Acclaimed director Catherine Hardwicke explains how to craft a compelling fight scene. To illustrate, she breaks down an action scene that appears in her film TWILIGHT, and then explains how she employed every filmmaking element at her disposal – shot size, framing, sound design, camera angles, and more – to create an emotionally resonant action scene. 

This video was produced in partnership with StudioBinder - Production management software for creatives and filmmakers. 

Key insights:

• Frame scenes unconventionally to engage viewers
• Dutch angles can be used to convey a sense of disorientation
• Use a close up to help put viewer in the emotional state of a character
• Talk through the lens and allow camera action to convey character’s state
• Build the stakes by creating multiple conflicts in one scene
• Build a sequence organically for a natural build up that brings the audience along
• Utilize spatial depth to add layers to your shot
• Incorporate music to add depth to a scene