Filmmaking Lab Studios

BLOCK THE ESSENCE.

REVEAL THE TRUTH.  

CAMERA BLOCKING focuses on the core Blocking tools that are central to The Technique™, Joan Scheckel’s game changing approach to Film, Episodic and Commercial artistic craft.  

In this Lab, discover how to use Overall Actions, supporting actions and beats to block scenes in an organic, revelatory way. Learn how Action connects to Blocking and discover how to bring life and power to your scenes and imagery! This hands on weekend delivers tools to:

1. Block your story in a shot
2. Use location to reveal the emotional core of the scene
3. Create relationships you can feel within every frame
4. Block beautifully, fast and on the fly
5. Stage the spiritual essence of the story

Directors, writers, actors, DPs, editors, development teams, producers and executives alike all excel when using Joan's practical, accessible tools. Now, in one weekend, you too can learn the career launching techniques used by the creators of Transparent, Beginners, Arbitrage, Snow White and the Huntsman, Little Miss Sunshine & Whale Rider.

WHAT DOES IT COVER?

✨ Day 1

SCENE BREAKDOWN

This first class teaches you how to break your scene down into beats in order to stage your scene fast, viscerally and on the fly. Use this work to:

1. Deepen your ability to work with Action and Beats 
2. Clarify the active/emotional map of your scene
3. Define the unique movement pattern and rhythm for the scene

✨ Day 2

ACTION AND INTERPRETATION 

Investigate the Overall Actions and Supporting Actions for your scene. Learn how playable actions create plot, actor interpretation and directorial interpretation. 

1. Play in the action gym and find playable actions that really work!
2. Discover the link between Action and Blocking.
3. Learn how to block on the Beats to give your scene coherence and Rhythm

✨ Day 3

BLOCKING ON THE BEATS

Learn how playable action becomes blocking from beat to beat. Learn to use space, levels, distance and the location itself to stage scenes that physically resonate with emotional truth. Learn how to:

1. Block on the  Beats 
2. Create rhythm and pace
3. Viscerally stage  the soul of the scene
4. Apply these same principals to the camera blocking

✨ Day 4

ONLINE Q&A!

After the weekend intensive, a Q&A via Zoom allows you to slow down and integrate the learning. This lively night is always full of surprises as you connect with yourselves, each other and the work! 

1. Recap all the new tools the Lab has delivered!
2. Ground as a group (both Live in Los Angeles and Live Online students have a chance to meet in the Zoom Room)
3. Ask Joan your burning questions!