On this episode of The MF Show, hosts Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas sit down with Dennis McCarthy, legendary automotive coordinator and builder whose work has shaped some of the most recognizable cars in film and television history. With decades of experience behind the scenes, Dennis has been responsible for bringing cars to life on screen, often under extreme timelines, tight budgets, and controlled chaos.
Dennis breaks down how he got his start building cars long before Hollywood entered the picture, and how that hands-on background naturally led him into the film industry. He explains the realities of movie car builds, from the differences between hero cars and stunt cars to why durability, repeatability, and safety often matter more than perfection. The conversation pulls back the curtain on what audiences don’t see, including multiple versions of the same car, rapid turnarounds, and the unique challenges of designing vehicles meant to perform for the camera.
The guys also dive into how automotive films have influenced car culture at large, the responsibility of meeting enthusiast expectations, and the balance between creativity and logistics when working on massive productions. Dennis shares his perspective on collaboration, problem solving, and what it takes to consistently deliver under pressure in an industry where failure is not an option.
This episode offers a rare look at the intersection of car culture and filmmaking, told by someone who has spent a lifetime building machines that live forever on screen, even if they only had to survive long enough to get the shot.
WHAT TO EXPECT
On The MF Show, Jerry and Richard are bringing in some of the biggest names in the automotive industry—from legendary racers like Mario Andretti and Ivan Stewart to visionary builders and designers like Chip Foose and Jimmy Shine.
