What scene work tools can be learned from martial arts?

In this slightly unusual episode of Draft Zero (but also incredibly on brand), Stu and philosopher swordsperson Damon Young discuss how the lessons they have learned from martial arts can be applied to scenes. In particular, they discuss how approaching an opponent in a sword fight can be analogous to how characters approach conflict, such as: the distance between the characters, who chooses to engage first, how to feint, how to lure an attack by leaving yourself vulnerable, etc.

They reference classic conflicts such as Clarice interviewing Dr. Lecter in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, when Miranda puts down Andrea in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, and the final showdown between Obi-Wan and Darth Maul in the animated series THE CLONE WARS.

You can find Damon Young here:

Website: https://www.damonyoung.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonayoung/
Mastodon: https://mas.to/@damonyoung

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND.

RELATED EPISODES

DZ-29: Showdowns & Scene Structure: draft-zero.com/2016/dz-29/
DZ-84: Choices & Decisions 1: http://draft-zero.com/2021/dz-84/
DZ-84: Choices & Decisions 2: http://draft-zero.com/2021/dz-85/

This episode is brought to you by our awesome Patreons, especially Alexandre, Casimir, Eduardo, Jennifer, Thomas, Garrett, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis, Alex, and Khrob.

Please considering rating or subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts or sharing us on the Social Medias! We like finding new listeners. We are @stuwillis, and @chasffisher on twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.

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DZ-100: Scenes through Swords

Draft Zero: a screenwriting podcast