How to get an Ambulance for shoot? at DVinfo.net

Jonas Scott · January 19th, 2008, 12:00 PM

Hey all,

We are are wrapping up a shoot in Phoenix, and for one of our last scenes we need an ambulance. Our location scout has lost years of his life I'm sure for the stress involved in finding an ambulance service willing to lend a vehicle for the film. Simply stated, getting an ambulance has been incredibly difficult. The companies seem to be very hesitant, all for understandable reasons...but that doesn't change the fact that we need one. Now.
Does anyone have experience getting one, and can lend there advice ?

Nate Weaver · January 19th, 2008, 01:23 PM

I'm getting one for a shoot I have next week, but we're getting it from a picture car company here in L.A. Easy in some ways, but expensive and a pain in others, as they have high requirements for deposits and production insurance. $2500 deposit, plus $400/day, plus the usual insurance cert.

A producer I know (that is not working on the job I mention), mentioned to me last night that we could have checked with ambulance companies as well, he's gotten much better deals that way. This guy produces $500k music videos, so I listen to what he says :-)

That sounds like what you're already doing. As there are likely no picture car companies in Phoenix, I think your only option is going to be to either pay $2000+ to get one for a day from L.A., or negotiate a deal with a a local company.

Richard Alvarez · January 19th, 2008, 01:33 PM

Try "Medical Transport" services. Not technically ambulances, they transport people between medical facilities. You might be able to hire one for a day. They look a lot like ambulances.

What do you need it for? Can you do a work around? Can you borrow/rent a van and apply some magnetic signs? Dress out the interior, that sort of thing? And finally, you can try and write around it.

Good luck.

Nate Weaver · January 19th, 2008, 01:33 PM

From the Arizona film commission production guide:

http://www.azproduction.com/clients.php?id=87

No ambulances listed, but I bet one of these guys knows where to get one.

Bob Kerner · January 19th, 2008, 02:11 PM

Try contacting a local private ambulance service. American Medical Response (AMR) is a national firm that may be in your 'hood. They may be willing to let you use a loaner or one that's out of service for basic repair. On the other hand, be prepared that they may want you to rent the vehicle and the crew for the day.

Is there a volunteer rescue squad in your area that might take a donation in return for the use of a vehicle?

Jonas Scott · January 19th, 2008, 11:25 PM

Excellent ideas! I will look into them

Chris Soucy · January 20th, 2008, 12:04 AM

There is always the good 'ol standby method, when all else fails (now, I'm not really suggesting you do this, mind!).

Drop into the ambulance bay of the local big hospital and flash a wad of bills at some of the drivers, there's always one that's in need of the extra dough, and they have to have lunch sometime, don't they?

Just a thought if it's getting that desperate.

Alternatively, depending on just what, exactly, you want this vehicle for, you could always trip up a member of the crew and call 111. You'll get it arriving and departing, if nothing else.

CS

Mark Holland · January 21st, 2008, 09:59 AM

Perhaps a local volunteer resque squad? They'd likely help out for a donation...

January 19th, 2008, 12:00 PM	#1
Jonas Scott New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TN Posts: 12	How to get an Ambulance for shoot? Hey all, We are are wrapping up a shoot in Phoenix, and for one of our last scenes we need an ambulance. Our location scout has lost years of his life I'm sure for the stress involved in finding an ambulance service willing to lend a vehicle for the film. Simply stated, getting an ambulance has been incredibly difficult. The companies seem to be very hesitant, all for understandable reasons...but that doesn't change the fact that we need one. Now. Does anyone have experience getting one, and can lend there advice ?

January 19th, 2008, 01:23 PM	#2
Nate Weaver Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,100	I'm getting one for a shoot I have next week, but we're getting it from a picture car company here in L.A. Easy in some ways, but expensive and a pain in others, as they have high requirements for deposits and production insurance. $2500 deposit, plus $400/day, plus the usual insurance cert. A producer I know (that is not working on the job I mention), mentioned to me last night that we could have checked with ambulance companies as well, he's gotten much better deals that way. This guy produces $500k music videos, so I listen to what he says :-) That sounds like what you're already doing. As there are likely no picture car companies in Phoenix, I think your only option is going to be to either pay $2000+ to get one for a day from L.A., or negotiate a deal with a a local company. Attached Thumbnails __________________ My Work: nateweaver.net

January 19th, 2008, 01:33 PM	#4
Nate Weaver Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,100	From the Arizona film commission production guide: http://www.azproduction.com/clients.php?id=87 No ambulances listed, but I bet one of these guys knows where to get one. __________________ My Work: nateweaver.net

January 20th, 2008, 12:04 AM	#7
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,693 Images: 18	Hi Jonas............ There is always the good 'ol standby method, when all else fails (now, I'm not really suggesting you do this, mind!). Drop into the ambulance bay of the local big hospital and flash a wad of bills at some of the drivers, there's always one that's in need of the extra dough, and they have to have lunch sometime, don't they? Just a thought if it's getting that desperate. Alternatively, depending on just what, exactly, you want this vehicle for, you could always trip up a member of the crew and call 111. You'll get it arriving and departing, if nothing else. CS

January 21st, 2008, 09:59 AM	#8
Mark Holland Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Central North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, & surrounding areas) Posts: 301	Perhaps a local volunteer resque squad? They'd likely help out for a donation... __________________ These are my own opinions, based on my own mistakes...

January 19th, 2008, 01:33 PM	#3
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Try "Medical Transport" services. Not technically ambulances, they transport people between medical facilities. You might be able to hire one for a day. They look a lot like ambulances. What do you need it for? Can you do a work around? Can you borrow/rent a van and apply some magnetic signs? Dress out the interior, that sort of thing? And finally, you can try and write around it. Good luck.

January 19th, 2008, 02:11 PM	#5
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	Try contacting a local private ambulance service. American Medical Response (AMR) is a national firm that may be in your 'hood. They may be willing to let you use a loaner or one that's out of service for basic repair. On the other hand, be prepared that they may want you to rent the vehicle and the crew for the day. Is there a volunteer rescue squad in your area that might take a donation in return for the use of a vehicle?

January 19th, 2008, 11:25 PM	#6
Jonas Scott New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TN Posts: 12	Excellent ideas! I will look into them