Why is Jackie Chan the master of action comedy? (Notice I didn't ask whether or not he is, because he most certainly is.)

His films, from Supercop to Police Story, demonstrate his unique brand of filmmaking — a blend of slapstick comedy, action-packed fight scenes, and the impeccable timing of both.

In this video essay, Tony Zhou offers up a fun exploration of Jackie Chan's filmography and filmmaking style, digging into the elements the multihyphenate utilizes in his work, as well as revealing an interesting comparison between American and Chinese approaches to working with Jackie.

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9 Principles of Action Comedy

1. Start with a DISADVANTAGE
2. Use the ENVIRONMENT
3. Be CLEAR in your shots
4. Action & Reaction in the SAME frame
5. Do as many TAKES as necessary
6. Let the audience feel the RHYTHM
7. In editing, TWO good hits = ONE great hit
8. PAIN is humanizing
9. Earn your FINISH

There are so many great lessons to take away from Zhou's video essay, but one thing that is especially helpful for screenwriters is this: make your hero vulnerable and allow them to struggle to overcome obstacles. This ensures that their win is deserved, which makes these types of fight scenes worth watching.

Many action films, even if they have elements of comedy in them, fail to incorporate these elements. They have a hero who is clearly stronger than their opponents, making them virtually unstoppable, which leads to a victory that was seen coming before the first punch was even thrown.

That isn't a fun experience for the audience nor for the reader of a screenplay. The stakes aren't there — we aren't wondering whether or not the hero will make it out of this one alive. We know they will. And because we know that, the fight scene, regardless of how cool the stunts are or how big the explosions are, is entirely boring.

So, take a page out of Jackie Chan's action comedy playbook and go write the best fight scenes of your life!