Planning the precise movement of the artist, actors, and camera within each scene before filming starts.
BlockingPlanning the precise movement of the artist, actors, and cam... is worked out by the directorThe creative lead of the music video. They develop the conce... and DP together, often during a recceShort for reconnaissance. A location visit by the director, ... or at the start of each setupA specific camera and lighting configuration for a particula... on shoot day. Good blockingPlanning the precise movement of the artist, actors, and cam... makes performances feel natural and ensures everything is in the right place for the camera.
Blocking in the real world
In Spike Jonze’s Weapon of Choice (2001), Christopher Walken’s movement through the hotel was not improvised. Jonze blocked each section of the hotel choreography in advance with Walken, deciding which corridors to use, where the camera would be, and when Walken would interact with specific architectural features like escalators and balconies.
Related terms
StoryboardA series of sketched panels showing the key shots or scenes ..., Shot listA detailed, practical list of every shot the director plans ..., DirectorThe creative lead of the music video. They develop the conce..., Director of Photography (DP)The head of the camera and lighting departments. The DP tran..., SetupA specific camera and lighting configuration for a particula...