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On-Set Mechanic

Keeps picture and action vehicles running on set and in the workshop — removals for camera, repairs and prep.

Duties

• Service and safety-check vehicles before camera
• Remove/refit doors, seats and panels for camera/grip as briefed
• Diagnose and fix faults without holding the unit
• Prep stunt/SFX vehicles only under Coordinator/Stunt direction
• Maintain workshop tools and parts inventory
• Document work for insurance and continuity
• Support overnight prep between shoot days
• Never declare a vehicle safe for action outside agreed process

Reports to

Action Vehicle Coordinator / Captain

Works with

Coordinator, Captain, Drivers, Grips (camera mounts), Stunts/SFX when relevant

Career path

Workshop mechanic / Assistant → On-Set Mechanic → Captain / Coordinator path (optional)

Day to day

Prep listed cars before call; stay reachable for camera removals; fix or swap before the unit waits.

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

Comprehensive mechanic tool kit; PPE; diagnostic kit; workshop access; radio on set days.

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, Action Vehicle Captain, Driver (action/picture vehicles)

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