Earlier this year, we wrote about ShareGrid, an LA-based startup that is looking to bring the process of renting filmmaking equipment into the 21st century. At the time, the company was still in a private beta, only available to a handful of filmmakers in LA. Since then, ShareGrid has expanded in that market, and now has over 2100 active users and $23 million in inventory. On October 1st, ShareGrid took the next step in its inevitable expansion, and has opened in another massive filmmaking market, New York City.

Here are a few screenshots of the gear that is already available to rent in NYC:

ShareGrid New York City Listings

ShareGrid NYC Amira Listing

ShareGrid NYC Sony FS7 Listing

In case you need a refresher on ShareGrid, it's easiest to think of it as a variation on the business model of Airbnb, except instead of housing, users are renting filmmaking gear to and from one another. What makes ShareGrid special, however, are its built-in safety mechanisms, which serve to remove most of the risk involved with renting expensive equipment to complete strangers. Not only does ShareGrid have multiple streamlined production insurance options (which we talked about in our original article), but the site also has ratings and reviews of renters and owners. If an owner doesn't feel comfortable renting to someone (or vice versa) based on their past transactions, they are not obligated to do so.

Here's the ShareGrid introductory video, which was produced entirely with equipment rented from the platform.

If you're an LA or NYC-based filmmaker, and you'd like to give ShareGrid a shot, head on over to their site and apply for an invite. No word yet on when ShareGrid will expand to other cities, but we'll keep you updated.

Source: ShareGrid

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