Equipment and Facilities Rental FAQ


Technical Department Hours:
Mondays through Fridays (excluding holidays) between 10:00am – 6:00pm EST.

Equipment Pickup and Return Times:
Equipment pick-ups: 14:00 – 17:00 (2:00pm – 5:00pm) Day before shooting date
Equipment returns: 10:00 – 12:00 (10:00am – 12:00pm) Day after shooting date

Questions:
All questions can be directed to tech@lift.ca

What is your rental policy? Do I need to sign it every time I make a booking?
The rental policy is a document that outlines all of the Tech Department’s parameters and guidelines. We strongly advise Production and Production Student Members read the rental policy as it has recently changed. Every time you book equipment or facilities with LIFT, you will have to read and sign the rental contract each time. A copy of the contract will be emailed to you with each booking. LIFT cannot release equipment without a signed rental contract and payment.

I’m a Production or Production Student Member. What should I do if I want to book equipment?
To book equipment, please reach out to the Tech Department at tech@lift.ca. Referencing our equipment catalogue on our website, please send a list with the items you need, along with your desired rental period.

I’m a Production or Production Student Member who has never rented gear from LIFT before. What do I need to do?
If you are a member that has not rented equipment from LIFT before, it is strongly advised that you read our rental policy before making a booking. Please use side entrance on Gladstone Avenue for pick-ups and drop offs. Please bring valid Photo ID with you. For more information on Photo ID accepted at LIFT, please read our rental policy.

I’m a Production or Production Student Member, and I made a booking. However, I can’t make it to my booking. Can someone else pick up/drop off on my behalf?
Yes. However, the designated pickup person must be identified before equipment is released, and they must bring valid Photo ID for pickup. For more information on Photo ID accepted at LIFT, please read our rental policy. The rental policy must be electronically signed by the Production/Production Student Member, and payment must be made, before the equipment is released.

I’m not a member, but I’d like to rent equipment/book a facility. Can I make a booking?
No. LIFT does not rent equipment or facilities to non-members. LIFT only rents equipment and facilities to Production Members and Production Student Members in good standing. To learn more about membership, and how to join, click here.

I’m a General Member, and I’d like to rent equipment/book a facility. Can I make a booking
No. LIFT does not rent equipment or facilities to General or General Student Members. General and General Student Members perks are outlined here. If you’d like to upgrade your membership, please email membership@lift.ca.

How do I become a Production or Production Student Member? How do I renew my Production/Production Student Membership?
To apply and/or renew, please click here.

How long does it take to become a Production/Production Student Member?
It can take up to 10 business days to process your membership.

I’m not a Production or Production Student Member yet. Can you book equipment for me until I my membership is processed?
No. LIFT only books gear, up to six (6) weeks in advance to current Production/Production Student Members in good standing. We cannot guarantee equipment you need will be available by the time your membership is processed.

I’m a Production or Production Student Member that’s working on a commercial/non-independent production. Can I rent gear from LIFT?
No. If you are working on a commercial or non-independent production we recommend you contact one or more of Toronto’s great commercial rental houses for assistance. For commercial rental houses and other service providers please see the Ontario Creates’ Production Guide.

I’m a Production or Production Student Member and I wanted to book gear, but the gear I need requires a proficiency test. What is the proficiency test?
Proficiency tests are a way to ensure that the gear is going to be handled safely so all Production and Production Student Members can benefit from the gear. This ensures the gear can be used for many years to come by the community. To read more about the proficiency tests, click here. To book a test, please email tech@lift.ca

Do I need to credit LIFT in my work?
Yes. The use of LIFT equipment and facilities constitutes a form of production assistance to the filmmaker by LIFT, and as such LIFT must be fully acknowledged and credited in the title and/or credit sequence of any film, video, or new media production receiving such assistance. LIFT logos are available here.

I’m a Production or Production Student Member, and I want to use a specific piece of equipment, but I’ve never used it before. What can I do?
Depending on the gear, you can contact the Technical Department for a Technical Consultation. Technical Consultations are $50.00 per hour, up to one (1) hour maximum. We also have a variety of workshops available every season, of which you can learn more about here. You can email tech@lift.ca to inquire about gear you’d like to learn, and to see what options are available to you.

Do you sell film and supplies?
The LIFT Store carries a wide variety of film stocks (specializing in Regular 8, Super 8 and 16mm) and supplies for all formats at economical rates. The LIFT Store is available to the general public, non-member rates apply to all public sales.

I have more questions about membership. Who should I reach out to?
For more questions and concerns, please reach out to our Membership Department at membership@lift.ca

I have more questions about equipment rentals/facilities booking/LIFT store. Who do I reach out to?
For more questions and concerns, please reach out to our Tech Department at tech@lift.ca