Production vans are ideal vehicles for aspiring movie directors and screenwriters. They simultaneously provide storage, transportation, advertising and even lodging in a pinch for smooth, on-the-go filmmaking.
These seven optimization tips will help you get the most out of your production van and take your movies to the next level.
Invest in More Travel-Friendly Equipment
Every independent filmmaker should invest in travel-friendly equipment to maximize their van’s storage space. Even the largest commercial vans, like the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit, can’t fit an entire inventory of film equipment. You need to consolidate and switch to equipment with more compact and lightweight designs.
Start by getting cutting-edge portable film cameras like the Canon G7X Mark III as your trusted travel companions. Smaller cameras like this model can still deliver stunning image quality and 4K video recording, just like the biggest movie cameras from Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic and other brands.
If you have a small budget, you might also want to mix some smartphone filmmaking accessories into your traditional equipment. Any way to shrink the size of your inventory and free up more storage space is worth considering.
Use Creative Storage Solutions
The extra space that you freed up from consolidating your equipment can go toward the next step in your van’s optimization — creative storage. You’ll be able to install shelves, cabinets and mounted tie-down systems to secure your equipment and keep things organized. Aluminum is the go-to material for vehicle storage solutions because it’s lightweight and durable.
You also need hard cases with foam padding and other protective coverings for each piece of equipment. These storage additions will increase the weight of your cargo, but that’s actually a good thing for large vans. Vans ride the smoothest when they’re carrying heavy loads because the weight compresses the springs and prevents the cab from bouncing.
Get a New Power System
One of the biggest hurdles in building a fully self-sufficient production van is finding a reliable power source. You need something with enough juice to power your laptop, light fixtures, camera batteries and many other essential electronics. Browse through these portable power stations and see which option meets your electricity requirements.
You could also install solar panels on your van’s roof to create a natural energy source. This approach is popular among people who live in van conversions full-time. Instead of relying on the local power grid, they install a solar panel kit so they can travel wherever they want. Similarly, investing in solar panels will allow you to travel to remote filming locations.
Show Off Your Brand
Now it’s time to focus on the van’s exterior. A production van is a great resource to show off your brand to other drivers without spending any time or money. Putting promotional materials for your latest productions on the side of the vehicle will expose your brand to 30,000 to 70,000 people every day.
Growing your brand identity is crucial for gaining attention in the entertainment industry, whether you’re an independent filmmaker, musician or artist. You must seize every opportunity to expose your work to the public. Social media is often the most effective avenue, but you should also utilize traditional advertising methods like brand imaging.
Add Running Boards and Rear Steps
Loading and unloading your film equipment is hard work, but you can make it much easier with two simple modifications — running boards and rear steps. Adding these features will make your van much more accessible and lower the risk of damaging your equipment during the loading process.
All commercial trucks and vans have running boards and rear steps to help employees move equipment. They also make the vehicles look more professional, which is an important quality to have for entrepreneurs. If you want to attract better talent to your film crew, then you need to make your production van look sharp.
Tint the Windows
This optimization tip is all about security. Attracting attention to your production van is a good thing, but it needs to be the right kind of attention. A van that’s driving around with thousands of dollars of equipment is a prime target for thieves. If the wrong person notices your cargo, they might try to steal it.
Tinting your windows is a simple solution to prevent people from peeking into your van and seeing your equipment. It will also give you some extra privacy and help you sleep better if you need to sleep in the van on a long road trip. Just make sure you follow your state’s window tint laws and don’t make them too dark.
Prepare for Every Roadblock
Lastly, you need to prepare for every roadblock. A flat tire, dead battery or medical emergency is always a possible scenario during your travels. You can’t afford to let these situations delay your production. That’s why you should keep a checklist of essential items in your van at all times, including a first aid kit, tire changing kit and jumper cables.
Unlock Your Van’s Potential
You already made a great career decision by investing in a production van. Having your own vehicle will make the logistics of your independent films much easier to manage.
Now it’s time to unlock your van’s potential by making some modifications. Start by following these seven tips to make your van more secure, professional and self-sufficient.
