Let's get to the guts...
Here's what you need to know to put you in the right place....
IFPDI Instructors have spent considerable time in constructing our programs with an emphasis on practicality and professionalism. With more than 270 years combined experience in their fields, IFPDI course curriculum and philosophy of instruction are simple.
Here it is..
Minimal in class instruction. You will learn more by doing than someone preaching theories to you. If you're considering stunt driver training, you already know how to drive a vehicle. This isn't "Driver's Ed"!!! You will learn what is practical and the skills that IFPDI Instructors use in their daily lives as "Stunt Drivers" on set.
- IFPDI Instructors learned their craft back in the day when car chase television series and movies were becoming popular. They fortunately were awarded the opportunity to learn on the job, so to speak. There were no opportunities for attending training programs, and there were very few before them to draw on for direction. They, quite simply, learned by trial and error, and most importantly they were awarded the opportunity to learn on films and shows that involved continuous car sequences. These opportunities do not exist any more. This is the reason for our Instructors putting these programs together to provide you with a leg up on others trying to get these much sought after opportunities. One look at the accomplishments and success of IFPDI Instructors is evident. They believe in practical application and "seat time" to make a driver out of you!
Multiple Instructors per class. Contrary to popular belief, there is no one right way to do this. Frankly, a Director doesn't care how you do it; he just wants to see the car do what he wants it to do for his camera. He can't see inside the car at what technique you employ. You need to develop your own style and what works best for you. Drawing on the technique of different Instructors allows you to develop your own.
- All IFPDI Instructors use different techniques. From hand and foot position to marking their points of execution and the logistical processes they employ during their maneuvers. The results are indisputable. While each IFPDI Instructor employs a different technique, the result is the same...consistent, accurate and precise execution. This is what separates a decent driver from a great one!
Our Instructors are strictly hands on. You can't learn this trade with someone teaching you from outside the vehicle or over a radio. An IFPDI Instructor will take the wheel with you beside them - one on one - to show you and then be seated in the passenger seat with you at all times as you learn to execute the maneuvers. This is the only way to ensure they feel what you feel. They see in real time your execution of each step because they are there to do it with you.
- IFPDI Instructors are absolutely hands on. You can't learn if the Instructor isn't with you 100% of the time to establish what you are doing right or wrong. They will be with you through each maneuver to lend you guidance and correct you before bad habits set in and become difficult to break. Couple this with the opportunity to learn from multiple Instructors at once will ensure you get it!!!
Instructor to Student Ratio at IFPDI is 3:1. We take a maximum of 10 students per class with a minimum of 3 Instructors. You need seat time to learn this profession. It can't be done with 20 of you in a class and one Instructor barking over a radio, or from reading a manual on so called "theory".
- Any ratio higher than this means that an Instructor no matter their background and experience simply will not be able to give you the time you need to be successful.
SEAT TIME - SEAT TIME - SEAT TIME
No matter your background, the practical applications are much different than other driving disciplines!! Just ask the many professional drivers from other fields who have come through our programs. Other experienced Stunt Performers who have not taken IFPDI training have attempted to drive our test course and scored significantly lower than students who have participated in the IFPDI curriculum regardless of the students' experience or background. The IFPDI philosophy works.
Which course is right for you...?
Novelty (1 day)
Designed for the car and/or movie enthusiast.
If you're interested in getting a taste of what IFPDI Instructors do and how they do it, this will give you and in depth look and allow you to experience what makes audiences wonder when they're watching our Drivers do what they do on the big screen. You will walk away with an experience that will last you a lifetime, and skills that will make you a more confident and skilled driver in general.
Advanced (2 days)
Much more in depth, for the professional stunt performer who wants to add to their training repertoire, more experienced drivers and those who strive to be a stunt driver.
This course involves more complex moves, combination maneuvers, information on the stunt industry and how it works. In the Advanced course you will be tested and scored. You will be issued a certificate based on your performance and an individual evaluation by IFPDI Instructors. They will be honest and forthright in evaluating your talent and whether or not this field is right for you. IFPDI Instructors are interested in producing top stunt drivers and will not risk reputations that have taken them decades to establish to sell you a course!!! You must attain predetermined minimum scores to advance to the Pro-Stunts course. A personalized DVD of your performance in the Advanced course issued by IFPDI is also included. A certificate does not accurately show a potential employer your level of skill. An actual taping of your skills will!
Pro-Stunts (3 days)
This course is only for those who master the Advanced Program and demonstrate the unique abilities and drive it takes to be a stunt driver.
Qualifying for this course is a tiny part of the battle. Here the IFPDI Instructors will lay it all out on the line for you. While there are further prescribed disciplines for you to learn, the aim of this course is to challenge you to the limit! In a nutshell, the Instructors will teach you as much as you can handle. The better you do, the more they will teach you. Completely customized based on your skills and potential and desire to learn.
If you're still not sure what course is right for you,
Or have any other questions
Please contact us at
stuntdriving@ifpdi.com
or call
757-333-2600 in USA & 416-303-3750 in Canada
to find out which level you qualify for.
270 Years Hands on Film Experience
SAG Award Winner
Multiple "World Stunt Award Winners & Nominees"
"World Record Holders"
"Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame Inductees"
Current and ongoing Film Experience
Professionalism
Practical applications
Seat time
After program support
Individuality
Integrity
Dedication
Career Direction
"Truly the Driving Experience of a Lifetime..."
**All equipment including prepared stunt equipped vehicles are supplied by IFPDI
