Gear that powers education

DFI Rentals and educational institutions across the United States work together to empower the next generation of filmmakers.

An indoor screening event with a large projector screen displaying a collage of movie posters. Audience members are seated in white chairs facing the screen, and a presenter is standing at a table with video equipment. The room has exposed brick walls, hanging lights, and a sign that reads 'BAY 1' on the left side.

We’ve powered productions from

Logos of various universities and institutions, including Chapman University, American Film Institute, NYU, Emerson College, ArtCenter, Duke University, Loyola Marymount University, UCLA, CSUN, and NYFA.

What we do

  • A professional video camera set up in a conference room with people seated and a presenter at a whiteboard in the background.

    Workshops

    We host regular workshop sessions at our studio based in Downtown Los Angeles for student filmmakers and educators on a variety of practical topics in filmmaking, with guests from gear manufacturers such as Sony Cine, Aputure Lighting, and established industry professionals from Local 728, 600, and 80.

    We’d be happy to host workshops for students from your institution on any topic.

    We bring in expert guests from camera manufacturers to DoPs. Past guests include Sony Cine, Aputure Lighting, Giancarlo Stigliano, and more.

  • A woman sitting on a table posing for a photoshoot in a living room, with a photographer and crew filming her.

    Support and Policy Enforcement

    Safety is our #1 priority. As a member of ESTA PERG, we are committed to providing the best-in-class support for all student filmmakers.

    We offer demonstrations and test sessions for students whom may need a refresher on any piece of gear including 16mm film, and strive to go above and beyond to provide emergency support should any questions arise on set.

    We are happy to comply with any institution-specific gear restrictions by class level or any other criteria, and are happy to assist in enforcing production rules within our control to ensure safe student productions.

  • A person wearing a white t-shirt and a headset operating professional filmmaking equipment outdoors.

    Student Discounts

    We understand filmmaking can be financially prohibitive - especially for students; which is why we are happy to offer additional student discounts on top of our competitive rates for all eligible student productions.

    At educational institutions where DFI Rentals is listed as a preferred vendor in their student production resources, we provide a 20% discount for all students.

    At all other educational institutions, students receive a 15% discount on all rentals.

    Learn more at DFIRentals.com/student-filmmakers

Equipment We Carry

A camera lens resting on a wooden table with a blurred green background.
Professional ARRI camera mounted on a wooden table with a green leafy background.

Camera

Lenses

A photography light fixture labeled 'Aputure 600C Pro' mounted on a stand in front of a green textured wall with a 'Difrentals' sign in the background.
A set of professional camera equipment including multiple camera control units and accessories on a wooden surface outdoors.

Camera Accessories

Lighting

Photography equipment with adjustable height stands set on a carpeted floor against a green leafy wall and brick wall.
A large black monitor on a wooden table against a green textured background.

Monitors

Grip

A compact digital audio recorder with a black body and a small screen, placed inside an open black case on a wooden surface, with a blurred green background and a partially visible "DFrentals" sticker in the foreground.
Set of golf clubs with black grips and brown shafts, in front of a black golf club case on a wooden table, with a green leafy background.

Set Operations

Sound

Coverage Options for Students

  • Covers damage + theft up to $30,000. Claims are subject to a $1000 deductible. Valid for all orders under 30-day duration. Learn More at DFIRentals.com/dficover

    Pricing is calculated automatically based on the total replacement value of the rental order.

    All DFICover damage + theft is fully insured by Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company

  • Coverage depends on your policy and insurance provider.

    Coverage depends on your specific policy and insurance provider. Insurance plans can vary, with policies that cover $1000 up to $5,000,000.

    If you are issuing a COI, please list us as an additional insured, and a loss payee:

    • DFI Creative Solutions Corp.
      3610 S San Pedro St,
      Los Angeles, CA 90011

    We accept the following types of insurance

    • Inland Marine Coverage

    • Miscellaneous Equipment Policies

    • Production Package Insurance (Which includes coverage to rented equipment)

    • D.I.C.E Policies

    • Other generally accepted insurance that covers rented film equipment.

Trusted by Industry Partners

We are a proud member of Production Equipment Rental Group (PERG), a global alliance of the largest cinema rental companies.

PerG Production Equipment Rental Group Member logo with film strip design and stylized wave.

Equip your school for success.

Whether you’re an administrator, or a professor, we’re always happy to hear how you’d like to work with us. Our team is excited to assist you in empowering the next generation of filmmakers.

 FAQs

  • DFI Rentals is headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, at 3610 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

  • We're happy to set up a workshop at your institution - whether a full event, or a class session. We're also happy to host your students at our studio in Downtown Los Angeles.

  • Fill out the form above, and we'd be happy to get started on a discount program for your institution.

    At educational institutions where DFI Rentals is listed in the student production resources, or an equivalent resource, we provide a 20% discount for all students.

    At all other educational institutions, students receive a 15% discount on all rentals.

  • When we receive a rental request or online order from a student, our system flags this order for review.

    Our team checks the items on this order against any production policies we have on file with your institution. If any noncompliance is discovered, we'll notify the student filmmaker first. If we are unable to remedy the noncompliance, we will notify a contact at your institution.

    Our team also flags noncompliance during prep sessions, where students test equipment, and perform remedies (if required) before pickup.