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Person filming action movie in living room

Best action movies

how to stage a killer action sequence in your living room

By Jackie Chan

Published: 23 Feb 2025

The Unexpected Inspiration: My Living Room and a Jar of Pickles

Let me set the scene: it's a Tuesday night. I'm knee-deep in leftover takeout containers (again!), and my brain is desperately trying to brainstorm a new blog post. I swear, sometimes writer's block hits harder than a Jackie Chan roundhouse kick. Suddenly, my gaze falls on a half-empty jar of pickles sitting on the counter. Then, it hit me--the perfect blog topic. How about staging action sequences at home? Yep, using my humble living room as my set. Sound crazy? Well, just wait until you see what we can accomplish!

living room interior with a jar of pickles on the counter | Image: Supplied

Setting the Stage: Props, Positioning, and Pizzazz

First things first: your living room needs some character. Think beyond your grandma's floral sofa. We need to create an exciting environment. Scatter some throw pillows strategically. Those fluffy cushions can become explosive devices. (Please don't actually try to blow them up; that would be very unwise). A stack of books can be a makeshift barricade—or a weapon to hurl at a bad guy. Use whatever you've got; let your creativity flow! I even used some old curtains once to create a dramatic backdrop! Get creative! Don't be afraid to experiment!

living room arranged for a movie scene | Image: Supplied

The Action Begins: Choreographing Your Fight Scenes

The real magic happens when you start to choreograph. Imagine your living room as the ultimate fighting arena. I know it sounds ridiculous, but stay with me. A well-placed jump over the sofa followed by a perfectly timed 'punch' can make for a hilariously awesome scene. Start slow, learn some basic fight moves from online tutorials, and then adapt them to your space. Practice, practice, practice! Once I messed up a move and nearly took out the TV, let me tell you, it was not pretty. Be careful not to destroy your house in the name of your awesome movie!.

person practicing martial arts in a living room | Image: Supplied

Lights, Camera, Action (and Snacks): Filming Your Masterpiece

Now's where the real fun begins. Grab your phone or camera, and start filming your action sequence. I recommend shooting multiple takes. Sometimes the best takes happen unexpectedly. Don't forget sound effects! Nothing adds a dramatic flair like a perfectly timed 'whoosh' or a cartoonish 'pow!' The funnier you are, the better. Oh, and snacks are essential. Filming is hard work. I usually keep a supply of those awesome spicy noodles nearby. Yummy!

person filming an action sequence in their living room | Image: Supplied

Editing: The Final Flourish

Once you have footage, it's time to edit your masterpiece. Nowadays, there are tons of user-friendly video editing apps you can use, even on your phone. Add some snazzy sound effects. I am not a pro, and I use free apps! It's great fun. Remember, it's okay to have some bloopers. Bloopers are part of life, and they can even make for the best moments. Embrace them! This process is all about having fun. So relax, enjoy the ride, and share your creation with the world—or just your friends!

person editing a video on a laptop | Image: Supplied

Beyond the Basics: Adding Flair and Professionalism

Want to go above and beyond? Get creative with your camera angles. Experiment with slow motion. If you have some extra cash, you can invest in some affordable lighting equipment. Nothing fancy is needed. Just some affordable lights will help your video quality. It helps. You can even learn some basic video editing techniques to make it look more polished. You don't need to be a professional film editor to make your home videos look amazing. The key is to learn the basics and have fun experimenting!

video editing software interface | Image: Supplied

Share your action-packed living room adventures with the world! Upload to YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram—wherever your audience hangs out. Remember to use relevant hashtags, making it easier for people to find your video. I always try to add funny and descriptive hashtags to my videos. They make my videos popular. Give it a try. Who knows? Maybe your living room action sequence will go viral!