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Action Vehicle Captain

On-set lead under the Coordinator: runs drivers, positioning and day-to-day vehicle logistics on the unit.

Duties

• Support Coordinator on call sheet vehicle needs
• Brief and position drivers; manage radio discipline
• Get scheduled vehicles to set on time
• Liaise 2nd AD / Locations on parking and run-ins
• Coordinate resets between takes
• Flag mechanical or continuity issues early
• Help induct actors briefly on vehicle controls when asked
• Hand over notes for next day’s movement order

Reports to

Action Vehicle Coordinator

Works with

Drivers, Mechanic, ADs, Locations, Stunts/SFX when action is scheduled

Career path

Driver / Assistant → Action Vehicle Captain → Action Vehicle Coordinator

Day to day

Arrive early; confirm all cars/drivers; stand with 1st AD for resets; keep base tidy and fuelled.

Call times

Prep and workshop days often before general unit call. On shoot days Action Vehicle crews typically arrive early to position cars, brief drivers and liaise with 2nd AD / Locations. Night fuel, wash and prep after wrap are common — read the movement order against the call sheet.

What to wear

Workshop: overalls or workshop blacks, steel toe-caps, gloves, eye protection. On set: matte blacks, production-approved boots, radio, hi-vis when moving vehicles in public roads or unit base as briefed.

Tools & kit

Radio; high-vis as briefed; basic tools; movement orders; fuel cards as issued.

Tips

Confirm title (Action Vehicle / Picture Vehicle / Picture Car Coordinator), agreement, budget band, prep/wrap, workshop access and insurance wording on the deal memo. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk Transport materials and your production. Work only with licensed armourers/stunts where vehicles are prepared for action.

Software

• Excel / Google Sheets vehicle breakdowns, continuity and schedules
• Scriptation / PDF sides for vehicle lists
• Photo libraries / Drive shared folders for casting cars
• Shared call sheets and movement orders
• Workshop job cards / service logs
• ChatGPT for period vehicle research drafts (Coordinator verify legality, insurance and continuity)

Related roles

Action Vehicle Coordinator, Driver (action/picture vehicles), On-Set Mechanic

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