Picture Car Glossary
base plate or speed rail rigging
What is a base plate or speed rail rigging?
Updated June 2026 · Revolution Picture Cars
Also called speed rail, or scaffold rig.
Base plate or speed rail rigging is a modular aluminum and steel system used to mount cameras, lights, playback monitors, and other equipment to the exterior or interior of picture cars, insert cars, or process trailers.
Speed rail (also called speedrail or Interfit pipe) provides a flexible framework that grips to door jambs, roof gutters, trunk lips, and custom anchor points. Rigging configurations are designed and signed off by the camera department and safety coordinator before filming begins.
Example
A speed rail frame bolted to a base plate on the hood carries two cameras, a monitor, and a light, spreading the load across mounting points rather than one suction cup. Rigging and de-rigging it is half a day at each end.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Built by the grip department on prep days, and a standard reason a car needs a prep day at all.
Common mistake
Adding rigging on the shooting day. Base plate and speed rail work is measured in hours, which is exactly what a prep day exists for.
Related questions
- Why use a base plate instead of suction cups?
- It spreads the load across fixed mounting points, so a rig carrying several cameras and lights is secure at speed rather than relying on vacuum alone.
- Does speed rail rigging damage a car?
- Not when it is done properly and the mounting points are agreed in advance, which is why owners ask what is going on the vehicle before it leaves.
Official sources
Sourcing picture cars for a production? Find, vote on, budget, and book them in one place with Revolution, free for productions.
See how it works