How Do You Film Driving Scenes Without Driving?

There are a variety of ways to film driving scenes without having an actor actually drive, which helps reduce the risk of running into danger on the road and offer more control over the environment and setting. Below are a few of the many different ways that filmmakers can shoot driving scenes without requiring actors or stunt drivers to drive.

1. Rear Projection

Rear projection is one of the oldest methods used in filmmaking. Its first use was possibly as early as 1913. Rear projection is a special technique that combines the foreground with a pre-recorded background, similar to a green screen effect. It requires at least three different kinds of equipment: a camera, projector, and screen.

The way rear projection works for driving scenes is that while the car is stationary, a projector screen playing pre-recorded footage of moving scenery is set up beside or behind the car and actor. This method offers unlimited potential as to the time and location setup of the scene. Actors could appear to be driving in international or exotic locations, or they could appear to be traveling in a sci-fi environment. They could also appear to be driving at dawn or dusk without having to film at those specific times.

While rear projection has been replaced with newer technology, some modern productions have continued to make use of the technique as a way to pay homage to old Hollywood or even as a way to specifically create older stylized imagery.

Learn more about how rear screen projection works:

“Rear Projection: How It Works” by Fandor

2. Green Screen

Green screens are another way for productions to simulate driving scenes while also being able to exercise creative freedom in the time and location setup. It is similar to rear projection in that a green screen is set up beside or behind the vehicle, but instead of the pre-recorded footage playing while the actors are being filmed, the green screen is replaced in post-production with moving road footage.

If any mirrors end up being a part of the scene, they must also be edited in post to include the moving background scenery and add to the scene’s realism.

3. Process Trailer

Process trailers, also known as insert trailers or low loaders, are used as mobile camera platforms. The car is mounted onto a process trailer, which is towed by a special vehicle that holds the crew for cameras, booms, and lights. Since the car is being towed, the actor doesn’t have to be driving the car, and the moving scenery behind the car and actor is real.

Learn more about process trailers and other camera cars here: https://nevadafilm.com/production-notes-camera-cars/.

4. Special FX Lighting

Special FX lighting is a simple and useful technique for nighttime driving scenes. Since there is no reliance on having moving background scenery visible, the focus is on creating realistic ambient lighting to simulate the look of traffic lights, street lamps, neon store signs, and passing cars. This is achieved through small lights mounted in various places inside the car as well as the use of flashlights and other controlled lighting sources outside of the car. Objects or hands are waved in front of the lights to help create the illusion of traveling on a road.

You can learn more about some of the techniques explained above in this informative video created by Film Riot:

“Film Riot – Drive in a Car without Driving in a Car!” by Film Riot

If you are looking for experienced crew to help create realistic driving scenes for your production, check out our online Nevada Production Directory. You can also drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory! We have many camera operators, editors, green screens, and production vehicles available!

We also have a variety of filming locations throughout Nevada as well as local studios offering full production services. Browse through our Nevada Filming Locations Database and contact us if you are interested in learning more about a filming location!

If you offer professional production services and are not yet listed in our Nevada Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

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