I was wondering, what's the best way to write a fight scene in a screenplay?
Unless I’m mistaken, the preferred amount of pages in your standard feature script should be around 90 to 130 pages (according to research, it's sometimes 120 pages). Now me being the novice screenwriter that I am, I'm aware that it wouldn't be a good idea to go pass that 130 page mark. Going by what experienced veterans have told me, no one's going to take a risk on the over-imaginative newbie who thinks he's too big for his britches. So that's when the issue of writing fight scenes comes in (you know, if your story's within the action/adventure genre).
On one hand, I know they're essential in an action script. It progresses the plot and reveals information about the character, like their personality. On the other hand, it could potentially take a page or two to get across. That ends up getting me a page or two closer to that 130 page limit, and I could still have a ton of plot progression and character interactions to get to.
You see the minor conundrum this causes me? Is there a way to handle this? Do I go into detail about the fight scenes or simply summarize them? It's tricky cause I LOVE engaging fight scenes (train scene from Spider-Man 2, anyone?) but I also want to be able to tell the whole story within the limits placed on me.
Anyone have any advice?
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Michael, you can do a storyboard of what you want the fight scene to look like first, then you can try and adapt what you've drawn into writing. It's up to you.
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Personally, I would try to condense the fight scene however write it in a way that makes a big impact within that scene. Unless you're directing, normally the director will manage how that scene will be shot and done in general.
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If there is a particular “death punch” or move that means something, put it in. Like the one leg kick thing in Karate Kid. I tend to give tone of a fight with a little outcome.
“they crawl across the floor, brawling, punching and kicking as they race for the gun”.
“they stand like concrete pillars exchanging blows, no one giving an inch”
“ each blow and kick is met with an equally experts block. Steve has a slight upper hand and is driving James back. As they get close to the bar it is obvious James is done as Steve blows are finding their targets”.
I hope this helps.
Plus keep in mind on page manipulation. If something is quick, don’t give it much page space.
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Hey mate, first off, just write your script. Use lots of description, overwrite, get it out of your head and heart. Do not worry about page length at this point. I've been calling this your "vomit pass" for 20 years. Then grab an axe and carving knife and cut it down, edit it down. Writing is really re-writing and re-writing ...
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Screenplays are leaner today so 90 to 110 is more common. You should not go into too much detail when writing a fight seen.
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Michael Cole I only go into detail about fight scenes if the details are important to the scene and characters. Otherwise, I summarize fight scenes. Here are some Action scripts you can read to see how professional writers handle fight scenes: https://thescriptlab.com/features/blog/16143-25-best-action-screenplays-...
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The one-page-per-minute rule generally applies and it takes a special skill to adapt that to action scenes.
Best tip I can give is pace your action to music when picturing it in your head. You can then extrapolate the timings in terms of 1/8s of a page.
Don't be afraid to drop a lot of sluglines in an action scene in a spec script as these take up tons of room and can ruin the pacing when cutting back and forth.
Be wary of people claiming 130pp is a reasonable script length. 120pp is pushing the limit. You want to be pushing the other way and handing in something lean that's not a burden to read.
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I'd snurf myself into John Wick scripts... one of the best mano-a-mano combat scenes in the last 10-15 years...also check out the famous bus scene from 2021 "Nobody"...pretty Wick-esse...
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@kiril. Same screenwriter for Wick and Nobody :)
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Dan MaxXx absolutely didn't knew that...but I think I've proven my hunch...wanna staffer scout? I come with a discount 'till mid December :)
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When writing fight scenes the key is pacing. If the writing is too eloquent and descriptive it can make the pace of the read slow down and the fight seem less interesting. The writing style should match the pace of the fight. If there is a moment to pause, reflect it in the writing. If a character gets blindsided by an unknown attacker, do the same in your description so the reader is taken by surprise as well.
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Hi Mike-i should not get into detail,as an fight cordinator i like to get a referens of the fight and then cordinate after the scene atmosphere mode,surroundings,environment.
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Michael. Good question. I see long drawn out fights in scripts and it doesn't work. The action should be pertinent to the plot and characters. 1. If the Hero gets the upperhand with a bully due to a unique skill (e.g. parkeur) or characteristic (blind samurai). 2. Create a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to the reader (i.e. financier, producer) so they embrace its action fun. IMO.
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Hey, Michael Cole and everyone. Check out Craig D Griffiths' video ("Writing a Fight Scene") in this post: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Writing-a-Fight-Scene-2
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This is a terrific question from a newish writer. William Martell has an entire book on writing action and I highly recommend it as it is cheap but very informative. But in short, I write action sequences based on the needs of the story. Some sequences are short references. Some are longer and choreographed by me because until someone pays me and hires a stunt coordinator that choreographed sequence is my vision for the film. I have been repeatedly praised for my action writing. Let me know if I can help you. The best way to learn is to read the scripts from films you love though. THEN develop your own style and voice.
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All great advice, L. Tom Deaver. "The best way to learn is to read the scripts from films you love though. THEN develop your own style and voice." That reminds me of something that I do. When I'm outlining a certain genre, I find and read scripts in that genre.