A car for film: Autonapul carsharing as a transport solution for the independent Film Vinland
An interview with film producer Karolína Nováková shows how Autonapul carsharing simplifies transport during film production. For filmmakers, photographers, or other freelancers, Autonapul offers a practical alternative to owning a car, with the freedom to choose the right vehicle depending on current needs.
A great example of using shared cars is the production of the independent film Vinland, which explores the lives of foreign workers in the Czech Republic. Autonapul, the first Czech carsharing service, supported this project by providing vehicles from its Prague fleet, enabling fast and flexible crew transport.
Could you tell us a bit about what Vinland is about?
It’s a graduation film by director Martin Kuba from FAMU. It tells the story of a teacher from Georgia who arrives in Prague for work to support his family. He takes a job on a construction site and faces difficult working and living conditions, just like tens of thousands of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic.
How did you use Autonapul carsharing during the shoot?
We mainly used a nine-seater van to transport the crew and actors. On busier days, we added passenger cars, like a Skoda Octavia and Scala.
What advantages does carsharing offer filmmakers?
When filming a documentary, for example, where the topic doesn’t allow much planning, we might decide in the evening that we’re shooting the next morning. Or, if the car breaks down before a shoot that’s been planned for months, we need a quick replacement. With Autonapul, I can always find a free car nearby when I need it, without owning one or calling around to friends. A nine-seater van is ideal for transporting the team and actors, especially when we need to cover multiple locations in a single day - it saves a lot of time and money. On low-budget projects, the van also works great as an improvised mobile dressing room or makeup station, much more comfortably than a regular car.
Did you appreciate the contactless pickup and return through the app?
Absolutely! I just unlock the car through the app, no need to meet anyone or hand over keys. That’s a huge advantage for filmmakers with ever-changing schedules.
Why Autonapul specifically?
I’ve had a great experience with Autonapul even outside of work. I use it because I want to reduce my ecological footprint and avoid owning a car. I try to use public transport whenever possible, also for economic reasons. Buying a car wouldn’t make sense for me, but sometimes I do need one. Carsharing is the perfect solution - it lets me use a car only as much as needed, without the responsibilities (service, paperwork, tolls, parking in blue zones…). It doesn’t contribute to overcrowded city streets and supports the concept of a shared economy, which I believe will become more common in the future.
Compared to other carsharing services, Autonapul has the advantage of not using flashy branded decals, so the cars still look respectable - important, for example, when picking up actors. I also like that it’s not a multinational corporation but a smaller Czech company. As a result, customer service is more personal, and there’s a real community of carsharers - the cars are always in great condition, and if someone forgets a hat in the car, it usually finds its way back.
Why carsharing is the ideal choice not only for film crews
Autonapul carsharing is a flexible solution for anyone who needs a car occasionally, whether for a few hours, a weekend, or a full-length project. It’s ideal for:
filmmakers and production crews,
freelancers and creative professionals,
businesses and individuals who don’t need a car every day but value operational flexibility.
You can register as a private user or under a company ID (just mention it in the registration form note). Booking multiple cars, sharing access with colleagues, and having different drivers is no problem.