When you’re in the thick of planning a film or commercial shoot, it’s easy to think of a rental house as just a place to pick up gear. But the truth is, a great rental house can be one of your most valuable production partners. From technical consultation to last-minute swaps and crew support, the right rental house plays a critical role in ensuring that your shoot runs smoothly — especially when it matters most.
At Expressway Cinema Rentals, we don’t just hand you equipment. We help you build a workflow.
1. Technical Prep That Saves You Time On Set
From our rental agents to our technicians, each department at Expressway has experienced, reliable members of the team that are specialized in their department. From the initial inquiry phase through prep, our agents and technicians in their respective departments are always thinking one step ahead to ensure your production equipment needs are being covered. We are not a Jack of All Trades; we are a house of specialists under one roof.
This level of prep isn’t extra—it’s essential. Whether you’re a DP, 1st AC, Gaffer, Programmer, or producer, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll have access to technicians that specialize in their respective department and is current with industry standards.
2. Expert Guidance from People Who Know Gear
Our rental staff isn’t just trained on inventory—they’re former or working filmmakers, DPs, ACs, and G&E crew who speak your language. That means we can recommend the right accessories, troubleshoot compatibility issues, consult on the right grip gear, and help you build the best package for your production goals and budget based on experience.
Have a question about pairing a camera with specific lenses or monitoring solutions? We’ve got you. Not sure how to get the light rigged in that one weird spot? We’ve got the pieces to put it there. Our equipment knowledge is rooted in industry experience and driven by curiosity.
3. Confidence and Support When It Counts
Let’s face it: things go wrong. Schedules shift, gear can go down, or your Steadicam op can trip and drop the camera into the mud (true story). A great rental house doesn’t just give you gear—it gives you peace of mind. Our team is solutions oriented and able to think creatively to help solve your problems.
With multiple full-service offices in Philadelphia, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, we’re confident in being able to work with you to find a solution that works for your production.
4. Logistics You Can Rely On
Production is stressful enough without worrying about pickups, returns, or where your gear is coming from. That’s why we offer delivery and pickup options, on-set support, and coordination that meets your schedule—not the other way around.
Need multiple kits to arrive at different locations? Working across multiple units or travel days? We’ve done it all. And we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
5. A Rental Partner, Not Just a Vendor
The most important thing to know: we’re not just a store. We’re a production partner. That means we care about your shoot’s success as much as you do. Our job isn’t finished when you walk out with a Pelican case—it’s done when your shoot wraps smoothly.
Whether it’s a quick 1-on-1 corporate interview or a multi-month narrative with an accounting department that has strict PO protocols, our agents are experienced with dealing with both and anything in between. Our technicians have assisted students working on their first short film, to Camera and G&E teams who have worked on majors.
Our relationships with DPs, producers, gaffers, and freelancers are built on trust, respect, and results. We’re here to solve problems before they happen and support your creative vision every step of the way.
What to Look for in a Rental House
If you’re comparing rental houses, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Technical prep: Are they testing and building kits, or just handing you gear?
- Industry knowledge: Can they answer questions about your workflow and gear?
- Flexibility: Can they respond to last-minute changes?
- Logistics: Do they offer delivery, pickup, and multi-location support?
- Partnership: Are they invested in the outcome of your shoot throughout?
At Expressway, we check all those boxes—and then some. And if your shoot calls for high-end specialty gear, our team at Mocolab can support that too.
Choosing the right rental house can truly make or break your production. It’s about more than just having the right equipment—it’s about having the right people behind it. When you work with Expressway Cinema Rentals, you’re getting a team that’s invested in the details, the outcomes, and the people behind the project.
Need gear? Need support? Need a partner?
We’ve got your back.
Written By: Jhania Perez –
By day she runs Expressway’s marketing machine, by night (and let’s be honest, also by day), she’s a full-time dog mom.