Filmmakers Academy – Blocking Theory

15 Lessons | 3+ hours of instructional videos

• Blocking Theory is essential to anything from commercials and music videos to short films, television shows, and feature films. The understanding and mastery of blocking is what truly makes great directors and cinematographers. Blocking is not only based on character and direction but the emotions that motivate them.
• This course was designed by Shane Hurlbut, ASC to help open your mind to various forms of theory applied to real scenarios. For instance, you will discover how blocking is structured around your lighting, which in turn informs you on where to place the camera and lights. If you have ever found blocking to be a daunting task, this course will pad you with invaluable techniques and reveal how to work with static cameras, handheld, gimbals, and dollies to give you confidence and take your creativity to a whole other level!

Module 1 — Blocking Theory: Into the Badlands

• On Set: Camera Movement to Enhance Character Development
• On Set: Challenges of Blocking Night Interiors
• On Set: How Focal Lengths Assist Character Development

Module 2 — Blocking Theory: Fathers & Daughters

• On Set: Using a Dolly to Block a Scene
• On Set: Understanding Camera Placement
• On Set: How to Block & Light Small Locations: Part 1
• On Set: How to Block & Light Small Locations: Part 2
• On Set: What Handheld Camera Tells and Audience

Module 3 — The Mechanics

• Cinematography: Day Interiors Vol II: Actor Blocking
• Blocking & Matching Coverage

Module 4 — Three Camera Blocking Theory

• On Set: How to Block & Light for Three Cameras: Part 1
• On Set: How to Block & Light for Three Cameras: Part 2
• On Set: Set Lighting for Three Cameras

Module 5 — One-Shot Blocking Theory

• On Set: How to Plan, Plot & Execute One-Shot Sequences: Part 1
• On Set: How to Plan, Plot & Execute One-Shot Sequences: Part 2