Filmmaking Lab Studios

SEE FEELINGLY.

TRANSFORM THE WAY YOU SEE.

LET THE SCENE REVEAL ITS MEANING.

CAMERA BLOCKING is an exciting evolution of cinematic staging. This is craft at its most alive. Where structure meets feeling, and the shotlist rises from the emotional heartbeat of the scene.

Over four dynamic days, you'll move from theory into full embodiment. Discover how actor movement, camera placement, and location come together to unlock the soul of your story.

Learn how to move the camera on the beats, block with presence, and craft images that resonate deeply, in the body and on the screen.

1. This hands-on weekend delivers tools to help you:
2. Open your scenes with emotional precision and visual clarity
3. Block with rhythm, instinct, and purpose
4. Use space to reflect character, action, and intention
5. Build relationships that feel lived-in and grounded
6. Direct from the inside out, expressing your unique visual voice

Directors, writers, actors, DPs, editors, development teams, producers, and executives all thrive using Joan's accessible and powerful tools. In just one weekend, you can explore the techniques behind Transparent, Beginners, Arbitrage, Snow White and the Huntsman, Little Miss Sunshine, and Whale Rider.

WHAT DOES IT COVER?

 Day 1 – The Tools of Blocking

We start with the foundation: the essential tools and concepts of blocking. Explore how emotional beats inform movement, and how structure reveals story.

1. Map the emotional landscape of your scene
2. Shape performance through beats and rhythm
3. Translate feeling into precise staging

 Day 2 – Blocking on the Beats

Now we move. With actors and camera in play, you’ll explore live staging, focusing on the beat structure and emotional flow of the scene.

1. Practice on-your-feet blocking with clarity and flow
2. Build rhythm and movement through action
3. Deepen interpretation through physical choices

 Day 3 – On Location
Everything comes together. On a live location, you’ll apply the tools to direct scenes using real space, architecture, and energy.

1. Activate location to express tone and meaning
2. Use camera movement and space to reflect inner life
3. Create visual storytelling with specificity and truth

 Day 4 – Online Review & Q&A
We meet online to integrate the learning, reflect on the work, and connect in community. Joan offers insights and tailored feedback to deepen your process.

1. Review scenes and discuss discoveries
2. Clarify tools in the context of your unique voice
3. Grow with a community of dedicated creators