Picture Car Glossary
daily rate for picture cars
What is a daily rate for picture cars?
Updated June 2026 · Revolution Picture Cars
Also called day rate.
A daily rate is the standard price charged to a production for one day of on-set filming or prep use of a picture car.
Daily rates vary widely based on the vehicle's rarity, condition, era, required modifications, and current market demand. Most productions negotiate a reduced weekly rate for extended bookings. Daily rates are quoted exclusive of transport, insurance, and wrangling fees unless otherwise stipulated in the rental agreement.
Example
A hero car at $750 a day for four shoot days is $3,000, before prep days, hold days, and the hauler. Budgeting the shoot days alone routinely understates a vehicle line by half.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Quoted on the rate card and fixed in the rental agreement, per vehicle per day.
Common mistake
Multiplying the daily rate by shoot days and calling it the vehicle budget. Prep days, hold days, and the hauler are all real, and together they often equal the shoot-day total.
Related questions
- What does a picture car daily rate cover?
- One day of on-camera or prep use of that vehicle. Transport, prep days, hold days, and mileage are charged separately unless the agreement says otherwise.
- Is a daily rate always the cheapest option?
- No. Beyond about four days a weekly rate is usually cheaper, and a long hold is cheaper again on a monthly.
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