blocking
BLOK-ing
/ˈɡlɒk.ɪŋ/
The precise planning and choreography of how actors move and stand on a stage or film set in relation to the camera and lighting.
Refers to the physical choreography of the scene, distinct from the actors' emotional delivery or dialogue.
The story behind the word. In early theater, directors would use small wooden blocks on a miniature map of the stage to plan out where the actors would move. This physical practice of using 'blocks' to map out movement gave rise to the term 'blocking'.
Word relationships
- choreography: Choreography usually implies dance or highly stylized movement, while blocking refers to naturalistic movement on a set.
Commonly confused with
- staging: Staging is the broader presentation of a scene, including set design and props, while blocking focuses specifically on actor movement.
Word family
- block (verb): To plan the movements of actors on a set.
Collocations
- rehearsal blocking
- camera blocking
- tight blocking
Example sentences
- "We spent the first hour of the morning on blocking, making sure the actors knew exactly where to stand for the camera's wide lens." A director explaining the rehearsal process before filming.
Memory hook
Imagine a director placing wooden 'blocks' on a map to represent where each actor should stand. Blocking: Building the scene block by block with human movement.
When not to use
Do not use to mean obstructing someone's view; in theater and film, it is a creative planning process.
Fun facts
- On modern film sets, actors' blocking positions are marked on the floor using colorful strips of tape called 'T-marks'.
Related words
Explore more words
choreography, storyboard, cinematography, stagecraft, director, cue
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