How to Block a Scene for Film
For an aspiring cinematographer, learning how to block a scene for film is equal parts terrifying as it may be frustrating, especially if you’re new to the process. However, blocking a scene is a vital process in which the relation between the actor’s movements to the camera are worked out so that the choreography is prepared in advance of the shoot.
Without proper shot blocking and scene blocking, the Director risks wasting valuable shooting time on the set.
Learning how to block a scene for film can be established in five essentially steps:
- Blocking
- Lighting
- Rehearsal
- Adjustment
- Shoot
Let’s take a look at how to block a scene for film using these 5 considerations.
1. Blocking
Blocking the scene is all about establishing the actor’s movements in relation to the camera. As you’re blocking the scene, you should be carefully planning your shot list as this is your map which outlines the desired path your character and camera will take.
Allow the actors to act the scene out, and then offer suggestions on camera placement to ensure appropriate blocking.
Remember, blocking a scene is like building a puzzle. Every piece needs to work together in order for the finished project to be just right. Keep working out the different puzzle pieces until the scene works – all elements.
2. Lighting
Once you’ve established the appropriate position of the first camera and the actors on the set, it’s time to light the set. The lighting should be carefully planned based on the desired camera placement and character placement within the scene.
Remember, placement of each puzzle piece is important to ensure the process goes unhitched. This is your chance to make changes, without making major interruptions to the process.
3. Rehearse
Rehearsal with the camera and first set-up of actors and crew is important. As you’re learning how to block a scene for film, rehearsal should be one of your most prized times — why?
Because this is your chance to see how all of the puzzle pieces are working together on the set and to refine the process. You’re almost certain to have adjustments that you want to make once you’ve rehearsed the process at least once — that’s okay!
4. Adjustments
Anything that you noticed during rehearsal that should be changed can be done now. Make adjustments to your lighting, camera placement, actor placement or prop placement now. This is your chance to fine tune your scene. Make it count.
5. Shoot
Once you’ve figured out how to block a scene for film and you have rehearsed the process as well as made adjustments to the process, you should be getting close to completion. It’s time to shoot the scene!
Shooting the first scene, and then repeating the process of blocking each scene from start to rehearsal to shoot will be your next step. Keep the puzzle flowing, the pieces coming together, and the scenes being shot!