Film Locations Glossary
Star wagon
What is a star wagon?
A star wagon is a trailer divided into private rooms for principal cast, used at base camp where a full motorhome is impractical or unnecessary.
Its dimensions, leveling requirements, and door orientation all constrain where it can park, and cast contracts frequently specify what standard of accommodation is provided. Locations has to fit it into the base camp plan before the plan is submitted, not after.
Example
Three principals need private rooms at a base camp with no space for motorhomes. A star wagon fits, but it needs level ground, door clearance on one side, and power, and it goes on the site plan before the site is committed.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Placed on the base camp plan by locations and transportation, against the cast contracts.
Common mistake
Committing to a base camp before the star wagon is on the plan. It needs level ground, door clearance on one side, and power, and it does not compress to fit.
Related questions
- What does a star wagon need at base camp?
- Level ground, door clearance on the access side, power, and a servicing route, all of which have to be on the site plan before the base camp is committed.
- Who decides what cast accommodation is provided?
- The cast contracts, which frequently specify a standard, so the base camp plan has to accommodate them rather than the reverse.