car Prep Inc
Film production services
Car Prep Inc
Car Prep is a film production services company that caters to the automotive industry, especially OEM manufacturers and specialty car companies.
Started in 1994 and operated by principal Steve Perkins. Car Prep has proven to be the "Go-To" vehicle preparation team for automotive television, video and still photography productions of every type.
Our mission is to simplify and streamline the vehicle preparation process for our clients, making it as transparent as possible by providing seamless vehicle coordination between client and agency.
10835 Kalama River Ave. / Fountain Valley, CA . 92708 / 714-965-7737
Studio photography...On location static and running footage...Complete auto detailing...Secure vehicle transportation.
Car Prep's staff of experienced professionals bring over 25 years of experience to each and every project.
Based in a 25,000 square foot facility in Fountain Valley, California (Orange County). We feature industry leading film production services which include:
* 15,000 square feet of dedicated safe and secure indoor storage for prototype and "High Security"
vehicles.
* Metal fabrication department for creating special effects equipment and camera rigging.
* Specialized fabrication area for creating fully operational "Interior Photo Bucks".
* Self-contained car lift bay.
* Complete indoor and outdoor auto detailing and preparation area.
* Tire mounting and spin-balancing equipment.
* On-site paint department and professional spray booth for OEM color match and "Peel Coat" paint
jobs as well as custom painting and paint repairs.
* Two full service photo studios with three wall cycloramas and 400 amp capabilities.
Our fleet of transporters includes one-car, two-car, three-car and six-car enclosed trailers for the safe and discreet transit of high security OEM vehicle prototypes, show cars and "Hero" shoot cars.
Please click on the links at the top of this page to find out more about our vehicle and location services. You can reach us by going to the contact page to let us know how we can assist you with your next studio, location or special event production.
Car Prep Inc. Supporting the automotive industry since 1994
"The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in the direction we are moving!"
Oliver Wendell Holmes - Physician, writer, professor
Vehicle Services
Car Prep is unique in the automotive industry, because we provide a full menu of in-house vehicle preparation services to get you ready for your next photo shoot, running footage, corporate display or consumer even. No matter the task or time frame, when it comes to meeting your deadline, Car Prep takes your challenges and provides timely solutions.
Complete exterior and interior detailing for shoot ready preparation
Custom window tinting per desired specification
Tire mounting / dismounting and high speed spin-balance capabilities
Mechanical services, parts installation and repairs
Lighting system "Dimmer Control Module" installation and removal. Electrical troubleshooting and repairs
OEM color matching, custom painting, "Peel Coats", color changes, body work and paint repairs
Exterior vehicle graphics services. Design, installation and removal.
Full-car drivable "Photo Buck" cutaways.
Freestanding engine displays, complete and portable.
Finished and fully mobile vehicle "Cutaway" displays
Complete "Body-in-White vehicle preperation and build out
Custom part modification, cutaways and "Hero" parts preparation
Specialized location vehicle rigging, fabrication and installation
Custom color-match show plates
Automotive graphics/wrap design services. Installation and removal
Complete vehicle recycling preparation and transport services
10835 Kalama River Ave. / Fountain Valley, CA 92708 / Ph: 714-965-7737
Location services
Car Prep provides the very best in studio and location support services. Staffed with well trained, knowlegable and competent technicians. Whether your next photo shoot is in a studio, a secluded commercial site or a faraway exotic location, we have the expertise to make the cars the stars.
One-car, two-car, three-car and
six-car transport fleet. DOT
certified and fully insured
Safe, secure and discreet vehicle transportation to and from any location
In studio vehicle set up, studio techs, on-site detailing and parts change out.
Remote vehicle set-up, location support, on-site detailing and parts change out.
U.S. Video Shoot - Southern California
Canadian Video Shoot - Vancouver, B.C.
European Video Shoot - Prague, Czech Republic
South American Video Shoot - La Paz, Bolivia
10835 Kalama River Ave. / Fountain Valley, CA 92708 / Ph: 714-965-7737
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Custom Kia Sportage: Designed and donated to save sea turtles in Texas
Kia USA approached Car Prep Inc. to colaborate with Sea Turtle Inc. located in South Padre Island, TX. The project was to design and build a custom Sportage donated by Kia to assist the company in their mission to help save and rehabilitate sea turtles in their area.
With the noteworthy success of a TV commercial showing the Kia Sportage being utilized by the Sea Turtle rescue, the concept of creating a specialized vehicle designed to help in their mission was born.
The design was driven by the unique activities that Sea Turtle Rescue implements in every aspect of locating, transporting and caring for their special patients. The "Turtle Power" Sportage would be equiped with special technology and features to assist in their efforts.
The finished vehicle touted custom fabricated running boards, side ladder, and a specially designed pull-out tray with drawers and vented coolers. Other features included a well equiped roof rack, specialized "Red" lighting and cameras to assist in the rescue effort.
Genesis GV70 Special Event at One World Observatory, New York
In 2021 Car Prep was asked by Genesis Motors USA to undertake bringing a Genesis GV70 up to the observation deck(102nd floor) of the Freedom Tower in Lower Manhattan, NY. It was the focal point of the celebration event after the GV70 received Motor Trend's SUV of the year. The logistics of this project was driven by the challenge of having to transport the vehicle to the 102nd floor in elevators. The Car Prep team jumped into action. The Freedom Tower elevators were measured for size and verified for their load capacity. The selected vehicle was strategically "cut" into pieces implementing pre-fabricated attachment points that would allow the assembled car to be blemish free and spot light ready. It was then transported from California to New York. Upon arrival, the car was moved to a loading dock where it was disassembled and moved piece by piece up to the observation level of the tower. It was then reassembled for the celebration event and placed for guests to view. The following day, Car Prep technicians quickly implemented the reverse sequence to bring the vehicle back down to be put back together for the ride home. A little "American ingenuity" and hard work made for a successful celebration!
In 2021 Car Prep was asked by Genesis Motors USA to undertake bringing a Genesis GV70 up to the observation deck(102nd floor) of the Freedom Tower in Lower Manhattan, NY. It was the focal point of the celebration event after the GV70 received Motor Trend's SUV of the year. The logistics of this project was driven by the challenge of having to transport the vehicle to the 102nd floor in elevators. The Car Prep team jumped into action. The Freedom Tower elevators were measured for size and verified for their load capacity. The selected vehicle was strategically "cut" into pieces implementing pre-fabricated attachment points that would allow the assembled car to be blemish free and spot light ready. It was then transported from California to New York. Upon arrival, the car was moved to a loading dock where it was disassembled and moved piece by piece up to the observation level of the tower. It was then reassembled for the celebration event and placed for guests to view. The following day, Car Prep technicians quickly implemented the reverse sequence to bring the vehicle back down to be put back together for the ride home. A little "American ingenuity" and hard work made for a successful celebration!
Hyundai Ioniq 5 & Spider-man: No Way Home premiere
The multi-award winning Hyundai Ioniq 5 was showcased in Marvel's blockbuster film Spider-Man: No Way Home. Car Prep was tasked with the challenge of designing and fabricating a way to safely hang the Ioniq 5 in front of a cityscape set above the red carpet entrance for the Hollywood premiere of the movie. The design started by reducing the weight of the vehicle in every way possible, removing any unecessary parts that would not be visible to the audience. Once that was done, a metal infrastructure was constructed with weight distribution in mind and attached to several structurally sound points within the car. The design cleverly placed the attachment point inside of the car so you did not see a big hook at the back of the car. The only thing visible was the heavy duty cable attached to the very large crane behind the scene that was easily camouflaged. Once the structural engineering was complete, several details were needed to make the car look "natural" while hanging in place. Each of the wheel assemblies had to be disassembled and modified to make it appear like the car would look sitting on the ground. Several other cosmetic touches were fabricated and installed to cover areas where parts were removed. The final element of the project was to do a "hang" test. The vehicle was transported to the company providing the crane and a test lift was performed. A special metal frame with wheels was created and bolted on the front of the car to keep from damaging the bumper until the car was fully suspended. Once the car was in the air, counter weights were strategically placed in the car so it hung perfectly straight. Mission accomplished! The final touch was to black out the windows and head to Hollywood!
The multi-award winning Hyundai Ioniq 5 was showcased in Marvel's blockbuster film Spider-Man: No Way Home. Car Prep was tasked with the challenge of designing and fabricating a way to safely hang the Ioniq 5 in front of a cityscape set above the red carpet entrance for the Hollywood premiere of the movie. The design started by reducing the weight of the vehicle in every way possible, removing any unecessary parts that would not be visible to the audience. Once that was done, a metal infrastructure was constructed with weight distribution in mind and attached to several structurally sound points within the car. The design cleverly placed the attachment point inside of the car so you did not see a big hook at the back of the car. The only thing visible was the heavy duty cable attached to the very large crane behind the scene that was easily camouflaged. Once the structural engineering was complete, several details were needed to make the car look "natural" while hanging in place. Each of the wheel assemblies had to be disassembled and modified to make it appear like the car would look sitting on the ground. Several other cosmetic touches were fabricated and installed to cover areas where parts were removed. The final element of the project was to do a "hang" test. The vehicle was transported to the company providing the crane and a test lift was performed. A special metal frame with wheels was created and bolted on the front of the car to keep from damaging the bumper until the car was fully suspended. Once the car was in the air, counter weights were strategically placed in the car so it hung perfectly straight. Mission accomplished! The final touch was to black out the windows and head to Hollywood!
"Driving on the water"
Car Prep was issued a challenge: Provide the means to float a Hyundai Tucson on the surface of a lake, and make it look like it was driving on the water. After a concept was developed, presented and approved, a used pontoon party boat was purchased and modified. The pontoom acted as a platform for the car, complete with rollers under the tires that could turn a propeller for motivation on the water. Testing was performed at a local ocean boat dock, and once it was confirmed the platform actually worked, the specialized rig was trucked to the East Coast for a blustery lakefront photo shoot. Although there were many challenges to make the shoot work, the Car Prep technicians overcame the odds and the shoot was a success.
Car Prep was issued a challenge: Provide the means to float a Hyundai Tucson on the surface of a lake, and make it look like it was driving on the water. After a concept was developed, presented and approved, a used pontoon party boat was purchased and modified. The pontoom acted as a platform for the car, complete with rollers under the tires that could turn a propeller for motivation on the water. Testing was performed at a local ocean boat dock, and once it was confirmed the platform actually worked, the specialized rig was trucked to the East Coast for a blustery lakefront photo shoot. Although there were many challenges to make the shoot work, the Car Prep technicians overcame the odds and the shoot was a success.
"Message to Space"
In January of 2015, Car Prep was on-set and actively involved the "Message to Space" corporate commercial shoot for Hyundai Motor Corporation in the Nevada desert. Produced by Los Angeles based Duo Films, the record setting shoot involved thirteen GPS equipped Genesis sedans that carved a message into the desert floor which could be seen from the orbiting International Space Station.
After much experimentation, we determined the best way for each car's tire to make a clean cut into the desert floors surface was to attach several rings of motorcycle chain aroung the cirrcumference of each tire, using up almost 2500 feet of chain. The end result was a spectacular video that connected technology and emotion.Please click the link below and be amazed!
In January of 2015, Car Prep was on-set and actively involved the "Message to Space" corporate commercial shoot for Hyundai Motor Corporation in the Nevada desert. Produced by Los Angeles based Duo Films, the record setting shoot involved thirteen GPS equipped Genesis sedans that carved a message into the desert floor which could be seen from the orbiting International Space Station.
After much experimentation, we determined the best way for each car's tire to make a clean cut into the desert floors surface was to attach several rings of motorcycle chain aroung the cirrcumference of each tire, using up almost 2500 feet of chain. The end result was a spectacular video that connected technology and emotion.Please click the link below and be amazed!
" Grammy Party DJ Display Car"
When our client asked us to deliver their mobile DJ display car to a Grammy party in a Florida hotel ballroom, we learned the ballroom doorway was too narrow for the car to drive through. Our solution was to flip the car on it's side! A custom rig was designed and fabricated to include heavy duty wheels that allowed the car to be rotated 90 degrees. The car was bolted to the frame, flipped on its side and rolled through the narrow doorway. Problem solved! Pump up the music and let the party begin!
When our client asked us to deliver their mobile DJ display car to a Grammy party in a Florida hotel ballroom, we learned the ballroom doorway was too narrow for the car to drive through. Our solution was to flip the car on it's side! A custom rig was designed and fabricated to include heavy duty wheels that allowed the car to be rotated 90 degrees. The car was bolted to the frame, flipped on its side and rolled through the narrow doorway. Problem solved! Pump up the music and let the party begin!
info@carprepinc.com
Car Prep Studios
Car Prep Studios is the perfect facility for your next photo, video or live internet shoot.........spacious without being cavernous, professionally appointed with a personal touch. Situated in the heart of Orange County, CA. It has easy access to the I-405 San Diego freeway. Our discreet location makes studio production a breeze
stage 2
10835 Kalama River Ave.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Studio 2 is 50ft x 83ft with a 3-wall cyclorama and a ceiling height of 20ft. It has 400A of power with (8) three 20A outlet distro cables.
It can be equipped with a 15ft x 30ft LED lightbox, or a 14ft x 30ft painted flat hung on powered winches.
The private conference room has a flat screen TV and internet connection so you can facilitate your meeting away from the hustle and bustle of the shoot on stage.
A large production room gives you ample space for your team to coordinate all aspects of your production.
The kitchen has a fun and colorful motive with direct access to the studio. It is furnished with two fridges, a microwave, toaster, coffee pots and ample tabelware and utensils. There is counter space for your craft service and a six seat table to eat meals.
Stage manager - Bryan Trebelcock - Bryan@carprepinc.com - Office 714-965-7737 Ext. 1100
Car Prep Crew
Steve Perkins
President/CEO
Office 714-965-7737 Ext 1101
Steve@carprepinc.com
Shawn Coykendall
Operations Manager
714-965-7737 Ext 1102
Shawn@carprepinc.com
Michele Mitten
Senior Account Manager
Office 714-965-7737 Ext 1109
Michele@carprepinc.com
Bryson Cain
Account Manager
714-965-7737 Ext 1106
Bryson@carprepinc.com
Bryan Trebelcock
Studio Manager
714-965-7737 Ext 1100
Bryan@carprepinc.com
10835 Kalama River Ave. / Fountain Valley, CA 92708 / Ph: 714-965-7737