Staging and Choreography
(c) Peter D. Marshall
Over the past 20 years, I have read many books and articles on
Film Directing. As I read, I underline or yellow certain
sentences or paragraphs that contain valuable information. I then
take these marked sentences and type them into a Quick Reference
Directing file on my computer where I sort them into specific
categories, print them out and keep them in my binder for quick
reference.
The following list contains just a few of the “rules and
guidelines” that I have accumulated over the years. To review
Part One, visit: https://www.actioncutprint.com/ezine-7.html
STAGING AND CHOREOGRAPHY – dramatic use of the camera and
cinematic techniques to illuminate the truth
1) Staging Space
– stage across the frame (left to right / right to left)
– in-depth staging (FG to BG / BG to FG)
– circular staging
2) Staging Methods
– zone (organize isolated groups or individuals in the same
location)
– man to man (organize according to the movement of the
subjects)
3) Staging Techniques
– static camera
– moving camera
– static subjects
– moving subjects
4) Basic Camera Movement
– move for emphasize (camera approaches the actor)
– move to emphasize one subject in a group
– transferring attention from one subject to another
– connecting and introducing movement (from one space or another)
5) Shot Plan (where the camera is placed)
– whose POV is being expressed
– what distance are we from the subject (size of shot)
– what is our relationship to the subject (angle of view)
– are we comparing points-of-view (cutting or moving the camera)
6) Narrative (specific action described in the script
– narrative logic ( following action of one or more characters)
– eye contact (where an actor looks)
– shot size (closer the size, the greater the intimacy)
7) Dramatic Emphasize (elements which colour our emotional
understanding of scene)
– primary concern is shot size and the placement of the
subjects in the frame
8) Pictoral Considerations
– composition, framing, lighting, lenses
9) The Dramatic Circle of Action
– place the camera in the action
– place the camera outside the action
Copyright (c) 2000 Peter D. Marshall / All Rights Reserved
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