How do I get my Car into a Movie?

How Do I Get My Car in a Movie?

Got a car sitting in your driveway that could hold its own on screen? Muscle car, exotic, beat-up daily driver — it doesn't matter. If it looks the part, there's a real shot at getting it in front of a camera. Malibu Autobahn sources, preps, and places cars for film, TV, and commercials, and here's how the process actually works if you want to submit yours.

And yes, you get paid for it.

What Makes a Great Picture Car?

It's not just sports cars and monster trucks getting cast. Productions need family sedans, delivery vans, cop cars, vintage classics — even boats and planes turn up. Beat-up cars get work too, when the scene calls for it. A few things that make a car worth submitting:

• Beaters and Specialty Vehicles – Yes, even heavily used or “rough-looking” cars are needed for action scenes, dystopian films, or crime dramas.

• Unique or Iconic Design – Think about instantly recognizable cars like the DeLorean from Back to the Future or the classic muscle cars in Fast & Furious.

• Vintage or Period-Correct Vehicles – Period dramas need vehicles that match the era.

• Well-Maintained Condition – Cars in pristine shape are often in high demand for commercial shoots and music videos.

• Modified or Custom Builds – If your vehicle has a wild look, special modifications, or a lifted suspension, it could be the perfect fit for a sci-fi or action film.

How to Submit Your Car for Consideration

Take High-Quality Photos

Start with photos. Productions are judging your car off what they can see, so clear, well-lit shots make a real difference in whether it gets picked.

Provide Vehicle Details

Pair those photos with the basics:

• Make, model, year, and color

• Notable features (aftermarket wheels, custom paint jobs, rare trim packages, etc.)

• Any known mechanical issues (important for driving scenes)

• Location (where the car is stored and available for production)

Rather than hoping a scout stumbles onto your car, submit it directly to our Picture Car Database. We work straight with productions looking for a specific match, so listing your car with us is the fastest way to get considered for a feature, a series, or a commercial. Submitting doesn't lock you into anything — you decide what you're comfortable with. We'll reach out to you directly if a shoot looks like a fit.

Understanding the Rental Process

If your car gets selected, the production rents it for a set window. Here's what's typically covered in that agreement:

• Rental Fee – Depending on the car’s usage, you’ll be compensated accordingly.

• Insurance Coverage – Productions, similarly to us, carry insurance to cover any potential damages while your car is on set.

• Transportation – Sometimes, you may need to deliver the car to the shoot location, or we will arrange transport for you.

Being Flexible and Ready

Productions move fast and decide late. If your car's available and ready to go on short notice, that flexibility alone can be the difference in getting booked.

Will My Car Be Driven or Modified?

Depends on the role. Some cars just sit in the background; others get driven by an actor, a stunt driver, or occasionally the owner. If a scene calls for modifications, like mounting a camera rig or a paint change, we discuss it with you first and can arrange to restore the car afterward. Nothing gets changed without your sign-off.

Get Your Car on the Big Screen!

If you want your car considered seriously, submitting it through Malibu Autobahn puts it in front of the people actually casting vehicles: filmmakers, music video directors, and commercial producers looking for the right match.

Interested in submitting your vehicle? Send us an email with photos and details to contactus@malibuautobahn.com or fill out this form to register your car today!

Your car might be the next Hollywood star.