Step into the action. Learn how movie fight scenes are made, try screen choreography, and create your own action sequence using a smartphone

About this event

Ever wondered how a movie fight scene is really made?

Action at the Crossroads invites you to step behind the camera and discover how bodies, cameras and editing come together to create action on screen.

In this free, hands-on workshop, you’ll work with experienced action practitioners to learn the basics of screen choreography, experiment with camera angles and movement, and discover how filmmakers make action look powerful, dynamic and convincing.

Then it’s your turn. Working in small groups, you’ll devise and film your own short action sequence using a smartphone. You’ll make decisions about movement, framing, performance and storytelling, turning an everyday space into your own miniature action movie.

Along the way, we’ll explore ideas drawn from martial arts and action cinema. What changes when we move from watching action to performing it? How does a camera transform an ordinary movement into something cinematic? And what happens when the audience becomes the filmmaker?

This is not about learning how to fight. It is about discovering how action is created for the screen, safely and creatively.

No martial arts, acting or filmmaking experience is required. Beginners are very welcome.

What you'll do

During the workshop, you will:

explore how action scenes are constructed in cinema

learn simple and safe action choreography

experiment with movement, timing and screen performance

discover how camera position and framing change the way action looks

use a smartphone to film an action sequence

work with other participants to develop your own creative ideas

reflect on how becoming a filmmaker changes the way you watch action cinema

Who is it for?

The workshop is particularly suited to young people and adults interested in film, martial arts, performance or creative filmmaking, including people who have never tried any of these activities before.

You do not need to be physically fit, know martial arts or own specialist filmmaking equipment.

Bring a smartphone if you have one. Participants will work collaboratively, so not everyone needs their own device.

Dates (Different venues)

Saturday 7 November 2026

Venue: WorkStation, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2BX

Time: 2:00–4:00 pm

Saturday 14 November 2026

Venue: Workroom 2 (NEW), The Diamond, The University of Sheffield, S3 7RD

Time: 2:00–4:00 pm

Parking for 7 November 2026

The venue is a short distance from the M1 Parkway and Sheffield City Centre. For sat nav users, simply type in S1 2BX. The venue can offer a 50% discount for nearby parking at Q-Parks, 72 Charles Street, Sheffield S1 2NJ if you book on-line:

Q Park pre-book code - Car park- Charles Street

Discount -50%

Code – SHWRM50

Car park web page - https: https://www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/sheffield/charles-street/

All your need to do is click on the above link and follow the prebook instructions. They will be asked to enter the above code to receive the discount and will also be asked to input their vehicle registration number and this will enable the barriers to open for them via ANPR.

They can enter and exit as many times as they like during the prebooked period without the need for any tickets.

There is also:

• street parking on Brown Street (limited space available) with some disabled parking bays next to our venue

• NCP on Sidney Street (approx. 3-minute walk)

• Q-Park Sheffield Station (approx. 4-minute walk)

• NCP on Furnival Gate (approx. 6-minute walk)

Parking for 14 November 2026

For the workshop at the Diamond, University of Sheffield, we recommend parking on Gell Street (S3 7QY) or Victoria Street (S3 7QB), both within a short walk of the venue.

Please note that parking spaces may be limited and charges may apply.

This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 5-14 November 2026. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see beinghumanfestival.org (http://beinghumanfestival.org/)

Description supplied by the event organiser.