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Let’s take a look at seven of them…. 1. Detail is a dirty word. It’s a general rule in writing that you should leave as much to the reader’s imagination as you can, and this is doubly true for action scenes. The choreography of the fight may be exact in your head, but you can’t force readers to see the same thing.
- Ask For Professional Help
- Be A Self-Advocate
- Wear Protective Gear
- Use The Right Equipment
- Wield Weapons Wisely
- Create A Safe Space
- Warm Up
- Breathe
- Trust Your Instincts
- Communicate with The Fight Director
If you’re in a performance that requires any kind of fight scene and you haven’t been assigned a fight director, request one before things take a turn for the black and blue. It’s better when professionals in stage combat come on board early rather than as afterthoughts, says J. Allen Suddeth, a fight director with multiple Broadway credits and the...
Fight director Ricki G. Ravitts, who created stage combat choreography for productions including “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” and “Hamlet,” emphasizes the importance of actors advocating for themselves in fight scenes: “We need to be able to look out for ourselves, even if our characters can’t.”
When preparing for a fight, you must communicate your concerns about safety gear with wardrobe and props departments, your contact at the production company, and, if necessary, the director. Typical safety gear includes knee protectors, elbow pads, and back padding. Sensible footwear is essential in most situations, and, if possible, roll mats or s...
For the safety of you and your audience, don’t use weapons unless they come from reputable suppliers and unless they have been inspected and approved by an experienced stage combatant. Don’t use an item that was designed and manufactured to be hung on a wall as a decoration (stainless steel blades will fail under the rigors of stage combat). Equipm...
All weapons should have their points made safe and their blades properly balanced. Handles should provide a secure hold under fight conditions. Retractable and non-retractable weapons should be set out separately and be clearly marked so that one cannot be mistaken for the other. Each actor should use the same weapon in all performances and run-thr...
Stunts and fights should not be performed or rehearsed in unsafe locations or conditions. Rehearsal rooms should be large enough to allow for the safe use of weapons. Appropriate first aid equipment, including ice packs, must be accessible. There should be a person with first aid training present at all fight rehearsals and performances. Access to ...
Always warm up—the longer the better. Stay stretched between takes, even if you warmed up first thing in the morning. Even if you only have to run, keep warm. Then, never go faster than the speed at which you are comfortable. Follow the choreography, and don’t become overzealous. If you are onstage for a long time and are then required to suddenly ...
Remember to breathe. “People have a tendency to hold their breath,” actor and world martial arts champion Cynthia Rothrock notes. “That’s why a lot of the time you hear shouting—that’s a way of controlling the breath. Give a little shout when you’re being hit, or when you’re throwing a technique. If you’re throwing, you’ll have more energy, and it ...
“Be honest and open-minded,” advises fight director Rick Sordelet, whose work includes Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aida,” and “The Lion King.” “Don’t just be passive and say, ’What do you want me to do?’ Tell me what your acting impulses are. And be honest about your physical condition. If you know you’re going to play Tybalt, start doing s...
For stage combat to be safe, it’s important for the actors to fully communicate with the fight director. It not only enhances the safety of the work, it’s better for the acting. You want to feel the feelings of the play, not your resentment and discomfort with the staging. Sordelet encourages the performer to speak up about acting choices during th...
- Clash of Titans: The Importance of Scale. Sometimes, size does matter. Understanding the scale of your fight is vital for delivering an engaging experience.
- Architects of War: Build the Battlefield. Your battlefield (or fight zone) is more than just a backdrop – it’s a character in its own right. Whether it’s the muddy fields of medieval Europe or an asteroid in outer space, the setting affects tactics, emotions, and outcomes.
- The Echo Chamber: Sensory Storytelling. Fight scenes are a sensory overload. The smell of gunpowder or the clang of steel, the touch of rain or the sight of blood – these details pull readers into the action.
- Quicksilver Moments: Pacing. Pacing is the heartbeat of your fight scene. Too slow, and it becomes a slog. Too fast, and you lose emotional impact. Break up long, descriptive passages with short, punchy sentences to maintain a rhythmic flow.
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Aug 24, 2023 · To write a fight scene, include descriptions of the characters’ actions and movements, as well as their positions during the fight. Describe what the characters feel after each blow and what they are thinking throughout the fight.
Fight scenes add excitement to virtually every story. However, making them dynamic storytelling devices isn’t as simple as positioning the camera and having your actors duke it out. Proper fight choreography is crucial.
- Jordan Maison
The following elements are critical to include in storyboards for fight scenes: Camera angles and movements, Character positions for each sequence, Specific punches, kicks, and blocks, Key dramatic moments that need emphasis.
GRIP for boss design Writing a boss document, marking off a spot near the end of the schedule and labeling it "boss fight" does not cut it. Good planning starts from well crafted goals that are clearly stated; and, understanding your goals is the first of four cycles — GRIP: Goals, Research, Implement, Polish — that all systems go through ...
