How To: Stage a Fight Scene – Props and Weapons | Full Sail University

When you bring props and weapons into the mix while filming a fight scene, safety is always the number one concern. You want to make sure the action looks as authentic as possible while always keeping the safety of actors and crew in mind.

In this how to video, our host Katelyn takes you behind the scenes of the sci-fi short film ‘New Human’ to show you how to stage a fight scene while using prop weapons.

Expert fight choreographer Robert Herrick starts the conversation by describing breakaway glass and how it is used to sell the action to the audience while maintaining safety on set. With multiple types of breakaway glass, it is important to pick the right type to match the desired action of the scene. For example, glass made of thin plastic can shatter into large pieces on impact whereas candy glass breaks into smaller shards.

Up next, Robert shows you how ordinary furniture can be transformed into ready-to-be-smashed prop furniture through scoring. Using this technique, a film crew can turn store-bough furniture into breakaway set elements used for stunts. Scoring isn’t just for furniture! Integrating drywall structures into your set and scoring it allows you to create a destructive environment anywhere you shoot.

When it comes to prop weapons, you can never be too careful – even plastic and retractable prop knives can be dangerous. To decrease the risk of injury, dull your prop knives, use body protection, and get creative with camera angles.

Follow along as we give you more tips on how to stage a fight scene for film.

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