Tips for renting in Paris
Book as soon as you know your shoot dates. High-end gear (cinema cameras, fast lenses, professional stabilisers) goes out several days — sometimes weeks — ahead. Weekends are especially tight in spring and at year-end.
Expect a substantial security deposit, usually a credit-card pre-authorisation or a cheque, scaled to the gear's value. ID is always required, and a professional credential (business registration, press card) may be required for sensitive equipment.
Check the kit contents precisely: charger, batteries, memory cards, cables and transport case aren't always included. For a shoot, rent a spare battery and an extra card — losing an interview mid-recording costs more than the price of an accessory you didn't budget for.
Insurance is critical. Some shops require their own coverage, others accept personal or professional liability policies. Keep all written correspondence: in case of damage or theft, a clear paper trail simplifies the claim considerably.
For drones, plan ahead for flight clearances in central Paris: airspace is almost entirely restricted. Serious providers offer turnkey packages with a certified pilot and the required filings, which is often simpler than a standalone rental.