Jackie Chan on Action Comedy
So, you need to write a fight scene? This is how to film one. Think about the equivalents in writing.
The 9 Principles of Action Comedy
1. Start with a DISADVANTAGE
2. Use the ENVIRONMENT
3. Be CLEAR in your shots
4. Action & Reaction in the SAME frame
5. Do as many TAKES as necessary
6. Let the audience feel the RHYTHM
7. In editing, TWO good hits = ONE great hit
8. PAIN is humanizing
9. Earn your FINISH
Picture credit:
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accordingtohoyt
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OH! Oh, oh, oh!
Number Seven!
(Makes a note.)
Watch the video.
*makes note*
well, action comedy fights =/= milSF fights etc
I’ll just say i disagree with some of the analysis of the differences in timing and editing in the linked video. some of the differences can literally be attributed to underwriters not being willing to let things be shot and edited that way because the way he does stuff in china is far more likely to end up with people injured on the set, especially expensive American actors that would literally get millions from said underwriter for a broken nose.
Wait where’d this soapbox come from?
Lucky for us our heroes and villains can’t sue us if one of them gets hurt. 🙂
Really helpful!
Reblogged this on Lee Dunning and commented:
This is both fun and seriously useful. I’m hoping I can incorporate some of the ideas into spicing up my fight scenes.