Picture Car Glossary
tow rig in film production
What is a tow rig in film production?
Updated June 2026 · Revolution Picture Cars
Also called tow truck rig, or transport rig.
A tow rig in film production is the truck and trailer combination used to transport picture cars between prep facilities, storage lots, and filming locations.
Tow rigs are sized and specified based on the vehicles they carry a single classic car may require an enclosed single-car trailer, while a production with multiple vehicles may need flatbeds or multi-car transporters. The tow rig driver is responsible for safe loading, securing, and delivery of every vehicle, and must document the condition of each vehicle at both pickup and delivery.
Example
A truck and trailer moves picture cars between the storage lot, the prep shop, and set. Each move is billed, and cars that shuttle back and forth because the staging plan was wrong are billed each time.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Booked by transportation, and a line distinct from the vehicle rental.
Common mistake
Confusing a tow rig with a process trailer. One moves cars between places; the other carries a car with performers inside while filming.
Related questions
- What is a tow rig used for?
- Transporting picture cars between prep facilities, storage lots, and locations, rather than driving them and adding mileage and wear.
- How is it different from a process trailer?
- A tow rig is transport. A process trailer is a shooting platform that carries a car at speed with actors performing inside it.
Official sources
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