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Driver (action/picture vehicles)

Drives and positions picture/action vehicles for camera under the Captain/Coordinator — distinct from unit Transport drivers.

Duties

• Collect, deliver and position scheduled vehicles
• Drive run-ins, background traffic and precision moves as briefed
• Follow AD and Captain radio calls; never freelance action
• Protect owner vehicles; report damage immediately
• Keep fuel, cleanliness and continuity appearance
• Assist with loaders and securement when trained
• Stand by between set-ups as directed
• Respect public road law when not under controlled filming

Reports to

Action Vehicle Captain / Coordinator

Works with

Captain, Coordinator, ADs, Locations, occasionally Stunts for rehearsed moves

Career path

Licensed driver experience → Driver (picture vehicles) → Captain

Day to day

Be early, know the movement order, hit marks safely, reset quietly, look after the car.

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

Valid licences for class of vehicle; radio; high-vis; clean driving record paperwork as required by production.

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

Related roles

Action Vehicle Captain, Action Vehicle Coordinator, On-Set Mechanic

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