Picture Car Glossary
speed bump or road surface inspection for picture cars
What is a speed bump or road surface inspection for picture cars?
Updated June 2026 · Revolution Picture Cars
Also called surface inspection, or route inspection.
A speed bump or road surface inspection for picture cars is the pre-shoot evaluation of driving routes and surfaces performed by the stunt coordinator, transportation captain, and location department before any vehicle sequences are filmed.
The inspection identifies hazards including potholes, manhole covers, excessive camber, oil patches, gravel, and low clearance obstacles that could damage picture cars, destabilize camera rigs, or create unsafe driving conditions. Issues found during the inspection are either remediated before filming or communicated to the stunt coordinator for route adjustments.
Example
The route is walked for camber, potholes, drain covers, gravel, and a speed bump the map does not show. At 60mph a bump nobody noticed at walking pace becomes a lost car and an injured driver.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Performed by the stunt coordinator with locations before any high-speed sequence is approved.
Common mistake
Assessing a route from a car at normal speed. Drain covers, gravel, camber changes, and an unmarked speed bump only reveal themselves on a walk.
Related questions
- Why inspect a road surface before a vehicle sequence?
- Because at speed a bump, a drain cover, or a patch of gravel changes the car's behavior in ways that can end the take and the vehicle.
- Who performs the inspection?
- The stunt coordinator with locations and transportation, before any high-speed work is approved for that route.
Official sources
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