Stoke-on-Trent Entrepreneur Launches Vintage Car Rental for Film Industry

June 14, 2025
Stoke-on-Trent Entrepreneur Launches Vintage Car Rental for Film Industry

In a unique venture aimed at the film and television industry, Will Morris, a resident of Stoke-on-Trent, is establishing a business that sources vintage and classic cars for rental to production studios. Dubbed "Cars on Screen," the initiative arose from Morris's own experience when a film studio executive informed him that his 1990s Rover Metro GTA could be rented for up to £1,000 per week.

Morris, who also runs an IT solutions company catering to the film and gaming sectors, is expanding his entrepreneurial reach by creating a comprehensive database of vehicles ranging from modern classics to performance cars. His objective is to facilitate a platform where vehicle owners can list their cars, enabling production companies to browse and hire suitable vehicles for their projects.

As of now, over 20 vehicles, including an Aston Martin Vantage V8 and a Ford Sierra XR4x4, are listed on the website. Notably, some owners prefer not to have their cars publicly listed despite their availability. "There is a significant demand for period-correct vehicles, especially for background scenes in productions set in specific eras," Morris explained.

Simon Wright, a friend of Morris who has joined the venture as Development Manager, emphasized the excitement of working on film sets. "Every day is different when you are on set with a car; it's a very exciting process," Wright stated. Morris and Wright are currently supplying cars for a production being filmed in Bristol, depicting a storyline set in 1998, which includes repurposing an old Vauxhall Vectra into a police vehicle.

The business model is designed to offer production studios cost-effective options for vehicle rental, a necessity in an industry often burdened by high rental costs. Wright noted, "Studios pay a lot of money to get cars, so this is a cheaper option for them." Morris's accountant believes that Cars on Screen could surpass the profitability of his IT solutions business.

Historically, the rental of vehicles for film and television has been a lucrative niche, often dominated by major rental companies. However, this emerging model allows private vehicle owners to capitalize on their assets while providing filmmakers with diverse, authentic options.

The implications of this venture extend beyond simple vehicle rentals; it represents a growing trend in how independent businesses can cater to the film industry's evolving needs. With the global film market projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, according to a report by the Motion Picture Association, the potential for growth in this sector is substantial. Morris's initiative not only offers a service but also fosters community engagement by inviting vehicle owners to participate in the creative process.

As the film industry continues to innovate and adapt in a post-pandemic world, Morris's Cars on Screen could serve as a model for similar entrepreneurial endeavors across the UK. The future looks promising, with plans to expand the database and increase the variety of vehicles available for rental. Morris's journey highlights the intersection of passion and business acumen, demonstrating how personal interests can lead to entrepreneurial success in niche markets.

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Will MorrisCars on ScreenStoke-on-Trentvintage carsfilm productionvehicle rentalclassic carsAston MartinFord SierraNissan Skylinefilm industryautomotive rentalIT solutionsSimon WrightBristol productionperiod-correct vehiclesfilm setsentrepreneurshipvehicle sourcingproduction studioscommunity engagementindependent businessUK film marketrental companiescreative industrieseconomic growthbusiness modelasset utilizationfilm and televisioncreative processniche markets

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