Drawing on a career of action in films like Man Who Feels No Pain, viral hits like Rope-A-Dope and Blindsided, and game series like God of War and Mortal Kombat, Eric Jacobus delivers a tech-agnostic guide that prioritizes the timeless “human universals” of physiology, psychology, and relationships over the latest gear trends.
This masterclass maps the complete Action Ecosystem, demonstrating how to synthesize performance, choreography, camerawork, and editing to create maximum cinematic impact regardless of your equipment. By focusing on the soul of movement and the meaning of action, Badass on a Budget proves that you don’t need a Hollywood budget to start making epic action films.
Logline
Veteran stuntman and action filmmaker Eric Jacobus (God of War, Man Who Feels No Pain) delivers a tech-agnostic, philosophically grounded roadmap for zero-budget filmmakers to achieve high-impact action by mastering the “human universals” of physiology, psychology, and human relationships.
Synopsis
Badass on a Budget is a masterclass for the “Zero-Budget Action Filmmaker” (ZBAF) by veteran action designer Eric Jacobus, who draws on decades of experience from viral hits (Rope-A-Dope and Blindsided) to indie feature film production (Contour and Death Grip) to global franchises (God of War and Mortal Kombat). Rejecting gear-centric trends, Jacobus focuses on tech-agnostic “human universals”—physiology, psychology, and relationships—to provide a holistic framework for a high-impact “Action Ecosystem” where performance, choreography, camera, and editing work in perfect synergy. The guide explores the neuroscience of creativity through “Open” and “Closed” states, introduces “Storeo” as a narrative scaffolding for choreography, and details technical execution through the “Five Stages of Movement.” Beyond the lens, the book emphasizes the critical “Director-DP marriage,” resilient set culture, creating the “overnight assembly” to build cast momentum, and how you should never chase the “perfect cut” of your film. By addressing the entire lifecycle of a project—from the physical strain of production to the existential “Hangover” of completion—Jacobus offers a timeless, philosophically grounded roadmap for any artist looking to transform minimal resources into a viral masterpiece
In 2025 Jacobus published his best-selling book “If These Fists Could Talk: A Stuntman’s Unflinching Take on Violence,” which delves into the intersection of violence and art. He is an avid researcher and regularly speaks at conferences on topics ranging from the science of violence to the anthropology of martial arts cinema.
eBook and Paperback link
(https://www.amazon.com/Badass-Budget-Timeless-Zero-Budget-Filmmakers-ebook/dp/B0GXGM52FL)
Cover (Click to download full resolution cover):
Photos of the author:
Documents
Badass on a Budget manuscript (please contact for password)
Additional Information
Eric’s hit action-comedy, Rope-A-Dope
Eric’s hit action-comedy Blindsided: The Game
Eric’s Work on God of War Ragnarök
Praise for Badass on a Budget:
“I consider Eric Jacobus to be a truly unique talent in the world of action cinema. With his encyclopedic knowledge of action and martial arts films, he brings passion and commitment to every project. In the low-budget independent realm, Eric is undoubtedly one of the most inventive action stars and filmmakers out there. His creativity and skill as an action performer in projects like Rope-a-Dope and Blindsided were awe-inspiring to me. Watching Eric in action is always amazing, so I can’t think of a better guy to write a book about it.”
– Scott Adkins, Actor (Prisoner of War, John Wick 4, Ip Man 4)“Even when I look back on my own experience, most of the shots that audiences found interesting were born out of ingenuity and creativity in overcoming desperate, make-or-break situations on set. In any film, you ultimately run out of money and time. But there’s no need to worry—most of the answers can be found in this book!”
– Kenji Tanigaki, Director & Action Designer (The Furious, Rurouni Kenshin)Having had the privilege of working with Eric on a very low-budget film, I can say without hesitation that he is probably one of the rare people capable of creating thrilling, high-quality action using little more than bodies and imagination, two resources he has proven, throughout his career, can take you very far.
– Olivier Godin, Director (Don’t Forget the Oatmeal)“I’ve worked with Eric and found him to be the consummate professional with an exceptional, unique arsenal of choreography. In Badass on a Budget, he finally shares the secrets behind that fresh, fast-paced, and unexpected style. For any filmmaker tired of the ‘same old same old,’ this book is a refreshing masterclass in action design from a true indie pioneer.”
– JJ Perry, Director (Day Shift)“Eric Jacobus has a unique, fresh, and unexpected arsenal of choreogra-phy. On The Man Who Feels No Pain, he coached me—an actor with zero martial arts training—to play a world-class fighter safely and convinc-ingly. He knows the perfect balance of when to push and when to protect. I’ve never trusted anyone this much before or since. This book is an es-sential resource for anyone serious about action design.”
— Gulshan Devaiah, Actor (The Man Who Feels No Pain)“Success isn’t magic—it’s about 5% talent and a relentless 95% of hard work and smart planning. Eric stands at the top tier of performers in the American martial arts film world. What he delivers in this book isn’t just advice—it’s a battle-tested blueprint. Whether you’re aiming to create action films, martial arts cinema, or any kind of movie, this guide lays out exactly what it takes to get there.”
– Isaac Florentine, Director (Undisputed II & III, Close Range)“BOAB is a heartfelt & insightful read, with interesting filmmaking experiences and processes from the mind of Eric Jacobus. Eric is a pioneer & mentor amongst indie filmmakers and aspiring stunt performers, and his collaborative and no-nonsense approach to action filmmaking is a great tool for those wondering how to better understand & elevate their own personal craft.”
– Emmanuel Manzanares, Action Designer (Titans, Judas and the Black Messiah)“When it comes to encyclopedic knowledge and insight into the history and creation of cinematic action sequences worldwide, Eric Jacobus is peerless. His years of passionate film consumption, in-depth cross-cultural research, and practical on-set experience make him the ideal author for this subject. Anyone with an interest in action films and filmmaking will benefit from owning this book.”
– Jude Poyer, Action Designer & Stunt Coordinator (Havoc & Gangs of London)“The Eric Jacobus oeuvre has a foundation of “zero budget action filmmaking,” but the career he’s built from that is what is so impressive and inspiring to aspiring “zero budget action filmmakers.” He did it, and he did it better than almost anyone out there, and he’s showing us that we can do it too with Badass on a Budget. Jacobus is an unsung hero of the low budget action realm, and his new book is a treasure map for anyone looking to begin their quest in building everything from almost nothing.”
– David j. Moore, author of The Good, the Tough, and the Deadly: Action Movies and Stars and the Chance & Gamble action adventure novels.