'Pick a car that has a good e-brake, you'll need it for this sequence.' It was early evening, around 7:00 pm and I'd just arrived at work. Hearing these words of advice from the stunt coordinator I had two things pass quickly through my mind. My first thought was "Great!" I was sure it was going to be a good evening. My second thought was that I hoped the cars did indeed have strong e-brakes.
Picking up my bag with my driving gear I walked toward the picture cars that were lined up at the rear of the location area. A number of various shaped and sized cars were to appear in the shoot that evening and my eyes were drawn to the Crown Victorias parked there. The cars were set up with all the police lights and I was excited to be playing a 'goodie' that evening.
Trying out each car in turn, I systematically tested the e-brake pedal to find a vehicle that had a strong brake. Deciding that two of them were too soft, I narrowed it down to two that felt OK. I wasn't completely happy with them, but at least I could feel that although the brake didn't go down firmly, it didn't just go to the floor. Picking the car with the most effective e-brake, I got in and started driving out of the stall.
Thinking it would be best to give the e-brake a test run before filming began, I asked a friend to help me check the brakes. While he stood back to watch the tire on the passenger side, I revved the car and hit the e-brake when I reached 30km per hour. I was able to check the rear tire by leaning out the driver's window and could see it lock. My friend confirmed the other rear tire did as well. I was set to go! My first challenge was behind me.
Pulling up in my car, I double checked the air pressure in the tires. Deciding that it was on the low side, I took out a transportable compressor that plugs into the car cigarette lighter hooking the remote end to the tire. As the tires were being pumped up, I set up the e-brake release handle to ensure it stayed out, using a length of hose pipe and some duct tape. This was important to ensure that the e-brake wouldn't lock up when I depressed it during the stunt sequence.
Once the e-brake was ready and the tires sorted, I moved my car seat into position. Seeing a few things lying around on the floor I gathered them up to be sure that there was no likelihood of anything sliding under my feet as I was driving.
I double-checked that the tire pressure was set to an appropriate 38 lbs. in the rear tires and 32 in the front. Proper air pressure was essential for the precision slow speed sequences, especially with the featured 90 and 180 degree turns that where to be shot. The correct tire pressure would be a key factor in making sure the car would come to a stop at the right angle.
Now that the car I was most confident about was ready to go, I repeated the whole process with the second best vehicle I had come across. Having the back-up ready would ensure a speedy switch if the first car had any problems. With all the prep work done, I went in to have some "breakfast" as the sky darkened. Another night on a film set as a stunt driver was just beginning.
About the Author:
Mark Aisbett has become one of the top professional stunt drivers in the business and also has a background in teaching high performance driving. It is this unique combination of personal experience, teaching, racing, and stunt car driving that allows him to put it all together and make it so easy for you to understand in his book, "The Secret Art of Stunt Driving."
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