Lecture Notes on Blocking and Staging in Filmmaking

Introduction

• Importance of making scenes interesting in movies, especially dialogue.
• Blocking: Positioning and movements of actors.
• Staging: Involves camera positioning relative to actors.

Filming Techniques

Triangle Method

• Wide Shot: Initial shot.
• Over-the-Shoulder Shots: From both sides to complete the triangle.
• Used for simple and quick filming.

Advanced Blocking and Staging

• Power Dynamics: Identify winners and losers in a scene.
  • Winners: Standing, looming.
  • Losers: Sitting, lower positioning.
• Shapes and Lines: Use of actor positioning to guide audience focus and interest.
• Movement: Actors should move every 20-30 seconds to maintain interest.
  • Example: Characters walking to enhance visual storytelling.

Coverage and Master Shots

Moving Master

• A wide shot that moves to create interest.
• Followed by coverage shots like medium shots and close-ups.

Practical Example

• Back to the Future: Effective use of blocking with dynamic actor movements.

Staging Tips

• Behind the Action: Shooting from behind for better lighting and dynamic framing.
• Common Framing Mistakes
  • 180 Degree Rule: Don't cross the line between two actors to avoid visual confusion.
  • Stacking Actors: Each actor should have their own space, avoid overlap.

Blocking Procedure

1. Blocking: Director, DP, and key personnel plan the scene.
2. Lighting: DP adjusts lighting with stand-ins.
3. Rehearsal: Actors rehearse, adjustments made.
4. Filming: Capturing the final scene.

Breaking the Rules

• Learning rules is essential, but rules can be broken for good reasons.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding blocking and staging for filmmaking.
• Encouragement to explore more educational content on filmmaking.

• Note: The speaker has experience in TV commercials, not filmmaking.