Film Blocking (It's easier than you think)

[@anthonymelendez2605]

I would love more videos like this one I'm sharing this.

[@KtmDesignz]

but make sure you dont subscribe

[@redbandmedia79]

Agreed!

[@Awytoo]

What is that film on 5.00 ?

[@Anvilshock]

And I'm sure you deliberately chose to break the rules of punctuation in that sentence, too.

[@thomasmanning9111]

@@Awytoo juno

[@stephencolor2010]

"Not boring is better than boring." Stupid simple, but a great reminder.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Greatest piece of advice I was ever taught... K eep I t S imple S tupid

[@mahzi_productions]

The cold confusion that washed over me in those last few seconds, I've never been more compelled yet divided on subscribing to a youtuber

[@thanhtammetal]

lol, same to me

[@PerMortensen]

I think it's pretty simple. Don't subscribe.

[@teidenzero]

Really well explained! I'm rediscovering my love for shooting, after 10 years of working on soul-less Hollywood movies (except maybe 1 or 2 movies I'm proud of) I have dropped it all and I'm back to the basics with my 8mm camera and pure story telling. I know the topics you are discussing, but it feels really good to go back to the "juice". Also your exposition is very clear and structured.

[@alexandrefrancofilho5041]

Which movies?

[@teidenzero]

@@alexandrefrancofilho5041 Avengers, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean, World War Z and so on... the ones I'm proud of are Blade Runner 2049, Dredd, Harry Potter 7 and Gravity

[@alexandrefrancofilho5041]

@@teidenzero damn! You should be proud of all of them

[@Mr_Kenneth]

MASTERFULLY EXPLAINED. Ive never seen a more simple amd brilliantly explanation and example of the 180 degree rule. Youve delivered a month of film school delivered in moments.

[@EpicLightMedia]

Hey thanks!!!!!

[@alex0589]

Any time people talk about blocking, i think of when Soderbergh “retired” he was so tired of normcore coverage that he said “if i see another over the shoulder shot, im going to blow my brains out” I think about that a lot.

[@nomecognome8737]

Yeah you don't necessarily have to be this pretentious innovative director who breaks all the rules and does weird things with the camera, but at the same time these rules are just not rules. If the story is good, the cinematography is on point, the acting is good, and whatever you do with the camera doesn't feel unpleasant to the eye, then nobody gives a shit if you're following the 180 degree rule, the fucking blocking and the freaking triangle. lol. Lots of aspiring filmmakers get completely lost in that, and even judge others for doing something different and mistake that for errors.

[@deanverger]

General rule of thumb … “did it work”?

[@ddfilm92]

Where did he say that

[@claywilson6149]

I must've worked on over a thousand of TV commercials in my 20 year film career . Maybe only a handful of features but i considered myself a professional film maker, even though i have no showreel or director credits . These techniques came naturally to me and I was a gifted Assistant Director / PA , blessed with many great experiences and stories to tell . However ... I have never edited in my life before and since I'm older , and maybe not so much wiser , a whole new learning curve is before me where I either need to adapt or die. Maybe, while doors close around me others open . Running into this little video has influenced a decision to start producing my own content and push harder in writing scripts. Subscribing and thanking you ! (PS: I'm Subscribing ...deal with it! LOL)

[@EpicLightMedia]

That’s wonderful! The film community needs to know your stories and listen to your wisdom!

[@claywilson6149]

@@EpicLightMedia Thank you ..yes ..it has now got me thinking . I have collected possibly hundreds of amusing antidotes and tales of film folklore from my travels as a professional idiot that it would be a shame to let them be lost in the annuls of time . Especially now as the transition to digital is complete, it's possible that the younger generation doesn't quiet understand the reverence and devotion to 'film discipline' we nurtured and, to us, made that money shot we were always chasing so worthwhile . As it got easier and cheaper for us to do a retake, the more 'we' crew got caught 'in frame' or unprepared before action was called. What used to be laughed at at wrap parties and special names given to 'offenders' was reduced to a simple "my bad" . Tales of Technospeed film cameras shooting over 2500 Fps while producers chew fingernails and DOP's reduce loaders to tears. Or the argument that the last frontiers of "movie magic" now lays in the arms of the 'Art' Dept simply because that old joke of 'fix it in post' is no longer a joke . I would love to throw in my 50c and maybe hone these wordsmithing skills i pretend to posses . I would be honored if you offered to publish my silly stories of 'shenanigans' and 'shot from the hip' philosophies alongside your videos. I can guarantee a laugh a minute and maybe even some unique insights into this evolving artform . Please let me down easy . Sincerely. Clay "Sandbags" Wilson ;-)

[@KritikV]

keep going Clay ♥️

[@ShowCat1]

Love your story here. When I turned 62 I decided to not let my interesting life and crazy experiences go to waste, so I started writing. I'm now 69 years old and have written 4 screenplays, five books, and a few magazine articles. Writing is the hardest thing I have ever done, but the most rewarding. I am now studying the movie-making business. Starting this endeavor at my age, I feel like Colonel Sanders. You never know, right? Good Luck, Clay!

[@Orangeflava]

​@kenray2000 awesome and inspiring! Where can we read or see your work?

[@suningchen]

The only channel I've seen that doesn't want people to subscribe, respect.

[@EposVox]

Great breakdown!

[@abeeeshen3852]

Whether you filmed a movie or not this is golden information at a high level. I appreciate you sharing this! :)

[@saiganesh7944]

First time watching this channel ...the video is informative , easily understandable and interesting. And I was genuinely worrying why this channel didn't has a lot of subscribers ...only at the last I realised .

[@DaveUnreally]

Also, In film it's ok to cross the line if you actually have the action of crossing the 180-degree line filmed as part of the shot. If you need to change the scene to where it makes sense that the characters switch places, film them switching places in a creative way.

[@PurposedLensPhotoMedia]

This is an EXCELLENT video! You certainly have a gift for teaching and making complex things EASY! Keep up the great work! 👍

[@EpicLightMedia]

Thanks so much!!!!

[@TheJonathanExp]

the Back To The Future example was excellent. Dinner scenes with more than 3 people are when coverage becomes tricky depending on what happens during the scenes. I'd usually do a wide master, then OTS triangle 2x between people across from each other if that makes sense. When you're in a tricky blocking/staging situation it's helpful to reference similar scene(s) i.e. a dinner scene, and see what works best to avoid disorienting the audience. For lighting, I'll nearly always 'cheat' the lighting for each OTS close-up. I'll also cheat the talent's position if needed. Great video as always!

[@boeiend100]

great, now I see triangles in every scene and that I realise that I spend my whole life watching 2 people talking

[@teacherofteachers1239]

Not boring > boring. It is great to hear someone say this explicitly. I have noticed that a hallmark of the uninteresting sort of low budget movies is that for too much of their running time they do not qualify as *motion* pictures in that they use neither the motion of acting talent nor the motion of the camera to express story dynamics. I hope to avoid this myself but it does demand attention.

[@damancandance1]

It's almost 3am and I saw the autoplay preview of this video and I'm instantly sold. Incredible . Haven't even watched ur video yet. But I already know it's bomb bro

[@ralaridientertainment1076]

Who is watching in 2023.great information.. loved the detailing done on the video

[@RobOfPsychostick]

Great video. Inspired me to make our dumb videos way better.

[@tyl8ter]

holy crap...your right..I never thought about how good that scene was in back to the future...you nailed it

[@basarat]

Excellent demo ❤️🌹

[@romanbruni]

lovely essay ! loved the blocking x staging... athough prefer to think in terms of enhancing contrast... we shot from behind to make viewer feel into the scene participating. a shot from behind in a car puts the viewer as a passenger in the back seat. it is an immersive strategy focused in emotionally connect the viewer w each character POV accumulating an attention energy to cause impact later in action scene. cheers from Rio

[@JacobVossFilms]

Very insightful with some fantastic tips. The tip regarding triangles in the frame as well as shooting the action from behind are really invaluable.

[@Omnigamer321]

It’s more than just power dynamics. Blocking and staging provide opportunities to reveal character through body language. Proximities to other characters create visual relationships and props and art direction contribute to this. You have opportunities to create visual metaphors and symbolism. Where your character moves in relation to the camera has psychological effects on the audience that are subconsciously communicated. Simply there are endless ways to create meaning in a frame. I found the easiest way to think about multiple shots combined into one where every shot is a painting, thus every shot should tell a story in a snap shot. Thanks for the video! I don’t think about creating shapes in shots nearly as much as I should.

[@TWoNaGe]

Subscribed because his call to action which proscribes good film makers should "break the rule" worked on me. Well done!

[@JianLiangg]

This is so good. Just to piss you off, I subscribed and smashed the damn bell

[@PurposedLensPhotoMedia]

Same here! This truly was an excellent video! 👍

[@AnimeZone247]

9:01 thank God you said this not a lot of ppl say that. They say do this and do that, but never at the end say it's ok to break this rule. You dont have to always follow this rule it's what the story dictates. Like the 180 rule, you can break it if the story deals with a dream and you're trying to give a sense of uncanniness. Throw a dutch angle and some weird colorful lights and you got something that could be amazing. You have to know the rules before you can break them

[@nomecognome8737]

as I said in another reply, I completely agree with this. In the end, if the movie is good because the story is good, the cinematography is good, the acting is good, nobody gives a shit about what you're doing with the camera unless it looks so weird that it ruins the experience. The majority of the audience is not made by filmmakers and don't know a single fuck about these rules, so unless it looks so bad, nobody will care as long as the movie is good.

[@BrianSellers]

Back to the Future is one of my favorite movies, too, and it's so interesting to see your breakdown of that scene in 1955 Doc's house.

[@MikaHeiskanen]

Perfect timing. I have a short film coming up where there's a lot of talking. Didn't really think much of it until now.

[@bobunitone]

Keep it in mind. Hopefully, your DP will take that load off you. Really work with the actors, make that sing.

[@channingbloom7125]

I have never seen a greater use of “reverse psychology” ever in my entire life. Screw it! I’m subbing.

[@DopelyTV]

back to the future is one of my fav movies too... my grandma introduced it to me and i was hooked ever since

[@frozenbrick]

Came for the film lessons, stayed to watch Star Wars toys being played with.

[@PurposedLensPhotoMedia]

Exactly! I got excited when I saw the little figures! 😀

[@ragnes18]

lol i came for SW toys

[@yeetus_reetus_deeleetus]

Came for the star wars figures, stayed for the film lessons

[@mattherman6189]

Thanks for this. I don't know a thing about the subject but your presentation makes me want to learn. A great balance of fun, funny, and detailed, practical info, a real-life journey, nicely packaged up. Your expertise and persona are put to excellent use here.

[@EpicLightMedia]

So kind thanks!!

[@sourabhkumarprasad9936]

I had never seen in youtube history any one who is saying this - do not subscribe ☺ u are unique sir & thanks for teaching us 😊😊

[@ChaseTheSummit]

7:16 Loved that Gerald and Potato cameo lol!

[@NicoEss]

This was the most helpful video I've seen on youtube about blocking and staging. Thank you

[@perastrol7513]

Absolute gold. I have never seen a better way to get subscribers than good content + telling viewers not to subscribe.

[@Loofrewop]

As most things in my life I'm self taught and do them in a way because they feel natural. To, later, find out that that particular thing has a reason and a name behind it. For example photography. Framing, subject, etc.. I always did in a way because it felt right. And later I found out about (for example) "rule of thirds", etc... and saw that I was doing it naturally (not saying I'm a genius, it's just a hobby) I always wondered the "concept" or "name" for Blocking and never knew what it was (granted, I never been to a specific training/college for this, always learned by myself). It's cool to find the "science" and reasoning behind it.

[@MariusIhlar]

Best channel for filmmakers currently available! ❤️

[@dr.yahyaelewa1628]

Hats lift up. If it's in my hands, I'll definitely honor you an OSCAR. Thank you so, so much.

[@anniebreeze_]

That ending made me lol. As well as Potato Jet and Gerald. Great stuff.

[@FantasticOtto]

Agreed. I`ve heard it before, but always with a twist. E.g "Who am I kidding, please subscribe, we're desperate" etc. But this just ended. Quite lovely.

[@Jonathan-wm5ju]

I dont understand how you make such amazing videos consistently. Awesome stuff man, thanks!

[@gilltim5711]

Excellent explanation on blocking. Best I've ever seen. Well done.

[@OfficialDragerMusic]

Wow this was super informative, love your videos so much!

[@CK3DPRINTS]

Gerald would be flattered that you called him an "actor" ( also, this video was insanely helpful. disliked, and unsub'd )

[@yuvrajwadhwani]

You were subscribed!! Traitor!!

[@CK3DPRINTS]

@@yuvrajwadhwani 😅

[@GTshortStories]

Great work and breakdown. These basic fundamentals will help any one looking to pic up a camera and shoot a story.

[@mcrumph]

I would suggest watching Moviewise's channel & his take on Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet. So many of the scenes seem to be a perfectly choreographed dance between the actors & the camera. Simply wonderful. Blocking the way it should be done. No wonder I'm so bored with contemporary movies.

[@ShowCat1]

"Don't subscribe to our channel." I saw what you did there. New sub. BTW, this was the best explanation of film blocking that I have heard. You took all the mystery and misery out of it. Thanks.

[@EpicLightMedia]

Thanks so much!!!!! This video was fun to make

[@yojacq]

ty

[@eimafilms5405]

Narrator: "Don't break the 180° rule!" Bong Joon-ho: "Hold my beer."

[@FantasticOtto]

Or "Hold my bong."

[@Kawabata_Akira]

@@FantasticOtto Hold my soju

[@kripachakraborty55]

When did he broke the rule??

[@Kawabata_Akira]

@@kripachakraborty55 When he was a teenager, he fell and broke it

[@FantasticOtto]

@@kripachakraborty55 Once instance is during the driving scene in Parasite when Ki-taek chauffeurs Dong-ik. During the conversation Ki-taek is filmed from the right, while Dong-ik is filmed from the left. This is intentional and helps intensify the separation between the two.

[@jooaquin]

I’ve suscribed just because you told me not to! Thanks for the awesome video and for not telling me what to do like every other channel!

[@jumabannister]

Fantastic! Very practical and useful.

[@vladrapchan5330]

This is a VERY good video, my friend! Almost as professional as owning an Alexa! Learned a lot!

[@lewispotts]

Such a great vid guys!

[@EpicLightMedia]

Thanks for stopping by!!!! I would love to see a video from you about this topic. I’m sure you have good insights

[@TarkshyaPictures]

thanks for the tutorial

[@HowWeLandscape]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this! . Watching films is one of my favourite things. Great insight!

[@stephanosdoulos]

You ruined me for ever half-sleeping thru a movie in the future. Never even thought about blocking before. Now I’ll be watching for these cues all the way to the end, never mind the time of nite.

[@narrtaslin2024]

Nahhhhh stop the “I stepped on my glasses” had me rolling after the quick setup lmfaooooo

[@henrique2k]

Your reverse psychology worked on me. I just subscribed.

[@BeyondPhotography]

thank you for making this very useful video

[@samstouchmedia8285]

I love you bro, best teacher ever. Keep up the great job

[@therealjamesb]

I love that you have me looking MUCH closer at lighting and framing now. 2:25 and 4:45 is almost laughable - I mean, how close have you ever stood to a light? I think I know what they were going for, but talk about awkward! :)

[@mrnessss]

Your channel is the best!

[@JoeDelory]

Fantastic. I have seen creative solutions in order to cross over 180 degree rule. But needs to be fully coordinated and planned. Or else it will be confusing for the auditions to look at And they start to think about the clip rather than the main message/purpose with the scene.

[@ruedrolet]

Nice summary of the issues involved in shooting a scene, thanks! I think the staging aspect got lost in the diorama explanation, which seemed to focus only on blocking and lighting, im guessing that once the actors leave and the blocking is set, the dp and director choose which shots they will get and once the shots are determined, then lighting takes place.

[@EpicLightMedia]

Good point

[@4rjohny5]

awesome video! one small point though, at 7:45 you forgot to mention the actors are needed during blocking. Your commercials look great btw! Do you have a video on how to land commercial gigs?

[@rainingwavesmedia5156]

I started my own media channel. i remember when this channel had less than 70k subs! It can't be helped if you keep teaching everyone to make great work.

[@EpicLightMedia]

Thanks!!

[@zez_gval]

This was very helpful, thank you. I feel like in time this is something that will become completely instinctive, but for beginners is important to worry about it.

[@willcrespo24]

Excellent video, please keep this style coming.

[@ismaelkipyegonbett7921]

I love your content; more importantly I like how you deliver it. .....and I subscribed months ago.

[@wesleyh1493]

I truly am getting results from your teaching. Thanks for sharing this new video. Love the style.

[@5020maine]

That was awesome myself being a local actor I’ve seen some of those mistakes by some beginners in film making

[@DamoCovey]

A fun tip - for the mini-characters in the diorama, use a tiny camera like the 360 GO 3 to preview what the angles actually look like…

[@jackstevensbass]

Love the Gerald Undone/Potato Jet cameos.

[@haveahobby8243]

I liked the do not sub at the end. Not quite reverse psychology but it made me consider the idea of subscribing for longer than I would have, enough for me to decide that I want to subscribe. Very witty. Ps. Great information and well presented.

[@piusgyagenda]

Film making videos are lovely 💯💯💯💯 #Ugandan

[@LarsGoldbachDP]

Your videos became excessively great!!!! Thanks and keep that energy

[@asapfilms2519]

Blocking Put the camera and make the frame. Only actors, director, DOP will be on the set and no body else. Then block the scene. Meaning , you decide where the actors will stand and then what will be their action. After you have decided the blocking. Then the actors go for the costume and make up, and the DOP, art director and gaffer do the lighting, and art setup. Then the actors come back and we do a couple of rehearsals. After everything is tweaked to satisfaction. We start recording the scene. Sadly no director in Delhi does this.

[@m.williams.actor7]

Thank you very much for this. As an actor it really helps understanding things from this point of view.

[@MAD42]

very cool. thank you for sharing!

[@MaiElizabeth]

This one helps a lot in understanding composition

[@matildastanford7019]

Given me plenty of food for thought. l'm currently working on an animated series based on a novel series. Staging and blocking is as crucial for animations. Already subscribed. Even if l wasn't, l'd still sub, not just out of sheer oppostional defiance.

[@VAT_valueaddedtalks]

WHAAAAAT?!!!? I LOVE THIS 😫😫 I’m moving from photography to videography so this is great for me

[@MrElod73]

Great video! I don't love the idea that with the walk and stop the talent stops because the camera has reached the end of the track though. Camera movement should be motivated by the action on screen, not the other way around. I think that's an important thing to note and the way that was said implies the opposite.

[@renstarhurst3302]

Wish they had more videos like this...GREAT JOB!!!!!

[@indivisinity]

Reverse psychology worked...cause I just subscribed

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Excellent dissertation, TY

[@mrkumaran]

Damn I subscribed.....lol, enjoyed the video. BTW, did you film this video with an URSA mini pro?

[@hsuchenhan7857]

Best Film Blocking video, thanks

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Love love this video, esp with the star wars toys

[@jeremytome]

Always great stuff coming from you guys.

[@_trismegistus]

I love these tutorials from Eric Wareheim.

[@EpicLightMedia]

Wow…I would say I’m honored but he is ugly. So… thanks?

[@aaproductions3245]

Sir can you make a vedio on how to deal with every day production for the shoot about how to maintain the shedule of a day plannning sirr

[@azlanarainkhan4549]

Hi this is Azlan Arain khan cinematographer and Director from Bollywood.in Indian film I like your Teaching stlye good brilliant knowledge.Epic media thanks.

[@EpicLightMedia]

Wow!!!! Thanks!!!!!

[@parisbreakfast]

Really useful perspective. Thanks

[@longshotvisuals2252]

So good I watched it twice!

[@ferstewart]

This is the best channel! I love it. Thank you for the great content!

[@AMPATL]

Like your tips. Like your delivery. Subbed.

[@johndoe-is2fw]

professional door blocker here. video was helpful

[@romanazuara]

I'm your fan, love your videos so much!

[@EpicLightMedia]

Hey!!!! Thanks so much!!