Alasdair Keane Tests the New Generation of Stunt Cars
This headline refers to a report by BBC tech correspondent Alasdair Keane for the program Tech Now (formerly known as Click). In this segment, Alasdair visited the Pixomondo studios in Canada—the visual effects powerhouse behind major productions like Star Trek and House of the Dragon.
The report highlights several key technological advancements in modern stunt driving:
1. Virtual Production Technology
Instead of relying solely on dangerous outdoor locations, production houses now use massive LED volumes (giant curved screens) that surround the car. These screens display ultra-realistic environments that interact perfectly with the lighting and reflections on the car’s body.
2. Advanced Motion Rigs
The cars are mounted on sophisticated hydraulic motion platforms. These rigs precisely simulate real-world physics—such as sharp turns, bumps, and collisions—while the digital environment moves on the screens, providing actors with a realistic driving sensation.
3. Remote-Control Capabilities
The report demonstrates how engineers can now fully operate real vehicles remotely from significant distances. This drastically reduces the physical risk to drivers and camera crews during high-stakes explosion or crash sequences.
4. Creative and Technical Control
These technologies don't just improve safety; they offer directors immense flexibility. Lighting, weather conditions, or the time of day (shifting from noon to sunset) can be changed with a single click, saving hours of traditional production time.
Note: Alasdair Keane is known for his "hands-on" reporting style. In this feature, he personally tests these innovations to show how mechanical engineering is merging with cinematic software to redefine the future of action filmmaking.