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Best ways to write a fight scene

What I mean is, that everyone in the industry has his/her specific job to do. Fight co-ordinators are there specifically for this reason.

However, we both know that simply writing, "They fight", in a script won't get you very far.

As long as the writer avoids the booby-traps of paying too much attention to detail, he/she should be fine. Obviously, if the character "needs" to be wounded in the right shoulder, do it. Just remember that a blow by blow account is not required AND should be avoided! If you can manage, get your hands on the script for Matrix; there are some incredible fight scenes that should place you on the right track.

Another important thing to avoid at all costs are specific Camera Directions! The way to beat this is to break up the action into managable chunks to give enough time to the reader's brain to see the "snap shot" of that particular action.

Keep the paragraphs short; this lends speed to the action.

If you want to draw attention to something (eg. a gun) start the paragraph with that item. For example:

The gun rises slowly, to point directly at TOM's back.

This short sentence triggers a subliminal message to the brain and it pictures just the GUN rising at Tom's BACK - much better than a camera direction ;-)

Learn more about this author, Ivan Scicluna.
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Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Best ways to write a fight scene

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Best ways to write a fight scene

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