ShareGrid and CrewGrid have names that rhyme — but they solve very different parts of the production equation. ShareGrid is a peer-to-peer gear rental marketplace. CrewGrid is a managed crew sourcing service. For anyone assembling a shoot, both might be relevant, but they're not alternatives to each other.
This article explains what each platform does, where they overlap (briefly), and how production teams typically use them together.
Quick Answer
ShareGrid rents camera gear, lenses, lighting, and audio equipment through a peer-to-peer marketplace. CrewGrid sources the people who use that equipment — DPs, camera operators, audio mixers, gaffers, and other production crew. If you need gear, ShareGrid is worth exploring. If you need crew, CrewGrid is built for that. For a full shoot, you may need both.
What ShareGrid Is
ShareGrid is a peer-to-peer rental marketplace for production equipment. Camera bodies, lenses, audio recorders, lighting kits, gimbals, drones — gear owners list their equipment for rent, and productions book it directly through the platform. ShareGrid handles transactions, provides insurance options, and facilitates connections between gear owners and renters.
The platform is popular among independent filmmakers, small production companies, and crews working in markets where traditional rental houses may be expensive or limited. It can be a cost-effective way to access specific equipment without the overhead of a full rental house order.
ShareGrid is a gear platform. It does not source, vet, or recommend production crew.
What CrewGrid Is
CrewGrid is a managed sourcing service for video production crew. You submit a brief describing your shoot — roles needed, shoot date, location, project type — and CrewGrid matches you with vetted crew from a pre-vetted local network. The crew we recommend have been evaluated for corporate credits, reliability, gear ownership, and performance on client-facing sets.
CrewGrid is built for agencies, production companies, and corporate marketing teams that need reliable crew in US markets. Many crew in CrewGrid's network own their own camera and audio packages — so if you need crew with gear, that can be specified in your brief. Learn more about how CrewGrid sources production crew.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ShareGrid | CrewGrid |
|---|---|---|
| What it provides | Camera gear, lenses, audio, lighting for rent | Vetted production crew (DP, audio, gaffer, PA, etc.) |
| Model | Peer-to-peer rental marketplace | Managed sourcing service |
| Who uses it | Productions needing gear without full rental house | Agencies, brands, production companies needing crew |
| Geographic coverage | US (major markets with active listings) | Major US markets |
| Can be used together | Yes — gear from ShareGrid, crew from CrewGrid | |
| Best for | Equipment access without a rental house | Reliable crew without a directory search |
When ShareGrid Makes Sense
ShareGrid is useful when you need specific equipment that a rental house doesn't carry, when you're working in a market where traditional rental options are limited, or when peer-to-peer pricing works better for your budget. It's a genuine resource for independent productions and smaller teams that need access to quality gear without the overhead.
It's worth noting that many crew booked through CrewGrid own their own gear packages. If a DP brings their camera and lens kit, your equipment needs may be covered without a separate rental order. Specify your gear requirements in your CrewGrid brief and we'll match accordingly.
When CrewGrid Makes Sense
CrewGrid is the right fit when you need the human side of production — people who know how to operate equipment, manage a set, record clean audio, and show up professionally for a client-facing shoot. Gear is only part of a successful production.
For agencies producing content in multiple US markets, CrewGrid removes the sourcing burden that typically falls on producers. Instead of searching directories and vetting cold profiles, you submit a brief and receive matched recommendations. See how this works for marketing agencies and corporate marketing teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CrewGrid help me source gear as well as crew?
CrewGrid focuses on crew sourcing. Many of the crew in our network own their own gear packages — when you submit a brief, specify if you need crew with their own equipment.
Does ShareGrid have crew listings?
ShareGrid is primarily a gear rental marketplace. It is not a platform for sourcing or hiring production crew.
Can I use CrewGrid and ShareGrid for the same shoot?
Yes — they're complementary. Use CrewGrid for your camera operator and sound mixer, and ShareGrid or a local rental house for any additional equipment you need.