In a 30-second spot every frame is approved, so every car in it has to be the right one. CarSeen casts cars for commercials: TV ads, online and social spots, brand films and corporate content shooting in London and across the UK. We source from private owners, collectors and specialists, present options your agency and client can sign off, and handle the logistics to set.
There are over 2,600 cars in our catalogue, from pre-war classics to current models.
What we cast for commercials
- Hero cars. The car the family climbs into, the one the actor steps out of, or the classic the whole idea is built around.
- Everyday background cars. Realistic, unbranded-looking modern cars, hatchbacks and estates that make a street, a driveway or a supermarket car park feel real.
- Premium looks. Luxury and executive cars and 4x4s and SUVs for finance, property, fashion and travel brands.
- Trade and working vehicles. Vans and commercial vehicles, such as a Ford Transit, for trades, delivery and small-business stories.
- Nostalgia. 1970s, 1980s and 1990s cars for "then and now" and heritage campaigns. A Volvo 240 or Ford of the right year says a lot in two seconds.
- Scene-setters. Police and emergency lookalikes, taxis and American cars for recognisable settings.
Catalogue images are representative of each model. Your shortlist shows the real cars available for your dates.
How we work with agencies and production companies
- 1. Brief. Send the script or treatment, the boards, shoot dates, location and the split between hero and background cars. Include any client do's and don'ts, such as colours, brands to avoid, or eras.
- 2. Options. We send a shortlist chosen for the look, with alternatives, so there's something to show the client early.
- 3. Approvals. If you need options held while the client decides, tell us and we'll ask the owners.
- 4. Quote. Each job is quoted on its own, based on the cars, days, usage, transport and drivers.
- 5. Shoot. We coordinate delivery, owners or drivers, and call times with your production team.
What to think about for a commercial
- Exact colour. Clients often want a specific colour or tone that works with the brand palette. Tell us early. Colour narrows the field more than anything else.
- Brand clearance. If rival or third-party car brands shouldn't be recognisable, mention it in the brief. Debadging or covering logos is only done with the owner's agreement, and some shots are easier with a different car.
- Matching cars. Split units, stunts and long days sometimes need two cars that look the same. We'll say honestly whether a match is realistic.
- Number plates. Registrations appear on screen, so plan how plates will be handled, whether that's covering, replacing or fixing in post, and agree it with the owner.
- Driving shots. Low loaders and tracking vehicles are common for dialogue-while-driving. Filming from moving vehicles on London roads involves the Metropolitan Police Film Unit and the highway authority. See our London picture car guide for permits, ULEZ and parking.
- Insurance. Productions normally arrange picture-vehicle insurance naming the owner. Exact cover is confirmed job by job.
Credits
Our team have worked with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC, Channel 4, Paramount, Apple TV, Meta, Google, Disney+ and Discovery. See credits.
Related
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire cars for a commercial?
Every job is quoted on its own. The cost depends on the cars, the number of days, how they're used, transport and drivers. Send a brief and we'll confirm it on your quote.
Can you find a car in an exact colour for our brand?
Often, yes. Tell us the colour in the brief, with a reference if you can. It's the biggest factor in how long sourcing takes.
Can you hold cars while the client approves?
Tell us you need options held and we'll ask the owners. We'll be clear about how long each owner can hold a date.
Can badges and logos be removed?
Only with the owner's agreement. Tell us about any brand-clearance needs in the brief and we'll suggest cars where it's practical.
Can you supply several matching cars?
Sometimes. It depends on the model and colour. We'll tell you honestly whether an identical match is realistic.
Are the photos on your site the actual cars?
No. Catalogue images are representative of each model. The shortlist we send shows the real cars.
Boards ready?