How Could My Automotive Skills Be Used on a Movie Set?

By ERMW Team
Thurs June 6, 2024

Automotive skills are not confined to the realms of repairing cars or working in a garage. They can also be valuable assets within the context of the glamorous world of movies and television. From maintaining and operating vehicles to contributing to the overall production design, there are various job roles where automotive skills can make a significant difference. In this article, we will explore ten example job roles that showcase how your automotive skills can be utilized on a movie set.

Precision Driver:

Precision drivers are indispensable in action-packed scenes where vehicles are required to perform intricate maneuvers, such as high-speed chases or complex stunts.

Transportation Captain:

As a transportation captain, you would be responsible for overseeing the movement of vehicles and coordinating logistics between departments. Your automotive skills would ensure the safe transportation of equipment and crew to various shooting locations.

Automotive Fabricator:

In this role, you would work closely with production designers and prop departments to create custom vehicles that perfectly align with the director's vision. Your expertise in building or modifying vehicles would contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic of the film.

Picture Car Coordinator:

Picture cars are the vehicles portrayed on screen. As a picture car coordinator, you would scout, acquire, and maintain the appropriate vehicles required for specific scenes, ensuring they are in top condition and meet all the necessary safety requirements.

Special Effects Coordinator:

Your automotive skills can also be put to use in the realm of special effects. You would be involved in creating and executing scenes involving explosions, crashes, or other mechanical effects, requiring an in-depth understanding of vehicle dynamics and safety.

Transportation Coordinator:

A transportation coordinator takes charge of managing the fleet of vehicles required for production, including cars, trucks, trailers, and any other transportation needs. Your expertise would ensure seamless coordination between different departments and efficient movement of equipment and crew.

Unit Publicist:

As a unit publicist, you would be responsible for arranging promotional events and photo shoots involving vehicles. Your automotive knowledge would assist in coordinating such events, and working closely with automotive magazines, websites, and journalists.

Vehicle Wrangler:

In this role, you would handle the logistics of transporting vehicles to and from the movie set. Additionally, you would ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, fueled, and cleaned, as per the production's requirements.

On-Set Mechanic:

An on-set mechanic is responsible for keeping the vehicles in working order throughout the production. Your automotive skills would come in handy when troubleshooting mechanical issues or conducting regular maintenance to ensure smooth filming schedules.

In Northern New Mexico and need a mechanic on the fly? We suggest A&M Automotive.

Car Prep Specialist:

As a car prep specialist, you would be involved in prepping vehicles for specific scenes, which might include installing cameras, rigging, or other specialized equipment. Your attention to detail and automotive expertise would contribute to the successful execution of these scenes.

The world of film production offers numerous opportunities for individuals with automotive skills to be part of the creative process. Whether it's driving precision vehicles, managing transportation logistics, or contributing to the visual appeal, your expertise can play a vital role in bringing a movie to life. By exploring job roles such as precision driver, transportation captain, or automotive fabricator, you can channel your automotive skills into a captivating career within the movie industry.

Want to read more? Check out our other articles on skills in film: