What is Blocking?

We put the chapter on blocking next to movement because they are essentially the same thing. Blocking is a term that can be used several ways. Blocking refers to the written instructions of a director, as in “The blocking calls for Bob to sit after that line.” It also is the means by which the process is developed, as in “This afternoon we will finish blocking scene three.” In theatre, the term staging is often used to convey these ideas. Blocking in TV and film also refers to moving cameras (or actors) in a screen scene. Often in sitcoms, for example, one day may be set aside just for camera blocking after the cast blocking has been refined in a camera-less rehearsal hall. We prefer to use the term blocking because it covers the movements of cameras as well as actors. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.