Getting Started

Placing An Order

  • Start by filling out a rental request on this site.  You will receive an estimate for the items you are requesting. Once the estimate is approved, we’ll need the following from you to secure your order.

    • Signed Rental Agreement (click here to read & sign the agreement)

    • Certificate of Insurance (required for all orders with a replacement value of $5,000 and above)

    • A copy of your driver's license or Identification (for first-time renters)ext goes here

Payment and Pricing

    • Our prices are the best and lowest in northern Indiana. Sometimes, online rental companies will list a low price for an item, but when you look closer, you’ll see that they charge extra for “optional” parts like batteries and memory cards. We are very intentional about building out kits that we know will work for you entirely, so you aren’t getting to set only to realize you only have one battery or no cards.

    • We accept Credit cards, Apple Pay, ACH, and checks.

    • Yes! A week-long rental is charged as three billing days. Instead of charging a daily rate for every day of the week, we charge a discounted rate of three-day rate for seven consecutive days. The 7 days begin on the day you receive the equipment and end on the day we receive the equipment back from you. To inquire about rentals longer than 1 month, please email us.

Cancellations & Changes

    • If you cancel within 24 hours of the scheduled pickup time, you will be charged the full value of the rental.

    • We know things happen, so please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your reservation. We’ll always try to work with you.

    • A rental can be rescheduled once without a cancellation fee. If you need to reschedule, let us know the new date you need. You must let us know the new date at least 72 hours before the rental starts to avoid a cancellation fee. All equipment rescheduled is subject to the availability of that item. In the event an item is unavailable, we will provide a rental rate credit in its place.

Gear & Prep

Equipment Readiness

    • Our equipment is always tested and prepped for your rental.

    • This is gear we use day in and day out, so we’re not just buying gear to rent. We know what works and what has worked for us. Everything we rent has been field-tested, and we know it’s reliable. If you need help putting a package together, we’re happy to give you our suggestions.

Prepping & Familiarization

    • Yes, please! In-house preps are included in your rental rate. Come hang out, check your gear, make sure everything works, and have a cup of tea with me.

    • If you have any quick questions regarding your equipment or equipment needs, or if you would like to add or remove any items, please ask the rental technician assisting you at pickup. Please let us know if you would like to prep in-house so that we can make sure we’re ready for you. Not renting gear from us, but would still like a place to prep? Let us know, and we can set you up with space for a small fee.

    • Yes!  Let us know before you pick up if you have questions, and we can schedule time for an introduction to the equipment.  Some of this stuff can be intimidating, but once you get your hands on it, we’re sure you’ll figure it out just like we did. Please request your demo at least a week in advance. If you decide you’d rather hire an operator to run it we can help you do that too!

Technical Support

    • Shoot us an email. Feel free to ask us for advice on a certain piece of equipment or what you should use in a particular scenario. We’ll do our best to help you.

    • Also, check out theCine Dailies youtube channel to see test footage and other production breakdowns.

Insurance, Damage & Liability

Insurance Requirements

    • Maybe. Insurance is required if the full replacement cost value of your order is over $5,000. For example, suppose you rent a lens kit that has a replacement value of $20,000. In that case, you will be required to present a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that covers you up to that replacement value, but if you rent a C-stand with a replacement value of $150, you will need to sign a rental agreement.

    • We strongly suggest carrying insurance for all of your rentals. This will protect you in case of theft or any mishaps on set.

Certificates of Insurance

  • For rentals that require insurance coverage, we’ll need you to present a COI that meets the following criteria:

    The Renter or represented Company must be listed as the Insured

    • The Film DPT, LLC must be listed as the Certificate Holder

      • Please get in touch with us for our current address

    • The Film DPT, LLC must be listed as Loss Payee and Additional Insured on Renter’s Property Insurance and Commercial General Liability Insurance.

    • Policies should contain Primary, Non-Contributory, and Waiver of Subrogation Endorsements in favor of The Film DPT, LLC.

    • Property Insurance must cover Rented Equipment.

    • Policies must cover, at a minimum, the Replacement Value of the Equipment

    • All Exclusions for Theft from an Unattended Vehicle must be removed

Damage, Loss & Responsibility

    • Anything that goes beyond minor cosmetic blemishes, or anything that affects the functionality of the equipment.

    • If you happen to damage or lose equipment while on rental, please let us know as soon as possible. When the equipment is returned we will assess the damage and let you know the next steps.

    • Your rental contract makes you liable for the cost to replace or repair any equipment that is returned damaged, lost or stolen, except for reasonable wear and tear. If you have insurance, some or all of those costs may be paid by your insurer.

    • It may take 3 to 5 business days to test every item on your rental. Once the equipment is tested and checked, we will let you know what items are missing or damaged and send an invoice for replacement or repair.

Pickups, returns & Scheduling

Pickup & Drop-off Basics

    • Monday-Thursday: 9 AM-5 PM

    • Friday 9 AM - 12 PM

    • The pickup location is 525 Lincoln Way W, South Bend, IN 46601

    • Your pickup and drop-off times will be listed at the bottom of your quote, but may be scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm, depending on availability.

    • If someone else is picking up your rental, please provide us with the contact’s name, phone number, and email. We’ll need to see their ID to verify the information you provided.

Delivery & Special Arrangements

    • Saturdays are unavailable, but Sunday can be arranged ahead of time. That being said, we always try to be flexible if you have no other options. Let us know if this is something you need, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

    • Yes! We deliver locally for a small fee.

During Your Rental

    • We are happy to extend your rental, pending the availability of the equipment. Call or email us to let us know your desired return date, and we will work to make it happen

    • Once the equipment has left our shop, it is yours for the booked rental period. We cannot replace a piece of equipment with another unless it is determined to be malfunctioning through no fault of your own. The new equipment would need to be rented as a separate rental, pending availability.

    • Once the equipment has left our shop, it is yours for your requested rental period. Equipment returned early will not be refunded.

    • While we strive to make sure that every piece of equipment is sent out on rental in perfect condition, once in a while you might have an issue. If this happens, please call upon discovering the issue and let us know that you are having troubles.

    • You’ll receive a copy of the equipment list when you pickup your gear, so we encourage you to check your order thoroughly as you’re picking up to make sure you have everything you need.

Late Returns

    • While we understand the complexity of scheduling, we reserve the right to charge up to 150% of the agreed rental rate per day for each day that equipment is late. Equipment will be considered late if it is returned after 11:30 AM on the appointed day of return.

    • We’re not in the rental business to charge late fees. We want to help you get the gear that you need so you’re free to work and create with one less thing to worry about. If you think you’ll be late, give us a call or email us. We’re always happy to work something out if we’re able.