ALPINA for media purposes - is it worth it?

[Norrie]

I have always wondered what the owner of a very nice ALPINA actually gets from lending their vehicle for a photo shoot or video etc. I often see posts asking for certain model cars to go to some remote place and promises of a free burger and a luke warm coffee whilst some journalist has a spirited drive in your cherished beast whilst you are standing there in the rain.

Am I being cynical or is there any real reward for this? Who owns the rights to the pics etc?

[Fast3000]

If they are paying for my time and don't rag the car then ok. But otherwise keep that burger thanks.

[Norrie]

I think that is rather my point, they are not paying for anyone's time. I recently saw a post from the BMW Car Club asking for a certain model of classic BMW and did anyone have one. They then wanted via the Media Company for the person to take it to some remote old airfield in Lincolnshire and said refreshments would be provided, the also promised a set of digital photographs. No mention of compensation, fuel paid or anything. I did not have the car they asked for, but a friend did, after a chat he decided it was more trouble and expense than the reward.

I am hoping someone is going to reply with some fantastic example of how they got a real reward for the use of their car?

[Fast3000]

There is a business (which I can't think of right now.) where if you own something and let someome use it for their benefit, they pay you for it... It's been around for years...

But joking aside...I think vanity and qudos to the owner is the only benefit. But tend to agreed with you Norrie that magazines/media should do a little more for the owner. Maybe a full detail before the shoot...?

[Norrie]

Yes, agree its a matter for the owner of course, to evaluate. I know of a person who via BMW UK lent to 3 series E30 to a media company who were making a commercial. He said when it got it back after two weeks, it was filthy, had empty water bottles in the foot well, hardly any fuel.

He did complain to BMW who eventually gave him some cleaning products, but he would not offer any of the range of older vehicle he has to anyone any more.

But let's hear some positive feedback. There must be some?

[Frosty]

My B8 Touring was in BMW Car magazine before I took delivery of it. The chap I used to import had been approached and asked my permission beforehand, which after checking to make sure they did not thrash it, I was ok with. Didn't even get a free copy of the mag.

[davettf2]

Hi, It was slightly better in the past, but not much, In the late 1990's i was asked by one of the classic motorcycle magazines if they could do an article on my recently restored Ducati 450. I spent a whole morning and early afternoon with them, including stripping off the fuel tank, seat and side panels to show the frame of what is a fairly rare version. My wife providing the teas and coffee. The result, one free copy of the magazine and a few photos. As you say rarely worth the effort.

Cheers
Dave

PS at least the lock down has provided me with plenty of time to clean and polish the recently acquired B3S