Reel Opportunities

Driver

What is a Driver?
What does a Driver do?

The Driver is responsible for assisting the Transportation Coordinator, the transportation department, and the transportation needs of the film crew and staff. They are responsible for driving vehicles (including trucks or trailers used for makeup, costumes, lighting and other gear), personal trailers for the actors, and any cars that will actually be used on camera.

Drivers can also do anything from transporting equipment, props, costumes, set pieces, to moving and setting up base camp with various trailers. They also pick up and drop off crew members from base or studios to various locations, or pick up talent at hotels and bring them to wardrobe fittings or makeup or to and from set.

The basic skills required for this job are good organizational skills, attention to detail, awareness of various rules and regulations, scheduling skills, managing a team, negotiating skills…and of course, being able to drive! In some provinces, you may be required to hold a specialized license to drive larger trucks.

What's a Driver good at?
  • Organization

    Be good at scheduling and keeping track of transporting cargo

  • Communication

    Work with the team towards a shared goal, be able to communicate clearly with all team members

  • Resilience

    Remain calm and confident under pressure, cope well with fast- paced environments and short deadlines, be adaptable, use initiative, have a positive attitude

  • Attention to detail

    Be aware of the various rules and regulations and follow them accordingly when transporting cast and crew

Who does a Driver work with?

Drivers work closely with the Transport Captains and Transport Coordinators. They also closely interact with talent and the location department.

How do I become a Driver?

You must be willing to create contacts with transportation department leaders and Producers in order to become a transportation department Driver. If you are serious about being a driver, you should research what type of driver’s license is required in your province or territory. For example, In Ontario, a Class A or D license could be helpful.

More tips

For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

Our Partner, ScreenSkills UK is the industry-led skills body for the UK screen industries. For further information, www.screenskills.com.
Profiles and profile icons © 2022 ScreenSkills Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the copyright owner.
Job Profile Design by Dave Gray. Based on an original concept by Ian Murphy/Allan Burrell.