Fight Scenes Broken Down

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

After watching a Jet Li block-buster or two, quite a few martial artists are anxious to take their own turn on the screen.

Think it’s a piece of cake to put your best fight forward and film a killer fight scene?

Here’s a bit of information to break down the mystery behind screen fighting.

MYTH: Great fighters make the best screen fighters.
TRUTH: Not at all. Filming in front of the camera incorporates a host of other elements which are essential to getting a stellar finished product. The best “fighters” in a street fight for example will usually take the most effect moves to finish the fight quickly. Fact is, it’s not very pretty to look at.

On the other hand, good choreography is what makes the best screen fighters. All of your favorite action stars wouldn’t look as polished and seamless without the excellent choreography of industry veterans.

MYTH: Anyone with good fight choreography behind them will look great on screen.
TRUTH: Again, it’s not as simple as that. You still need to be able to perform the moves in a credible, effortless way. Fight scenes are often filmed over multiple times to get the scene shot from different angles. Depending on the budget, and amount of cameras on hand, you may need to throw the same kick with the same level of intensity multiple times. If you body isn’t used to moving that way, you’re in for some trouble.  

MYTH: Most fight scenes have little physical contact.
TRUTH: The fight you see on screen is the result of good choreography, clean tight editing, and essential sound effects. It’s true they can be filmed in slow motion, or even with various sections broken down. Although most of the punches never land on the actual target, sometimes they do. In addition, the blocking, grappling and other take downs are real.

Depending on the intricacies of the fight, the level of the people involved, and the director, be prepared to get roughed up. There’s a reason they call it stunt fighting. 

MYTH: My black belt skills make me an ideal co-star against Tony Jaa, Jet Li, etc.
TRUTH: Want to try your skills out against them in the street? Be our guest. However, if you want to fight them on the silver screen, be prepared to spend most of your time getting defeated. There is already an A-list star on the film. If you get the coveted role to fight them on screen, your job is to get punched, kicked, knocked out, perhaps thrown and more.

If your ego is too big to be shown as the loser, black belt skills not-withstanding, stick to independent films where you can get the starring role.

In essence, the tips above should give you some clear insight into what’s involved in making martial arts fight scenes. Knowing these fundamentals will serve you well when endeavoring on your own projects and goals.

Just remember, there is always more to a fight scene than the fight. Good choreography, sharp execution, the ability to follow direction and crisp editing are the real components.