Fight
- Break the fight into isolated movements. Do not attempt to choreograph an entire sequence in one take. Focus on single strikes, blocks, or throws, rehearsing each movement until it is precise and controlled. Keep actions sharp and intentional—extend the striking arm fully, retract with speed, and maintain spatial awareness between performers.
- Make it real in post-production. Strike slowly, speed it up in editing. Drop frames immediately after a strike to create a sharper hit. Add sound effects to suggest contact. Use close-ups: punch a pillow wearing the actor’s shirt so no body gets hurt.
- Use the body’s natural mechanics. Generate a punch from the ground up—rotate the hip, drive through the shoulder, and extend the fist without locking the elbow. When blocking, engage the torso rather than relying solely on the arms. Keep weight balanced, shifting between feet to maintain fluidity and control.
- Sell the impact through reaction. The receiver dictates the force of the hit. Snap the head back with the illusion of impact, exaggerate weight shifts, and stagger the feet to simulate instability. When thrown, propel the body in the intended direction while the “thrower” only maintains light contact. Keep tension through the limbs to ensure controlled landings.
- Stage strikes for the camera. Align the punch so the fist travels past the opponent’s face rather than towards it. Adjust the angle of the shoulder and chin to hide gaps in contact. Shoot over-the-shoulder to create depth, making near misses appear like direct hits.
- Vary rhythm and intensity. Introduce “ghost beats”—moments of pause before acceleration—to emphasise momentum shifts. Mix fast, sharp movements with slower, deliberate gestures to create contrast. Let breath lead movement.
- Anchor reactions in the spine. When taking a hit, initiate recoil from the point of impact and let the force ripple through the body. A punch to the gut should cause the abdominals to contract, shoulders to curl in, and knees to soften. A strike to the jaw should twist the neck and lead the rest of the body into a stagger.
- Keep tension in the hands. A relaxed grip dulls the impact of movement. Maintain subtle flexion in the fingers, whether forming a fist, blocking, or grabbing. Use the knuckles, palm, or forearm as striking surfaces, depending on the character’s fighting style.
(sources: stunt people on youtube and some reddit)