Monster trucks are not just cars with huge wheels and aggressive design, but a whole cultural phenomenon that unites fans of extreme driving, off-road driving and spectacular shows. Videos featuring such cars receive millions of views, but making a high-quality video that will stand out from the competition is not an easy task. Everything is important here: from choosing a location and equipment to understanding the technical nuances of shooting moving objects with high dynamics.
If you plan to create content about monster trucks - be it for a personal blog, YouTube channel or a commercial project - this article will help you avoid mistakes. We will look at what equipment is suitable for filming in extreme conditions, how to properly edit video to convey the power and energy of the machines, and even touch on legal aspects that are often forgotten. You will also learn where to look for monster trucks for filming and how to negotiate with the owners.
It doesn't matter if you're new to videography or an experienced cameraman, there's something useful here. For example, electric monster trucks (for example, Tesla Cybertruck with modified suspension) require a special approach to shooting due to the lack of the usual engine sound, and this is just one of many subtleties that will be discussed further.
What equipment is needed to film monster trucks?
Shooting monster trucks always involves extreme conditions: dirt, vibrations, sudden changes in lighting and high speeds. Therefore, a standard DSLR or smartphone will not work here. Here is the minimum set of equipment that will provide high-quality results:
- 🎥 High FPS camera: optimal - Sony A7S III, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K or GoPro Hero 11 (for action scenes). It is important that the camera supports shooting in
4K@120fpsor1080p@240fpsfor slow motion shots. - 🔄 Stabilizer or gimbal: suitable for dynamic scenes DJI RS 3 Pro, and for handheld shooting - Osmo Mobile 6 (if you use a smartphone).
- 🎤 External microphone: The sound of a monster truck engine is half the spectacle. Use directional microphones like Rode VideoMic NTG or lavaliers for interviews with drivers.
- 🔋 Additional batteries and memory cards: shooting in the field quickly drains the battery, and the video volume is limited
4Kcan reach100 GB/hour. - 🛡️ Protective covers: dust and dirt are the main enemies of technology. Cases from Peak Design or Lowpro will save equipment from damage.
If your budget is limited, you can start with a smartphone (for example, iPhone 15 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra), but then you will have to work hard on stabilization and color correction at the editing stage. Main rule: the closer the camera is to the subject, the more spectacular the shot. Therefore, do not be afraid to experiment with angles - for example, attach GoPro directly onto the truck bumper.
⚠️ Attention: When shooting at close range, be sure to wear safety glasses and a helmet. Flying stones and dirt from monster truck wheels can cause serious injuries.
Where to look for monster trucks for filming: 5 proven methods
Finding a monster truck owner willing to provide a vehicle for filming is one of the most difficult tasks. Here's where to look:
- Offroad clubs and communities. In Russia there are active clubs like Russian Monster Truck Association or regional groups in VKontakte and Telegram. Rides are often organized there, where you can arrange filming.
- Exhibitions and shows. Events type Monstr Jam or Extreme Fest - an ideal place for contacts. Here, truck owners are interested in promotions, so they often agree to cooperate.
- Social networks. Hashtags
#monstertruck,#monstertruckor#offroadin Instagram and TikTok will help you find local enthusiasts. - Rent through specialized services. On sites like Drive2 or AutoPlus Sometimes they offer monster trucks for rent for filming (price - from
15,000 ₽/day). - Personal connections. If you are already producing auto content, ask your car enthusiast friends - often truck owners know each other.
When negotiating with owners, clarify:
- 📝 Shooting conditions: is it possible to drive off-road, are dynamic scenes (for example, jumping) allowed?
- 💰 Cost: some agree to barter (promotion of their account in the video), others demand payment.
- 📋 Documents: Check if the machine has
OSAGOand permission to participate in public events (if filming takes place on the street).
If you are agreeing to film on private property (for example, a quarry), coordinate this with the owner of the land in advance. Unauthorized filming may result in a fine of up to 50 000 ₽ according to Art. 7.1 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation ("Unauthorized occupation of a land plot").
Technical nuances of filming: how to convey the power of a monster truck
A monster truck is not just a big car, but a symbol of power and adrenaline. To convey this in a video, there are a few key points to consider:
| Parameter | Recommendations | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Angles | Shoot from ground level (for a dominant effect), from a drone (for overhead shots) and from inside the cabin (for immersive shots). | DJI Mini 4 Pro, FeiyuTech AK2000S |
| Shooting speed | For slow-mo frames, use 120–240 FPS. For dynamic scenes - 60 FPS. |
Sony FX3, GoPro Hero 11 |
| Sound | Record engine sound separately with a microphone Zoom H6 + synchronize during editing. | Rode NTG5, Tascam DR-40X |
| Lighting | When shooting at dusk, use LED panels Aputure 300D II for illumination. | Godox SL-60W |
One of the most effective techniques is motion photography. For example, if you move the camera parallel to the moving track (technique tracking shot), the viewer will feel as if he himself is in the car. For this you can use:
- 🚗 Car chase (second car moving next to the track).
- 🏃 Steadicam (if the operator is running nearby, but this is difficult to implement due to vibrations).
- 🛩️ Drone (for panoramic plans, but permission to fly in the shooting area is required).
⚠️ Attention: When shooting from a drone at an altitude of more than150 metersor within city limits a permit is required Rosaviatsia. Fine for violation - up to300 000 ₽.
How to remove the "presence effect"?
Use a camera with a wide-angle lens (eg Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8) and attach it to the truck hood. The viewer will feel like they are part of the action, especially if you add the sounds of vibration and creaking metal in the editing.
Legal aspects: what you need to know before shooting
Filming monster trucks is not only a creative process, but also a legal conundrum. Here are the key points to consider:
1. Permission to film in public places. If you're filming in a street, parking lot, or quarry, check to make sure you're not violating land use regulations. For example, filming on site reserve or military training ground without permission is fraught with a fine of up to 100 000 ₽.
2. Rights to images of people. If the faces of drivers or spectators appear in the frame, their written consent will be required (Article 152.1 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). The exception is filming at public events, where consent is not required.
3. Transporting a monster truck. If the car is transported on a trailer, the driver must have an open category E has a license, and the truck has a valid one OSAGO.
4. Music and sounds in the video. Use of licensed music (for example, tracks from Epidemic Sound) will eliminate copyright problems. Engine sound can be recorded freely, but if you use proprietary sound logos (such as roar Dodge Ram), this may be considered trademark infringement.
Check permission for filming in the selected location|Get consent for filming from the owner of the truck|Check the documents for the car (STS, OSAGO)|Prepare backup equipment|Agree on the route with the driver-->
Video editing: how to make a video go viral
Even perfectly shot material can be ruined by poor editing. The following techniques are relevant for videos about monster trucks:
1. Dynamic rhythm. Use fast frame jumps (technique jump cut) for energy transfer. The optimal length of the plan is 2–4 seconds.
2. Color correction. Monster trucks are often filmed in dirty conditions, so the video can come out lackluster. B Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro use LUT-profiles for rich colors (for example, Cinematic Orange & Teal).
3. Sound design. Enhance your engine sound with plugins like iZotope RX, add bass for a powerful effect. The music should emphasize the rhythm of the video - tracks in the style rock or electronic.
4. Text inserts. Signatures with technical characteristics (for example, "Engine: 8.1L V8, 1500 hp.") or interesting facts keep the attention of the audience.
An example of a montage structure for a 5-minute video:
- Intro (0:00–0:15): bright frame with a truck jump + channel screensaver.
- Main part (0:15–4:00): alternation of dynamic scenes, interviews with the driver, time-lapse photography of details.
- Climax (4:00–4:30): the most spectacular moment (for example, crushing cars).
- Outro (4:30–5:00): call to action (subscribe, like) + announcement of the next video.
Monster truck videos are more likely to go viral if they have an element of surprise: an unusual angle, humor, or an extreme stunt (for example, jumping through a ring of fire).
Where to publish videos and how to monetize content
Making a video is half the battle. It is important to present it and monetize it correctly. Here are the best publishing platforms:
- 📺 YouTube: The main platform for long-form content. Use keywords like
"monster truck jumping 4K","offroad extreme"for SEO. - 🎵 TikTok/Reels: short videos (up to
60 seconds) with bright moments gaining virality. Hashtags:#monstertruck,#offroad. - 💰 Rutube/VKontakte: alternative platforms for Russian audiences. There is less competition here, but monetization is weaker.
- 📱 Telegram channels: You can sell exclusive content (such as extended versions of videos) through Donation Alerts.
Monetization methods:
| Method | Income (per month) | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Advertising | From 5 000 ₽ for 10,000 views |
Needed 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of viewing |
| Sponsorship integrations | From 20 000 ₽ per video |
Agreements with brands (for example, BFGoodrich, Monroe) |
| Selling merch | From 30% from every sale |
Printing T-shirts, stickers via Print-on-Demand |
To speed up channel growth:
- 🤝 Collaborations: make joint videos with other autobloggers (for example, Garage 54, AutoBattle).
- 📊 Analytics: track statistics in YouTube Studio — what moments the audience “let go” (for example, long monologues).
- 🎁 Competitions: give away souvenirs (for example, mini model trucks) for likes and reposts.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about shooting monster trucks
Do I need special permission to film a monster truck on the highway?
Yes, if the filming involves stopping motion or using pyrotechnics. According to clause 3.5 Traffic rules of the Russian Federation, any actions that create interference on the road require approval from traffic police. You do not need permission to film in a closed area (for example, a race track).
Which lens is best for capturing monster truck detail?
Suitable for macro photography (for example, wheels, suspension) Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro or Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art. They provide a clear image without distortion. For long shots, use a wide angle (16-35mm).
Is it possible to film a monster truck on a smartphone?
Yes, but with reservations. Modern flagships (for example, iPhone 15 Pro Max) filmed in 4K@60fps and have good stabilization. However, for a professional result you will need additional accessories: an external microphone (Rode VideoMic Me), Gimbal (DJI OM 6) and lenses (Moment Anamorphic).
How much does it cost to rent a monster truck for filming?
Price depends on region and model:
- Basic rental (without extreme stunts) – from
10,000 ₽/hour. - Shooting with jumping/crushing cars - from
50,000 ₽/day. - Exclusive models (eg Grave Digger) - from
200 000 ₽.
Often owners agree to barter (free shooting in exchange for promotion of their account).
What programs are best for editing videos about monster trucks?
For beginners:
- CapCut (free, simple interface).
- Adobe Premiere Rush (simplified version Premiere Pro).
For professionals:
- Adobe Premiere Pro (flexibility + integration with After Effects).
- Final Cut Pro (optimized for Mac).
- DaVinci Resolve (best color correction).
Can be used separately for color correction FilmConvert or LUT packages from Peter McKinnon.