The 10 Step Actor/Director Blocking Process
The main objective of this 10 Step Blocking Process is to let actors discover their initial movements (blocking) on the set by themselves first with only minimal notes from the director. This process leads to motivated actor movement and creates more believable performances.
1. Running Lines: The actors get together and “run their lines” (read the scene) before they arrive on the set. This is a very important first step when blocking actors because if the actors have been in the previous scene, they will need time to get their heads into the new scene as quickly as possible. By having them run their lines before bringing them to the set, they will also be better prepared for the first blocking.
2. Set Logistics: This is where you simply show them around the set and point out the various elements they need to know about for this particular scene. For example, you can show them the furniture they may want to use or point to the door where they exit the scene, or the window they can look out if they want to.
3. First Blocking: You allow the actors to explore the scene by themselves first by showing the actors where they start the scene. You do not want to give them too much direction now because the objective of this first blocking is to see what the actors have already prepared before you start giving them notes.
4. First Notes: Before you block any scene you must have completed your scene analysis, know your blocking plan and the shots you want to use to cover the scene. Then, after watching the first blocking, you will be able to adjust the actors more easily based on what they have just shown you and what you require for the scene.
5. Second Blocking: The actors go through the scene again, this time incorporating your first blocking notes. It’s usually during this second blocking that the actors and director will get a sense of what the scene is really about and how the actor’s movement will appear on screen.
6. Second Notes: You give more detailed notes to the actors. By this point in the blocking process the actors are becoming more comfortable with the staging of the scene and have a better understanding of their character objectives and motivations. You will also be in a better position to move them to specific places on the set for camera positions and lighting.
7. Third Blocking: The actors go through the scene for a third time incorporating the second blocking notes from the director.
8. Blocking for Marks: The actors run the scene for the DOP so “stop marks” (tape) can be placed on floor. This is the last part of the blocking process when the actor’s block the scene again but pause at the various positions they stopped on the set so tape marks can be put at their feet.
9. Describe All Shots: When the actors positions have been marked, the Director and DOP discuss a) how many set-ups the Director has for the scene b) the best order to shoot them c) and what the first set-up will be. The actors walk through the scene again (“stops-and-starts”) so the Director and DOP and can decide on the different camera positions they need to shoot the scene.
10. Choose the First Shot: The first camera set-up for the scene (usually the widest shot or the master shot) is chosen by the DOP with the actors still present. (The DOP will always know the quickest and most efficient way of shooting any scene, so it’s in the director’s best interest to let the DOP choose the shooting order since the majority of time spent on a set is used for lighting and camera placement.)
Copyright (c) 2020 Peter D. Marshall / All Rights Reserved
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