know if you can buy that model in the US, but it does seem to store a lot for a small car, especially with back seats down. I have yet to be in the situation where I'd had to carry a lot of film equipment, but it can swallow up a fortnight's shopping ans some flat-pack furniture quite easily, the torque a turbo-diesel gives at low revs is also really welcome when you're carrying a lot of weight. It may be an idea to consider a diesel if you'll be carrying a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Rakoczy Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 (edited) I have to be honest Mr. Mullin... picturing you driving over the 405 pass in a Prius isn't the prettiest picture I can imagine... please the keep details of your life such as this to yourself. In brotherly love. btw.. if you have not read Film Lighting by Malkeiwicz (latest edition by Mr. Mullin) order it today!.. maybe we can move David into a more appropriate vehicle for his stature. Edited January 7, 2009 by David Rakoczy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Rodgar Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 (edited) I have to be honest Mr. Mullin... picturing you driving over the 405 pass in a Prius isn't the prettiest picture I can imagine... please the keep details of your life such as this to yourself. The correct spelling is Mullen. Oh, and some of us don't have a problem reading such details and would like to continue doing so. Maybe those annoyed by such seemingly low details should not read some threads or posts? In brotherly love . . . Edited January 8, 2009 by Saul Rodgar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Rakoczy Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 The correct spelling is Mullen. Oh, and some of us don't have a problem reading such details and would like to continue doing so. Maybe those annoyed by such seemingly low details should not read some threads or posts? In brotherly love . . . Whoah. Mr. Mull'e'n.. I hope you took my post in the jest it was meant and not react the way Mr. Rodgers apparently has. I push your edition of FILM LIGHTING in sincerity as most readers know... No doubt the best single source of Lighting Info... but I gotta be honest.... the thought of you in the Prius... I dunno :huh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Steven Beverly Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I'm fairly sure Mr. Mullen. has a developed sense of humor, I doubt whether he took exception to the comment. I'm thick as a brick sometimes and IIII got that you were kidding. Perhaps it's just your dry wit. Next time try putting a DA DUM DA rim shot after it. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Well if you really want to be successful drive a Ferrari. Rent one for all job interviews. I'm actually being some what serious, you'd be amazed at the impact it has on people when you look like you are incredibly successful. Imagine the producers going through 50 reels to decide on a DOP for a project, and one turns to the other and says, "let's hire the Ferrari guy, he must be the best." Believe me, it sends a message. R, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Rodgar Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 All right, Mr Rogers needs to work on thickening his skin a bit. B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hayes Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I?ve owned SUV?s for the past twenty years and it has been a great choice for me. You can use them as a personal vehicle and they look like regular cars which is great for meetings, networking, and scouting. A van may be a better production vehicle but it says blue collar worker. As a starting DP you are going to be hauling around camera packages. You may also be getting work as an ENG shooter where you are loading a camera, sticks, lighting kits, grip kit in you car. You may even throw a dolly or a jib in the back. As you get more established and work on larger shows with grip and electric trucks you?ll need your vehicle to drive you personal gear and gags to the set on day one and a truck to drive all you stuff back at the end of the job. I?ve also accumulated some larger gear like a jib and hot head which also fit in my SUV. I also have a small grip electric package that fits in the SUV packed to the gills. My philosophy has been to accumulate the maximum amount of gear I can fit in my SUV and which a very small crew can handle. If I need more gear I get a grip/electric truck and crew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Rodgar Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 (edited) Well if you really want to be successful drive a Ferrari. Rent one for all job interviews. No wonder I have been so unsuccessful. What kind of cameraman am I, anyway? Here I have been showing up to interviews in my Yaris lately, and before that in my 20 y-o diesel beater, sabotaging my own career from the moment I pull into the parking lot. So the Prancing Pony will do it, eh? While I am at it (and to take the stereotype all the way), I can get me a drop dead gorgeous blond escort to come with me. Then they will realize I am a REAL DP and hire me on the spot. Hell, I may not even need the demo reel. I can always just rely on the skills of the blonde . . . :lol: Edited January 8, 2009 by Saul Rodgar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Steven Beverly Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Well if you really want to be successful drive a Ferrari. Rent one for all job interviews. I'm actually being some what serious, you'd be amazed at the impact it has on people when you look like you are incredibly successful. Imagine the producers going through 50 reels to decide on a DOP for a project, and one turns to the other and says, "let's hire the Ferrari guy, he must be the best." Believe me, it sends a message. R, Dude, have I told you, you're my new idol!! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Marc Alucard Posted January 8, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted January 8, 2009 Well if you really want to be successful drive a Ferrari. Rent one for all job interviews. I'm actually being some what serious, you'd be amazed at the impact it has on people when you look like you are incredibly successful. Imagine the producers going through 50 reels to decide on a DOP for a project, and one turns to the other and says, "let's hire the Ferrari guy, he must be the best." Believe me, it sends a message. R, I've had the car for ten years, where do I get a DOP reel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serge Teulon Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 LOL!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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