Car Rigs

When you need to film car shots, one easy option is to keep the car parked, throw your camera on a tripod, and frame your shot through the windows or windshield. The only catch is that the car has to stay still for this setup to work.

If you want something more dynamic, you can use car rigs to mount your camera directly to the vehicle and capture footage while it’s actually moving.

Hostess Tray Rig (Left), Hood Mount Rig (Right)

Protecting the Vehicle

The number one rule when rigging a car is simple (and mostly common sense): protect the vehicle. Before mounting any rig, make sure the car’s surface is covered and cushioned. A soft cloth, yoga mat, or even furniture pads can work great as a protective layer.

It’s also crucial to add a padded buffer anywhere metal might touch metal. This prevents scratches, dents, or paint damage. Taking a few extra minutes to protect the car not only keeps the owner happy, but also saves you from costly repairs or awkward conversations later on.

Hostess TrayS

A popular choice for this is the Hostess Tray (pictured above). It’s a rig that attaches to the outside of the car, usually on the driver or passenger side, and lets you film through the window while the car is in motion. It’s a go-to setup for getting those natural, cinematic driving shots without having to shoot through glass.

Hood MountS

A hood mount is exactly what it sounds like — a rig that attaches directly to the hood of the car. The setup shown below is built from 1.25-inch speed rail, leveling legs, and up to three adjustable cheese plates, which let you fine-tune the camera’s position until it’s just right.

This type of mount is perfect for capturing shots looking back at the driver or straight down the road, giving you that classic “mounted-on-the-hood” cinematic perspective.

Hood Mount rigged with Aputure 600c Pro