Movie Terms Wiki Filmmaking

Block Shooting

A scheduling technique that films scenes for specific actors or locations in grouped blocks.


Definition

Block shooting is a production strategy where scenes are organized and filmed in segments based on location, set or actor availability rather than narrative sequence. This method maximizes resource use and minimizes setup changes.

Origins & Evolution

Block shooting emerged with television production’s tight schedules and budgets. Producers recognized that grouping scenes by shared elements—such as all scenes featuring a particular actor—reduces costly set dressings and travel time.

Implementation & Benefits

By consolidating scenes, block shooting optimizes actor contracts, crew labor and equipment rentals. Directors and assistant directors create shooting schedules that may film early-, mid- and late-story scenes consecutively if they occur in the same location, balancing continuity concerns with efficiency.

Trivia

  • Some feature films use block shooting during second-unit production for stunt or background plates.
  • Block shooting can increase shooting days but significantly lowers per-day costs through consolidated logistics.

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