Local business owner and stunt driver Allan Padelford was recognized at the 21st annual Academy Awards Scientific and Technical Awards for The Biscuit Jr., a drivable process trailer.

The Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards honors the men, women and companies whose discoveries and innovations have contributed in significant and lasting ways to motion pictures.

Padelford, who lives in Agua Dulce, was “very shocked, but very appreciative” when he and co-creator Robert Nagle received the Sci-Tech award on Feb. 7.

“The Biscuit Jr.” is a self-propelled, high-performance, drivable camera and vehicle platform. It is powered by a GM 32 valve Northstar engine with 4 speed auto-transmission.

Allan Padelford

The camera utilizes air ride suspension for ride quality and adjustability, with a unique POD driver system can be mounted in various locations on the rig, allowing for greater flexibility and configurations while keeping actors safe and the rig out of frame according to Padelford.

It’s large deck area is great for carrying a Technocrane, car buck, as well as many other possibilities, according to the Academy Awards website.

Originally developed and named for the movie “Seabiscuit,” Padelford wanted to develop a newer high performance rig to push the limits of what they’d done in the past.

“The Biscuit Jr.’s” credits include: “Mission Impossible 5,” “Nightcrawler,” “Stand Up Guys,” “Ride Along II,” “Jupiter Ascending,” “Drive,” “Star Trek,” “The Book of Eli,” “Thor,” “Cowboys and Aliens,” “Hangover,” “Faster,” “In Time,” “Live Free or Die Hard” and “The Lone Ranger.”

Padelford founded Allan Padelford Camera Cars in 1988 after the completion of the High Speed Chase Car. Also in 1988 he made his first camera car, he said.

Prior to the start of APCC, Allan worked as a designer and fabricator for many types of equipment, vehicles, and mechanical effects projects.

He also worked as a driver and operator of earth movers varying to race cars.

His previous work with such vehicles, along with his extensive knowledge of design and fabrication, inspired him to pursue the innovative and creative work that led to the launch of his own company.