How a Director Stages and Blocks a Scene

[@TheGreatResist]

Now, THAT is a Filmmaking class!

[@aarongrooves]

This type of video needs some sort of super-like option. Or "recommend-worthy." Just unbelievable! Thx Filmmaker IQ. You've got a new fan!!

[@909sickle]

"If you want to be a filmmaker, you've got to make films." I wish I could convince my aspiring filmmaker friends of this. Everyone seems to think, "If you want to be a filmmaker, you need lots of really expensive equipment, a big budget for actors and sets, and your rent to be prepaid for 2 years."

[@FilmmakerIQ]

And then there's the KZbin Community who thinks all you need to do be a filmmaker is watch some videos or capture some game footage.

[@moi6torres953]

And I want to be an actor , let’s make it happen ?

[@kungpowtheater6856]

You have to prove yourself first, somehow, either by writing scripts or making your own movies or short films. At the end of the day, making movies is a business and the people who put money into want to mimize risk. You need to somehow show these people you know what you're doing and that requires a portfolio of some kind. Think if it's your money on the line, would you go with the guy who has made a couple movies that worked or the guy who says he wants to be a filmmaker?

[@harryharry353]

It easy to make films if you have a budget and equipment and crew available. :)

[@FilmmakerIQ]

It's not easy. You just want an excuse to NOT make films

[@garykuovideos]

As a full-time composer for television and video games, I found this presentation extremely informative and have no doubt it will effect my process in future projects. Thank you all for an excellent video.

[@rekhayadav2017]

Gary Kuo bbO🎃🎍

[@woodywonder2nd]

John, thank you so much for all of your videos! We're 2 no-filmschool filmmakers and you are exactly what we need!

[@SmokeeWhine]

One of the best videos on blocking online in my opinion.

[@basteagui]

Blocked!

[@BillZebubproductions]

This was highly enjoyable. You are a skilled instructor.

[@randallpaul6559]

One of my actors sent me this. I really enjoyed this. The S blocking adds to the Dynamics of the ambient. The 180 rule? I break often. It can work. The point is... don't stay in a box because of rules Great job. John. Detailed.

[@MaoRuiqi]

i'll never look at pencils the same again. Now, that's a memorable shot!

[@matcompost8582]

Man, the final version reminded me SO much of Arrested Development.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Matt Campos NO TOUCHING!!!

[@seanramsdell4172]

+Filmmaker IQ And that's why you always leave a note

[@konarkarora8283]

Filmmaker IQ truly inspiring words but what makes me think more is the comments section in your videos... Touch it to touch you back is the rythm 😉

[@jennaedwards9327]

This is fantastic. This really clearly shows how much impact the blocking has. As an actor turned producer, I really love how you worked with the actors!

[@zaziou711]

The steady shot = 24 The rom com = Castle The funny shot = Seinfeld The first shot = any porn movie

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+xavlexav That last comparison earned some KZbin points in your favor :)

[@sunfirefilms6358]

ha I thought the same EXACT thing with all three!

[@TVperson1]

The Funny looks like Brooklyn 99

[@petitio_principii]

@@TVperson1 somewhat also another revamp of "police squad" (the short-lived TV series that had the feature-fil series "naked gun" as its spin-off), somewhat like Angie Tribeca. The post-it joke is pretty much the kind of literal meaning joke they do all the time.

[@petitio_principii]

False. In a porn movie the woman would be dressed much more scantly and talking seductively, acting like the rom-com version without the physical comedy aspect. The "I need this" line would be delivered like some sort of nymphomaniac femme-fatale suffering from an outburst of extreme craving. And the detective would be of course pretty much okay with it. And then the actual porn starts over the table or behind the desk, or both.

[@brianwarner308]

I am ten minutes thru this and have declared it is the greatest thing i have ever seen…genius man!!

[@marcdraco2189]

I heartily agree with John's assessment of the motorised stabiliser. The phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind and it looks to me like the designers knew that too. They were just avoiding the patent issues with Steadicam (which, BTW is now out of its first patent, so anyone can make one). I think Steadicam is overused now, but that's a personal opinion. The truth is you don't need a motorised anything - gravity does it all for you and it's free. That's why the weight-based systems work so well and (although there are moving parts, despite what John said) they are passive - so they don't fudge up when the battery runs down, the software fails or a piece of the operator's sammich drops into the motor assembly... Fortunately, we got that out before we had to return it to the hire company.

[@antdinham]

This is a rare gem in KZbin filmmaking content. Legitimately more valuable than most Masterclass.com courses.

[@davedennis6042]

Totally amazing how the whole thing pivots on who directs and what they are trying to say in the scene. The subtle things are amazing that we hardly notice but are such a big part of how we process information.

[@DGaryGrady]

This was really well done and quite thought provoking and on top of that entertaining. I hesitated to watch it because of the length, and in the end I wished it had been longer. I really like the idea of showing more than one way of doing something. It's possible to learn a lot more from that than from seeing something done only one way. If you'll forgive a couple of trivial pedantic points: "Upstage" is the part of the stage *away* from the audience, so the bars are actually downstage. Also, while everybody says "2.35:1," the scope standard has been 2.39:1 since SMPTE changed it in 1970. (If you don't believe me, check the pixel counts in scope version of the DCI standard.)

[@GarageWoodworks]

Love your videos. Always well explained and sufficiently detailed. Thank you.

[@enrichingexchanges]

Just too good! I have no experience or clue, and have nothing to do with film-making, but this opens eyes so we can appreciate the method behind what we see in the theaters and TV!

[@rhettorical]

This is probably my favorite video you've ever done. I feel that it should be mandatory viewing for anyone who wants to offer critique of a film. It's astonishing how much impact a director can have on how a film turns out, but you can't really tell because you only see one final product. Seeing the same thing directed different ways really drives home exactly what impact a director can have.

[@the_neutral_container]

that's a refreshing change from all the tech talk of the last few months and incidentally just what interests me most at the moment.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Marco Nauokat Really this interaction between script and screen and the collaboration is what interests me the most about filmmaking as well. But tech is fun too :P

[@MDMart]

I subscribed to this channel because I loved your film-historical videos, so I wasn't expecting this... This is gold, I loved it. At film college I were never able to get into Cinematografy class, and thus never learned about blocking, so I am VERY happy to now have this video to watch and re-watch, to learn more about that aspect of filmmaking. Keep 'em coming, you're awesome John ;)

[@yPhil]

You 'mericans really are natural born performers. The level of the actors commitment, the consistency of the shots (indicating the same level of "on the spot" mojo of the tech team) the LIFE of it all, evolving and getting better and better, more accurate and relevant, and then the cooliness of John wrapping it up, wow. I mean wow. Bravo, les mecs.

[@ParthaPratimDas-XX]

That was exceptional! Never went through such a video! Hats off!

[@mitikumekuria2686]

thanks a lot b/c we (Ethiopian) do not have this much movie making education. but thanks for KZbin & you , I get some additional about camera movement. I understand why my country movie makers make a mistake. they are Wright b/c thy have been doing their best. We don't have film school.

[@StolenPvP]

Wow you are so humble and honest. It honestly increases my trust in you guys. Cheers great video

[@anamariaorozco9626]

This is the type of video tutorial that is totally worth watching. No sponsors, no adds. Just pure and detailed instruction. Thanks so much! 👍👍👍

[@wesselconway3920]

This channel is like a free film school, it's incredible how high quality these videos are.

[@raptorekpl]

Sir, always great to watch another video from you. Thank you!

[@abraham.c.howard]

I really appreciate the attention given to the experience on set. Thanks, John for another valuable lesson!

[@PaulKyriazi]

You're one shot design was great. Many examples of 'invisible' one-shot designs can be studied in Back to the Future 3. It always inspires me.

[@jordantbaker]

this is gold. I've yet to find youtube content on filmmaking that provides as much insight as this. Thanks so much for making it!

[@AlbertAguirre]

This video was excellent. You helped me tremendously. Thank you.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Had to come back nd learn again ....not to mention I just love the knowledge that comes from these videos you create. It’s the lessons that keep on blessing and teaching.

[@schmuck924]

Brilliant. Each time I tune in, I learn so much and get that much more inspired.

[@richrd0001]

What a great video! Fascinating to see how actors can inject their own personality and talent to change the result. The gentleman who presented this video and directed this is so amazing.

[@meditationmountainbyrishab919]

The first setup is the best, goes naturally with the scene genre.Thanks.

[@xxbabayagaxx1425]

I feel like this video was a better rebuttle to Nerdwriters Hitchcock blocking video than your comments, you do a great job of conveying the details that make up filming a scene, and make me inevitably glad I decided to check you channel out. :) Both of you are fun channels, but you definitely come at more from a film MAKERS persepective, whereas Nerdwriter comes at from a more academic, almost literary, angle. Both great, but yours certainly fill a void. Can't wait to see more!

[@Brunorola]

Where can I find his comments about Nerdwriter1's video?

[@TonyVirili]

I've lost count of how many times a +FilmmakerIQ video has blown me away in terms of quality content, explanation, and production value. This is no exception, and as others have said, possibly my favorite - great to see you creating your own work and then analyzing the outcome as well as the process. Brilliant - and great job by everyone. And your revealing of the happy accidents and last minute actors' choices through instinct was most appreciated.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+Tony Virili There's too much emphasis on directors as the source of all creativity and this is destructive to learning the actual filmmaking process. I hope I'm giving credit to where credit is due.

[@2xhTenchi]

What I really liked about this channel was the science and history. I'm more of a photography/science nerd than movie making (although I enjoy watching movies a lot), but this video was so eye opening! It might just be my favorite video of the channel now. Great job and thank you!

[@MyronDavismd]

This is invaluable content. I watch this every few months just for enrichment purposes. Thank you!

[@yeahyeahyaha2]

00:15 Intro 00:31 The Experiment 02:43 The Control Cut 05:40 The Business Cut 09:19 The Oner Cut 16:01 The Rom Com 19:46 The Sitcom

[@prestonransome5362]

Great video. Enjoyed the two leads , esp. watching their talents come out more and more. That final pencil move in on scene was pure genius.

[@prestonransome5362]

As was the prisoners sneaking out in the last scene. Good fun.

[@aguzman222]

Great video- when people say directors don’t matter take a look - same script and dialogue, yet, every scene is different - bravo!

[@kysersoze739]

Amazing episode! thanks a lot!, I'm not even a film maker, I just do photography for hobby and love movies and this episode brings a LOT to me as a fan of both genres

[@BreakerdeGodot]

This might just be your best video yet! Like all interesting conversations, you branched out through a ton of different topics, and overall that was a really interesting contrast between the different blocking and cinematic styles. By the way, I think I liked the 2nd version the best, because of the actor's eyelines.

[@user-rv4wn5qk7q]

I decided last month that I want to direct my scripts myself and started studying more of directing. I really liked this Channel.

[@istvanpuller7922]

Wow. 26 minutes that equal an entire semester of film school. Thank you!

[@simonolsen8012]

Oh. That subtle Wilhelm scream in the start!

[@Doskharaas]

I used this video to teach writing short fiction for writing styles, especially The rom com and the sitcom version as a visual metaphor, for rich flourish styles of Korean sentences which is loved by average Korean novel readers. Very useful video! Thank you for amazing teaching.

[@ActorswithStrings]

watched this years ago - thank you algorithm for recommending it to me again - God Bless you John

[@schmuck924]

This video helped cement in my brain---at 32----what I've always known. I want to tell stories in film. Thank you FilmmakerIQ. I come back to this video every couple months.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

I've hooked another one!!!!! That was the nicest comment I've seen today! Welcome to the club. Your ball and chain will be arriving shortly :D :D

[@lcdmonitor1981]

John, this is your best work yet

[@RYSEproductions]

Holy cow. I still have so much to learn! This really was an incredibly educational video!

[@JohnDoe-tc8mk]

For me being utterly new to this (with this detailed explaination) - it's mindblowing. I got here by "accident", for some reason KZbin mention it - and it was right. I've already watched a few vids of this channel but this one is especially fascinating for me. How a (simple) script, thoughts, metaphors, actors and technology create a scene, how this all works together. What people think of while doing this, how actors - act. It's an true art form (not that I haven't thought so before - but now I know a bit more about why). Thanks, it brightend my day :-)

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Thanks for brightening _my day_ with your comment. Welcome to the intricate art of filmmaking!

[@BrownglassEnt]

Great job. Probably one of the best videos on explaining blocking.

[@MarkusKretzschmarPhoto]

This is so interesting! You actually lost me with the first edited version since it was quite boring. Nice to see the actual effect on me while you talk about that. Supercool idea to shoot a sitcom version. Great video! Love you guys

[@moviemaen]

Simply Great!! Thank you so much for every single video!

[@calebmichaelson9972]

Excellent video man! Thank you for doing this. I am learning a great deal from your channel! Carry on!

[@lunamotionproductions9559]

Very instructive. For me the single hardest part of filmmaking is to motivate the actors to make their performances more interesting without having to resort to giving them extraneous props to play with... or moving them around like puppets to go look out the window -- with their backs to the other characters -- which, of course, creates a good opportunity for the camera, but feels like such a cliche. I prefer the Kubrickian method: intense rehearsals, allowing the actors to discover their inner motivations/exterior movements, rather than be constrained by storyboards. Block the camera only *after* blocking the actors.

[@josephjwoods66]

This was just outstanding so very informative, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Each moment of the video was not wasted and just packed with great info. The video demystified some of the techniques Ive seen in films and TV shows. You made your point, you can not learn by watching, you must do it and learn from others who are more experienced. Thanks once again for making the video!

[@LoveChristJesus]

I think the real actors are the people behind the actors.

[@WaqasAliAbbasi10]

I watch a lot of films but I never notice such tiny details. Your channel makes me appreciate film making more

[@purepixel5583]

Just an amazing video, so much useful information wrapped up in such an entertaining and interesting way!

[@Yoyoman835]

Automatic sub. This dude knows his stuff.

[@TomZolyomiFilmproduktion]

finally a deep look into blocking! thanks so much ! :)

[@joshgiesbrecht]

Really really enjoyed watching all the versions. Opened my eyes as to how it's done on TV. Really liked the switching from "law and order" to sitcom. Same script, totally different feeling. I know now after watching some of your vids I had NO clue exactly how much a director makes choices. It's crazy, all these "rules" and whatnot. Cool stuff

[@rakeshkottu]

this one is my dream effect, i always search for this shot in every movie i watch,wonderful explanation.

[@Md2802]

Ha! That Wilhelm Scream in the into was a nice touch. Has that always been there?

[@IndyFlick]

Excellent John. I always really enjoy your videos - I learn so much. BTW, I didn't register that you jumped the line in the last version. I remember thinking, "oops where did the toilet go?" it had been on camera left. I remember thinking it must be a continuity editing issue because it didn't feel like a jump cut. I clearly see what was going on once you explained it.

[@rajan_mishra]

This is one of the best video about film making. So much knowledge to gain from his experience. Thank you John for sharing your impressive tips!

[@francescomanfredi]

Business is exactly what Stanislavskij used to teach to his actors, a kind of to do list related or not to the character main aim, great lesson!

[@DaameeyFilms]

well done, it is helpfull for filmmakers, thanks Film IQ, Big respect from Somalia

[@BrocomEntertainment]

Share some content in Kenya

[@David-mg1yj]

If you watch old Hitchcock interviews or read Hitchcock/Truffaut you'll find Alfred uses the term "Business" regularly.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+David Larney Oh good, I was pretty sure I didn't make it up - but some of my actor friends hadn't heard of it. They understood the concept, just not that term.

[@scottgh]

What a great video, John! Such clear explanations of the different approaches and what they accomplish. This is definitely one I will show my high school filmmaking students this Fall. Thank you for taking the time to offer this excellent tutorial.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

Awesome! Thanks!!!

[@mantispym]

I probably return to this video 3 or 4 times a year. You are truly an amazing teacher good sir!

[@studiompodcastnetwork5119]

Another great video that both entertains and educates!

[@josephwood2692]

Ok, I would totally watch that sitcom.

[@jennysbloke]

Really fascinating. I love this. Thanks for this brilliant channel. Interestung, informative, fun and excellently made.

[@totoado]

This is one of the most videos that taught me a lot about filmmaking in my life Man this is great

[@AndreTosatti]

One of the best! very lucid and funny at the same time.

[@BakeLikeAPro]

Loving this video. I'm half way through. Was this movie ever finished ? or was it created solely for a serious of tutorials ? You start watching this, and learning lots of stuff you never realized happened in movies, then you wonder.... can I watch the full length movie ?

[@FilmmakerIQ]

It was just a scene for an exercise :)

[@videoart1496]

very good lesson !!!! thank you. The only thing is missing is only the focal length of the lenses in each shot to have an idea of the "view" that specific focal length creates!

[@ArcticxBeaver]

love that final message

[@stockmanager]

So freaking interesting man your videos are really well put together !

[@DamianBrown]

Her eyes are perfect for shooting

[@fuckenps3]

Looks like she's high on something

[@DamianBrown]

Alert too then :D

[@DamianBrown]

Toxicology came back negative... hmmm :D

[@simoncampos7382]

you say that as a director or as a serial killer?

[@AngelRodriguez-pe7um]

Okay so it wasn't just me that noticed the huge dilated pupils.

[@nigelgould-davies6950]

So glad this came up in my feed, even though it's 5 years old. Just brilliant: wonderfully instructive, hilariously entertaining, and animated by a generous and creative spirit. Thank you.

[@HarrisonHoude]

love how detailed you get with all the explanations, even with the technical details to answer everyones possible questions. good stuff

[@SullyCortez]

I love your videos... this one is particularly exceptional thanks.

[@tobiascornille]

Thanks for this great content! You're really helpful, John!

[@simonpeter3857]

This is the best I have watched of all your great tutorials!!! I wish I could press the like a million times!!!! Learnt a lot

[@StogieKenyatta]

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC , CAN'T TELL YOU HOW HELPFUL THIS WAS , THANK YOU

[@VegasAces]

Thank you so much for your channel! I love your videos! Please don't stop, you're awesome!

[@WhisperingChocoTaco]

Romantic comedy girl is so assertive.

[@faeoori]

The good eats reference left me laughing out loud at work

[@micomichael]

I LOVE IT, i love the way you show different types of blocking, i learn alot from it and fast! thank you

[@Cinemuckfilm]

What a great video! Thank you, Mr. Hess!

[@ZelisLovesCookies]

Really good video! It opens the eyes of filmmakers to try out more! But I need to know what the music from the "television" type of scene is! Its so nice!! and typical! :) Thanks for the video!

[@FilmmakerIQ]

+ZelisLovesCookies THANK YOU! The music is all royalty-free needle drop tracks. The Sitcom version was really a sound alike for Seinfeld.

[@robclarke3638]

Wow, this was a real eye opener. Even though the script was the same, all the cuts were completely different in terms of story, emotion and character chemistry. Thanks!

[@indieactivity861]

your work on this concept is really very useful to get the essence of a scene out and clear for the audience. thank you