Picture Car Glossary
production design vehicle reference
What is a production design vehicle reference?
Updated June 2026 · Revolution Picture Cars
Also called vehicle reference, or design bible.
A production design vehicle reference is the visual bible prepared by the production designer and art director that defines the exact look, color, condition, and dressing of each picture car needed for the film.
It typically includes reference photographs of real vehicles, hand-drawn renderings, VFX concept art, and specific notes on modifications, livery, and period details. The picture car coordinator uses this reference as the primary guide when sourcing, evaluating, and approving vehicles before presenting them to the director and production designer for final sign-off.
Example
The reference fixes era, color palette, condition, and level of wear for every vehicle, so a coordinator sourcing background cars in three cities returns options that look like they belong in one film.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Prepared by the production designer in prep and used by the coordinator as the sourcing brief.
Common mistake
Sourcing before the reference exists. Without it, three coordinators in three cities return options that do not look like they belong in the same film.
Related questions
- What is a vehicle reference used for?
- It fixes era, color palette, condition, and level of wear so every vehicle sourced fits one coherent visual world.
- Who produces it?
- The production designer and art director in prep, and the picture car coordinator sources against it.
Sourcing picture cars for a production? Find, vote on, budget, and book them in one place with Revolution, free for productions.
See how it works