A movie or television scene set at a carnival should feel like a carnival. Creating that atmosphere requires the right combination of authentic rides, midway games, inflatables and concession stands to fill the frame and capture the energy of a real event.
Instead of purchasing and storing specialized equipment, studios can work with an event rental company. TV and film production rentals give production teams access to recognizable attractions for a single scene, commercial, music video or extended shoot. These high-quality entertainment rentals may become part of the action or simply make the background more convincing.
Make a Ferris Wheel the Star of the Scene
A Ferris wheel is one of the best visual cues to tell an audience that a scene is taking place at a carnival, fair or festival. Even before the characters say a word, the wheel’s height and shape establish the location.
Ferris wheels also give directors several creative options. A wheel can anchor a wide establishing shot, add movement behind a conversation or create an illuminated backdrop for an evening scene. It could support a cheerful family moment or a romantic exchange.
Because a Ferris wheel is a substantial attraction, advance planning is essential. The rental company and production team must discuss the filming location, available space, equipment access and the time required for setup and removal.
Build a Carnival With Rides and Midway Games
Some scenes require more than one signature attraction. A scripted fundraiser, school carnival or town festival may need enough equipment to make the event look busy from several camera angles.
Mechanical rides and midway game trailers can help fill that space. A production might use a swinging ride, trackless train, game trailer or individual carnival booths to create different areas within the set. Game equipment also gives background performers something natural to do while the principal actors move through the scene.
These rentals can be especially helpful when the story calls for an established event but the production does not want to film during a real public carnival. The crew has greater control over the location, schedule, crowd and appearance of the scene.
Use Inflatables to Create Family and Fundraising Events
Not every fictional event needs the scale of a full carnival. Large inflatable attractions can help create a birthday party, school field day, church gathering, company picnic or community fundraiser.
Bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses add color and height to a scene. They also immediately communicate that the event is family-oriented. Sports inflatables and interactive games can support scenes built around competition.
The production does not necessarily need to show people using every rental. An inflatable positioned in the background may be enough to establish that children and families are attending the event.
Complete the Setting With Concessions and Event Equipment
The smaller details often make a large scene more believable. Carnival game rentals and concession stands such as popcorn or cotton candy machines and related rentals can give actors and background performers props to interact with while helping fill empty areas of the set.
Production designers can also combine concessions with game booths and decorative elements to reinforce a specific theme. An event rental company can help identify pieces that work well together. This reduces the need to source each item separately and gives the production one point of contact for their equipment.
Plan TV and Film Production Rentals Early
Production schedules leave little room for equipment that does not fit the location or is unavailable during the required filming window. Professional event planners can work with production teams to find TV and film production rentals that fit the scene, site dimensions, filming dates, ground surface and access route.
Fun Crew USA provides TV and film production rentals for projects in Florida and beyond. The Orlando-based company has worked with Disney, providing games and inflatables for the Disney Channel Games. Fun Crew USA also worked with Shaquille O’Neal on creating his Shaq Bowl during the Super Bowl. The Fun Crew Surf Simulator was used to create the Surf’s Up Challenge.
The Fun Crew catalogue of entertainment attractions includes Ferris wheels, carnival rides, midway games, inflatables, trackless trains, concessions and other attractions that can help turn an ordinary location into a screen-ready event. Reach out to the team at Fun Crew USA and find out how you can use our large collection of entertainment attractions on your next TV or film production.
