Asked to use my car in Rap video?!? UPDATE!

[NYCMille]

Hey guys -

This Saturday I was driving on Southern State Parkway on Long Island cruising along at about 70mph when a Suburban size Cadillac Escalade with what must've been 24" wheels pulls up next to me. There were 2 guys in the guys in the car completely BLING'D OUT yelling to me that they wanted to use my car in a Rap video and that they would pay... I gave them my cell phone # but still have decided on if I should do it or not - I would obviously not let anyone drive it, nor would I let ANYONE male or female sit anywhere on the car. If they abided by these rules and I was present for the whole shoot would you do it or not? and what would you charge them?

I need opinions...

Thanks -

[tin_soldier]

Are you going to have to take time off your regular job?? if so.   I would think it would take more effort to wacth for the car so at least double what you would have made at work plus an hourly rate for use of the charger.   looking like an easy few hundred per day.

[69_500]

I would definately let them use my 500 in a rap video. I don't really care for that kind of music, but think of all the young people who would see the Charger and fall in love with it. And if it wasn't in a rap video, where would they see one?

I would charge them, what your missing out on at work, plus say $300 for the day. So if you make $200 a day at work, and the $300 you'd ask for $500, and give them a list of guidelines. If its a big name rapper $500 is like a drop in the hat.

[AKcharger]

I would but put a sticker on the window saying "west coast rappers BITE"...maybe you can start some kind of a war 

[golden73]

I would do it. Just as long as they follow your guidlines. That would be some easy money right there.

Do you have any idea who they were?

[NYCMille]

No idea who they were, I was doing 70 when I yelled out my cell phone # so we'll see what happens. I guess it would be some easy money though.

[73dodge]

No idea who they were, I was doing 70 when I yelled out my cell phone # so we'll see what happens. I guess it would be some easy money though.

pretty trusting arent you? What if they wanted your number to find where you live and come by and steal your car when you are not around?

[golden73]

No idea who they were, I was doing 70 when I yelled out my cell phone # so we'll see what happens. I guess it would be some easy money though.

pretty trusting arent you? What if they wanted your number to find where you live and come by and steal your car when you are not around?

He gave his cell phone number, not house number.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

No idea who they were, I was doing 70 when I yelled out my cell phone # so we'll see what happens. I guess it would be some easy money though.

pretty trusting arent you? What if they wanted your number to find where you live and come by and steal your car when you are not around?

He gave his cell phone number, not house number.

Easilly traced......

On the other hand, make sure the production company is fully insured as well. 

The film clubs I belong to start out @ $300 for the day depending if its a still shot or driving ....driving nets more

Good luck!

[NYCMille]

The cell phone is not connected to the place where my car is kept so thats not a worry for me. 6T9_CHGR - thanks for bit on the insurance, I will absolutely find out about that. As for the films clubs you belong to, has your car gotten any screen time? Also which clubs are they?

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

So far no time as of yet.... I do get a call at least once or twice a month as a potential shoot comes up......never panned out though.
I was in the running for the star car for the Spike Lee movie with Ed Norton (25th Hour) that had the yellow Super Bee in it.....turns out Spike Lee liked the car but it reminded him of the Dukes of Hazzard too much.......my car was typecast!

My local one on SI is (just noticed they have an OLD crappy pic of my car on the site)
http://www.autofilmclub.com/default.htm

One in NJ I belong to is
http://www.movietimecars.com/

[Old Moparz]

[Charger_Fan]

Well, if you end up with a bunch of 1-900 charges on your cell phone bill next month, you'll know why.

[70charginglizard]

No way...

You couldn't pay me enough to relate my charger to the bling bling rap crowd.

Not me.

Now if someone like Metalica approched me. Now that would be a completely different story. 

[4402tuff4u]

I would be really leary, but it would be awesome to see your own car on a video. I agree with Just 6T9, makesure everyone is covered with insurance, including the Charger's value. I would also require full payment on delivery of vehicle to the set BEFORE the shoot. I can picture someone saying, "oh the producers did'nt really like the video, therefore we can only pay you ....., sorry".

[4forty]

They'll probally ask you to put 22" spinners on it for the vid.............Just say no.

[Daytona R/T SE]

A few guys in the Online Imperial Club That I belong to have had their cars used in the Film industry. To the guys on the Film crew it is "just another prop" and something ALWAYS gets broken    Scratches and dents are a common occurrence, too.   I can just picture 20 gang-bangers dancing on your hood and roof    To me picking up a few hundred extra bucks is not worth the possible damage, even if you are with the car all the time, something bad is bound to happen....

[bull]

Might be a good time to "lawyer-up" as they say.

[IBsmokin]

so what was the name of the group or rapper that wanted to use your car for their video?

[89MOPAR]

 Only let them use it if you get a lap dance from each and every hottie shown in the video....

[Ghoste]

I think in rap video's those are ho's, not hotties.

[JimShine]

No way...

You couldn't pay me enough to relate my charger to the bling bling rap crowd.

Not me.

Now if someone like Metalica approched me. Now that would be a completely different story.  

Ya never know! James is a Dukes fan (and a Waylon Jennings fan). Somewhere around here I have a pic of him in a General Lee giving the finger.

[Ghoste]

Jennings and Hetfield.  Now that would have been an interesting jam.

[6pkrunner]

Friend of my oldest has his custom brand X'er used as a movie prop. He's getting $400 per day and has been on location for 7 days so far. The car hasn't been used yet. So there's why ticket prices are high. When the name of the movie is announced, I'll let ya know.

[Telvis]

If it turns out to be legitimate don't take less than $1,500 for the day. You might even make it $2,000. That's chump change for any legitimate video production. If they are for real they won't even bat an eye at that amount. Not to mention those gangsta rapper types like to brag about how much they spend on stuff. Your time and car are worth much more than $300. I would also have any conditions on how they can and cannot use your car in writing. Also have it in writing that they cover the full cost of any damage incurred. If they are paying you good money it might be worth springing a few bucks to have an attorney make up the damage and usage paperwork. Better safe than sorry.

[NYCMille]

Well, just got a phone call at 10:30pm... nice right. The guy who called said that they did indeed want to use the car in a video for Chuck D of Public Enemy. They would need the car for min. 2 hours., with me there of course. The premise is some guy needs to get to his girl at some fancy ballroom - in this case the Plaza in NYC (which would be cool) but that the car (my car) breaks down. They said that Chuck D has a 396 Chevelle that they were going to use but that when they saw the Charger they wanted that instead. Said he'd never seen one like mine and it would be perfect for the video. They would pay, but I don't how much as I said I would sleep on it and call them back sometime tomorrow. Very nice guy on the phone... whattya' ya'll think... as mentioned above, it's not for some hip hop nobody... Chuck D is a real heavy hitter in the industy.

Don't know what to do?

[golden73]

Its your call, but if it was me, I would jump all over that.

Just get everything down on paper, to cover yourself.

[runningman]

Yeah I would do it, just have all the bases covered.  I am a Public Enemy fan though, kind of biased 

[74Charger]

As long as you go in knowing that something could happen to your car or property.   And you are fine with that.   I would do it.   I rented some property to a movie company recently.   And everything went fine. I would do as 6T9 said too about the insurance.   In my case the movie company had a million dollar policy on the site and a million dolllar policy on a helicopter that was used.   Our name was on the insurance policy.   And I had a copy of the policy in hand before they began shooting.   I also made sure to get paid prior to them using the property.   Learned that mistake the hard way with another movie company.

[Blakcharger440]

I would definitely do it! It would be great to see your car on TV! I would record it so I could watch it again and again! 

1) It would put the old Chargers even more in the public eye again so people can appreciate it. 

2) Make sure to get paid "BIGTIME" as they are a big name in the industry   

3) Getting the muscle cars on TV,to car shows and cruises lets the younger folk know what these cars
are about and how good they look!   

4) Its a great compliment to your Charger and to your taste in fine Mopars
   They know its cool or they wouldnt have asked!

[Johnny SixPack]

Sounds cool, Mike!

Yeah, Chuck D being involved definitely lends some legitimacy to the whole deal.

Like everyone is saying, keep yer @$$ and yer car covered.  

[bull]

One thing you probably need to check on for sure is the insurance issue. If you have your car insured through a classic insurer like Hagerty I believe they would want to know about this because I know the Hagerty application specifically asks "Is any collector vehicle used for commercial purposes (rentals, commercial hauling, etc.)?" and I think this might qualify as a rental or possibly a short-term lease. You should also ask the people organizing this video if they have insurance to cover you personally and request a copy of the policy as it relates to you and your car. Other than that I think it would be cool. Be sure and get all the freebees you can out of the deal too, ie., autographs, CDs, posters, access to the video for use on dc.com, etc. Have fun. Oh yea, take lots of pictures too.

[Silver R/T]

id let chicks sit on it, depends on what chick though

[SuBLimE 69]

I'd ask them to name a price and see what they say.  I'd have no idea what something like that should go for but if I wasted a day I say 1k would be worth the hassle.  I'd also imagine it would take more than hour.  I mean jeez, they gotta put all those baggy clothes on get half drunk and roll some blunts before anyone is gonna start "rappin".  Also make sure you tell'em NO HOT BOXIN IN THE CAR !  They'll get a kick out that. 

[Doc74]

DO IT ! Seriously, for all reasons mentioned and a few more .Honestly, I don't like rap or hip hop but I'd do it, that's an opp you don't get very often.The charger will be immortalized on video ! Even if you drove it home afterwards and a semi totalled it, you'd still have the video ! I didn't scare you now did I ?   
Get insured, get overpaid and have fun...and bring a camera to snap some bling chicks while you're there ! 

[TruckDriver]

Its your call, but if it was me, I would jump all over that.

Just get everything down on paper, to cover yourself.

[BrianShaughnessy]

If they want to use YOUR car,   and then embarrass the community by having it broke down on screen - well soak 'em for every penny you can.   Aside from that... good luck!   I think it's a pretty cool opportuinity.

[plum500]

Hell ya. And given who it is, I would hope it was professional operation - sure the logistics of it would be as much a concern and on the table from the production co.  -- and probably decent compensation.

Though I'd do it just for the cool factor and any expenses covered.

I'd be more upset about the breaking down role it would be playing than anything.

They need to have the Chevelle break down, and the Charger come to the rescue.

[Chris G.]

I would do it as well. Everyone pretty much covered all the bases in this thread. The only thing that would prevent me from going, would be the weather. So far we've been lucky, so I say good luck and go for it!

ps- Chuck D. is far from a heavy hitter. He was a big shot back in the day, but if it's a video for him and not someone on his label, you'll be lucky if they even play it on BET.

[NYCMille]

Thanks for all the replys guys - I am going to call them back at 12 o'clock and find out all the particulars. Then I'll post back and let everyone know what I'm doing.

It does sound pretty cool though.

[69_500]

I would let them use the car if it was up to me. I would just simply ask for about $3-400 a day that they use the car, and have a very specific list of do's and don'ts for the car. If they complied with those then I'd say go for it. If you try to get a huge amount of money out of them, they may pass and go back to another car instead. You have to weigh your options, get paid a few hundred dollars and have a car in a music video, or get nothing out of it?

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Go for it dude!

just make sure they fit in the fact that you fix the car and do a hellacious, smoky burnout to get to the show on time!

[RT DAVE]

For Chuck D?  Hell yeah!  Your car is so distinct that the value should skyrocket should the song be a success.  Just my opinion. 

[JimShine]

Bring a video camera and keep it rolling in case something happens you have have proof. Otherwise, just do it. Your car will have some limelight and it sheds a good light on them all to a group of kids whom otherwise may never be exposed to them.

[MichaelRW]

I know I'm probably in the minority here but I don't like associating a Charger with anything to do with the bling, bling rap crap.

[Orange_Crush]

I know I'm probably in the minority here but I don't like associating a Charger with anything to do with the bling, bling rap crap.

I don't know if you've noticed (maybe, maybe not), but the "bling bling/rap" crowd is responsible for preserving and maintaining a lot of old iron.  I'd definitely do it.

[MichaelRW]

I know I'm probably in the minority here but I don't like associating a Charger with anything to do with the bling, bling rap crap.

I don't know if you've noticed (maybe, maybe not), but the "bling bling/rap" crowd is responsible for preserving and maintaining a lot of old iron.  I'd definitely do it.

No, I have not noticed. Please explain how the rap crowd has preserved and maintained old iron.

[Orange_Crush]

I know I'm probably in the minority here but I don't like associating a Charger with anything to do with the bling, bling rap crap.

I don't know if you've noticed (maybe, maybe not), but the "bling bling/rap" crowd is responsible for preserving and maintaining a lot of old iron.   I'd definitely do it.

No, I have not noticed. Please explain how the rap crowd has preserved and maintained old iron.

Be glad to.

If you're ever in my neck of the woods, I'll take you for a ride down the Plaza, or Central Avenue, or South Boulevard and you're gonna see tons of late sixties and seventies iron...most with Godawful paint jobs and wagon-wheel rims...but driven and preserved nonetheless.

None of these are highly desirable musclecars...rather they are the less desirable Impalas, chevelles, coronets, Satellites, Fairlanes, etc.  The cars that would have wound up in the scrap heap because we "muscleheads" didn't deem them to be worth preserving.  They got them and preserved them.  They're not too pretty (for us) to look at, but they are intact and driven daily.

If they hadn't fixed them up, they'd either be in scrapyards or chopped up to provide us with parts. 

[Arthu®]

I know I'm probably in the minority here but I don't like associating a Charger with anything to do with the bling, bling rap crap.

I don't know if you've noticed (maybe, maybe not), but the "bling bling/rap" crowd is responsible for preserving and maintaining a lot of old iron.   I'd definitely do it.

No, I have not noticed. Please explain how the rap crowd has preserved and maintained old iron.

Be glad to.

If you're ever in my neck of the woods, I'll take you for a ride down the Plaza, or Central Avenue, or South Boulevard and you're gonna see tons of late sixties and seventies iron...most with Godawful paint jobs and wagon-wheel rims...but driven and preserved nonetheless.

None of these are highly desirable musclecars...rather they are the less desirable Impalas, chevelles, coronets, Satellites, Fairlanes, etc.   The cars that would have wound up in the scrap heap because we "muscleheads" didn't deem them to be worth preserving.   They got them and preserved them.   They're not too pretty (for us) to look at, but they are intact and driven daily.

If they hadn't fixed them up, they'd either be in scrapyards or chopped up to provide us with parts.  

Well said, couldn't have said it better myself. At least the cars are saved.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Oh yeah.......tell them you know where a nice 69 R/T & a nice 70 R/T is in case they are looking for the "trifecta"

[Charger_Fan]

I'd be more upset about the breaking down role it would be playing than anything.

They need to have the Chevelle break down, and the Charger come to the rescue.

Gotta have the killer Charger come save the day.

[70charginglizard]

I know I'm probably in the minority here but I don't like associating a Charger with anything to do with the bling, bling rap crap.

I don't know if you've noticed (maybe, maybe not), but the "bling bling/rap" crowd is responsible for preserving and maintaining a lot of old iron.   I'd definitely do it.

Restoring it with a bunch of bling bling gangster rap crap maybe....Sorry. Don't want to associate my car with that stuff. Muscle cars are not about that. Let um use a honda or somebody's low rider.

[MichaelRW]

I know I'm probably in the minority here but I don't like associating a Charger with anything to do with the bling, bling rap crap.

I don't know if you've noticed (maybe, maybe not), but the "bling bling/rap" crowd is responsible for preserving and maintaining a lot of old iron.  I'd definitely do it.

No, I have not noticed. Please explain how the rap crowd has preserved and maintained old iron.

Be glad to.

If you're ever in my neck of the woods, I'll take you for a ride down the Plaza, or Central Avenue, or South Boulevard and you're gonna see tons of late sixties and seventies iron...most with Godawful paint jobs and wagon-wheel rims...but driven and preserved nonetheless.

None of these are highly desirable musclecars...rather they are the less desirable Impalas, chevelles, coronets, Satellites, Fairlanes, etc.  The cars that would have wound up in the scrap heap because we "muscleheads" didn't deem them to be worth preserving.  They got them and preserved them.  They're not too pretty (for us) to look at, but they are intact and driven daily.

If they hadn't fixed them up, they'd either be in scrapyards or chopped up to provide us with parts. 

Thanks. Now that you have opened my eyes, I can appreciate saving these less desireable cars. It also brought to mind a mid-70's Nova with 22' wheels on it I saw a few weeks ago with a rapper wannabe driver.

[Old Moparz]

I'll be pessimistic here for a moment. I'd be willing to bet you won't be able to take a video of the video shoot, & that's if they allow you to stay to see it at all. (Legal issues, recording piracy issues, & the wonderful insurance issues.) There was also a video I saw not long ago where they used an old Mopar, I think it may have been another rap video, & they burned a 68/69 Coronet at the end of it. It didn't look like a junker either.

My point is just be cautious if they're even legit to begin with.

[Spartan]

Since rap = crap, think of the number you want and double it   (j/k)

[Silver R/T]

interesting deal

[74Charger]

WAIT!!!!!   Make sure that its written in the contract that you must have the DODGECHARGER.COM logo onthe front and back windshield!!!

That would definetley be a deal breaker!

Have to represent your peeps!!!!

[71Charger500]

Well, just got a phone call at 10:30pm... nice right. The guy who called said that they did indeed want to use the car in a video for Chuck D of Public Enemy. They would need the car for min. 2 hours., with me there of course. The premise is some guy needs to get to his girl at some fancy ballroom - in this case the Plaza in NYC (which would be cool) but that the car (my car) breaks down. They said that Chuck D has a 396 Chevelle that they were going to use but that when they saw the Charger they wanted that instead. Said he'd never seen one like mine and it would be perfect for the video. They would pay, but I don't how much as I said I would sleep on it and call them back sometime tomorrow. Very nice guy on the phone... whattya' ya'll think... as mentioned above, it's not for some hip hop nobody... Chuck D is a real heavy hitter in the industy.

Don't know what to do?

Yeah, Public Enemy is one of the few rap groups I actually like, and that guy is really popular.  I bet you're talking a lot of $$$.  Just make sure they abide by your rules.

[71Charger500]

I know I'm probably in the minority here but I don't like associating a Charger with anything to do with the bling, bling rap crap.

I don't know if you've noticed (maybe, maybe not), but the "bling bling/rap" crowd is responsible for preserving and maintaining a lot of old iron.   I'd definitely do it.

Restoring it with a bunch of bling bling gangster rap crap maybe....Sorry. Don't want to associate my car with that stuff. Muscle cars are not about that. Let um use a honda or somebody's low rider.

What are muscle car's about then?  Can you place one stereotype to which kind of music a muscle car relates to?  I hope you don't say Metallica or Iron Madien or something.   

[myk]

So what's going on with this so far? 

[bull]

OC is right. As annoying as I find the bling bling crowd they have saved a lot of classic muscle cars.

[Silver R/T]

good luck with whatever you decide, but ya your car would get more famous if you decide to use it in vid

[69_500]

I certainly hope that he decides to use it. And that it remains in mainly stock looking form in the video. I hope they don't want to try to put some big chrome lugz on it anything.

[ChargerRT440]

umm 69 500 have you ever seen the car he owns? He has some big wheels on it. It's not stock looking but damn it sure looks nice. At least if I'm thinking of the right car which I think I am.

[NYCMille]

Hey guys -

Thought I would post an update on this. I got a call from Chuck D's "people" last weekend to finalize things up. I said, yes I'll do it but I need to know what type of insurance they have and who is their carrier... they said they don't use insurance and that it wouldn't be a problem because I have my own insurance that would cover any mishaps. hmm... Ok, I need you to fax me over a copy of the contract for the shoot because I need to look it over... well... we don't use contracts... hmm again.

They asked me how much I wanted and I said $250per/hr. First they said they needed the car for 4 hours, then I told them my price all of a sudden it changed to a half hour and they only wanted to pay $100...

Needless to say I didn't do it... I told them forget, especially without some sort of insurance or a contract.

I just wanted to also thank everyone that replied and let me know about the contract and insurance questions... I really appreciate it as I don't know if I would have asked.

So, for now, MR ANGRY is not famous... maybe one day though

Again, thanks guys for all the replies - this is one of the reasons I love this list.

Cheers -
Mike

[mustanghater]

good for you, you might have gotten it back with bullet holes up the side and 20 inch spinners.

[Ghoste]

Better safe than sorry.  It's not like he can't afford it or that he's new to the business.  Insurance and contracts are something I'm sure he's very familiar with.  They likely thought they could get it for nothing.  I bet if you hire him for a performance he wants insurance, contracts, and fair compensation.

[Johnny SixPack]

I guess in this case they walked.

Meh, with that car it's just a matter of time, Mike.

[RT DAVE]

I have a hard time believing this was a legit request given the circumstances you've laid out.  They couldn't have possibly gotten any good footage in only a half hour's time.   Sounds fishy.  Good choice telling them to get lost.   

[golden73]

good thing ya walked away... that is definately a shady deal

[69_500]

Definately sounds fishy to me. I don't know of any actual people like that who don't carry any kind of insurance for the cars they intend to use.

[Pistolpete]

Thats absolute CRAP!!

I've worked on a couple of sets and can tell you I've never even heard of no isurance, no contract, not to mention I got paid handsomely for my time!

Anyway, absolutely the right decision I wouldn't loan ANYONE my car for $100 ........ no exceptions

good call