Anyone ever provided their boat for a photo shoot?

[TurboFan]

A friend of mine has some connections into the gear industry and may have an opportunity for me to get a fair amount of free gear in exchange for doing a photo shoot. I would be on the boat, likely driving, for what would be a 2-3 day shoot. All expenses covered, plus tons of free gear from the company. Without saying the name of the company, it's gear that many people here use and respect.

Has anyone ever done this? Do you have thoughts, concerns, things for which to watch out? My company attorney will review the contract if this ever comes to fruition.

[CradGen2]

Sony used my boat in a car audio show in charlotte back in 2000. I had a friend that worked for Sony. They put a great new stereo in the boat and kept it about 3 weeks. My buddy was at the shows and did all the towing. It was during the off season, so I didn't mind. Got a new system and bunch of t-shirts out of the deal.

I more then likely wouldn't do it again, not that something happened to it, but just wouldn't.

I would be worried about the liability, meaning what if someone got hurt while ridding behind your boat?

[swc5150]

I worked for a film company fresh out of college, and they trashed everything they rented. After 10 days on set, I quit, as it was completely unfair how they treated other people's property. Owners were financially compensated, but that wouldn't be enough for me. I'm not saying this would happen to you, but I personally would reject any such offer just in case.

[Texan1554]

Been apart of a few. Look for key things in the contract... "Owner's consent" should be red inked in just about every where you can fit it. If it's a wakeboard/surfing deal you will want to put in a max allowable ballast INCLUDING gear and people in the boat.

That said, as long as you will be present and in control of your property I wouldn't worry too much.

[TurboFan]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will be on the boat for sure, otherwise no dice. Good point on the weight restrictions. I'll have to be sure and check that.

[2004196]

Boat for photo shoot

A couple of things - check with your insurance to see if your boat is used for commercial purposes you may not have any insurance. Make sure they provide you with their insurance binder as stated before, if someone is injured behind YOUR boat with YOU driving, who is getting sued or held liable, you more than likely will be named as a party to the suit as well as the deeper pocket "gear" company but you may be getting a lawyer and your insurance company may not cover you.

Same for damage to your boat, will you have protection or be compensated or again, if you are driving, do they they claim you were at fault and they have no liability?

The contract needs to be pretty ironclad meaning if they want to do something and you say no, can they hold you liable for any "loss of time" or ability to go through with the shoot and sue you for damages? I would make sure my attorney reviewed and ok'd the contract before signing and the cost for his time wasn't more than the gear I would get for free.

At the end of everything, you may decide some "free" gear isn't worth the risk.

[SkiTundra]

Some good advice on contract & insurance. I don't know what company swc5150 worked for, but certainly not one of the many professional crews I did. I worked in the industry for a number of years and still freelance occasionally. All the crews I've worked with have taken great care of everything they've rented or borrowed.