What is Blocking in Film?

Film blocking a scene is an important part of coordinating the actors and how they’ll work in connection with the cameras to achieve the desired look, but exactly what is blocking in film? This is a common question that many new cinematographers have when they’re just getting started on the film set. Knowing how film blocking works and what film blocking is in the film industry is important. 

What is Blocking in Film?

Film blocking, also referred to as “Blocking a Scene” is essentially the process of hammering out the details of each actor’s movements in relation to the camera or camera movements.

Similar to the way that a dance is choreographed, blocking in film is like the technical choreography of the actors and necessary extras, vehicles, crew, and equipment on the set.

In order for the production to be most efficient and effective, the entire crew and all equipment being used must work harmoniously together.

Blocking and staging in a scene is the first major step that any filmmaker or director must learn. This is the layering of all the important working parts that must come together for the success of the film.

Film blocking represents the camera placements that are considered for the scene, the camera movements, the performance of the actors, and how all of these will impact the audience. 

Performance Blocking and Stage Blocking

If you’re wondering, “What is blocking in film?” You might have heard the terms performance blocking or stage blocking rather than “film blocking” or “blocking in film.” They all essentially reference the same intricate process of determining how talent will navigate the production with the equipment that is in use.

Blocking in film can have a variety of purposes. A blocking rehearsal will help the entire crew and the cast to clarify their intentions and to visualize the intention behind every movement and activity that occurs in the scene, and in front of the camera.

It’s more than just the talent playing their part and moving throughout the scene, it’s how the talent interacts in the environment including their body language, the way that they face, how they look, what they say, how they feel, and how the other working parts (camera and crew) interact and engage. 

Why is Blocking in Film Important?

Blocking is important in film because it provides an opportunity for the crew to create a visual story that the audience can connect with. Blocking is decided before the shoot takes place, and should be practiced to ensure the blocking works.

You might block the scene and everything could look good on paper, but as you’re figuring out where your actors are going to be and how they’re going to be moving as well as how your camera will move, you might play it out and realize something doesn’t work or something is “off.”

Blocking is important because it provides you with the opportunity to figure these fine details out, before you begin shooting.

Blocking allows you to focus on all of the working parts. How will your actor move? How will the camera move in relation to the actor’s movement? What happens to framing when the camera moves in relation to the actor? What happens to the lighting? Where will continuity be with all of this?

When you ask, “What is blocking in film?” it’s essentially your opportunity to plan out sight lines, stage movement, and a variety of other parameters that are important to draw audience attention and produce the best film that you can produce!