Action Scene

Camera movement

Camera movement is one of the fundamental techniques that filmmakers use to create a sense of urgency and action.

Hand Held Tracking shots can make the viewer feel like part of the action

Shaky Cam - more than just hand held - this is when the camera work is deliberately shaky to disorientate the audience, add to the confusion

Dolly in. Action films are often filled with witty one-liners - these lines are usually accompanied by a dolly in. Combine the dolly in with a low angle and you’ve got the perfect shot to make your characters seem heroic.

Zip pan - quick pans which results in blurring—are often used in action sequences and to mask the transition between two shots. 

Close-up action - filming action in close-up (combined with shaky cam and fast editing) can end up giving an impression of what is happening, with actually show it.

Jump Cuts - can add impact to an action, as well as disorientate the audience

Dutch Angles - this technique is often used to create a sense of disequilibrium. Canting combined with a dolly in is often used in action films to create a dynamic and highly stylised shot. 

Orbital camera. The 'Michael Bay' camera movement has almost become a cliche of the action genre. Often used to create a sense of disequilibrium, or heroism... depending on the situation!

Fast Zoom - can add intensity to 

Editing

Repeat cut. The repeat cut—when a dramatic moment in the film is repeated from different angles—is another editing technique that action directors can use to ramp up the action. 

Slow Motion - heightens the emotion in any scene!

Speed ramping. The use of slow motion has been a staple of action films for decades. More recently, however, filmmakers have started becoming more stylised in their use of slow motion using a technique known as speed ramping which, in one continuous shot, shows the action slowing down and dramatically speeding again. 

Wipe by cut. A wipe by cut is when someone passes in front of the camera lens and the filmmaker cuts to another shot as someone leaves the frame. 

Fast editing. Like writing short sentences in a story, fast edits raises the excitement.

Music. 

Of course, decent action music is a must if you’re going to create a heart pounding action sequence.