# framing and blocking Framing and blocking is the visual work of creating [[storyboards]] based on the written [[story]]. It is the process of figuring out HOW to tell the story in a visually interesting way. It is all about organizing the visual elements in the composition of the scene. Think of the camera frame as a window into the scene. What do we see? Where are the characters and props positioned in relation to each other and to the viewer? How big are they in the image? How close are we to them? What is happening and how does [[camera shots|the camera]] track that? On a deeper level, what is the point of the scene? How does this action further the storytelling? What is the mood? How can you use [graphic design principles](https://www.zekagraphic.com/12-principles-of-graphic-design/), lighting, camera angle, etc. to help convey all of that information in the best possible way to continue the narrative? This is one of the hardest and time-consuming parts of the entire creative process. It takes effort to explore different possible approaches deeply enough to understand if they are worth pursuing. It is an [[iteration|iterative process]] of exploring alternative ideas and sequences. Much of the work will be wrong or thrown out, however the lessons learned from doing the explorations will lead to the best solutions. I think of this as a perfect example of using [[divergent thinking]] to explore possibilities leading to [[convergent thinking]] as the correct solution is discovered. --- In addition to storyboarding, I also like to think of blocking as an important first step in the actual animation process. You don’t animate a sequence by making a perfect first frame before moving on to the second frame. Instead, you block in the big elements both compositionally and sequentially to find the correct timing. Often, the storyboard graphics are animated as a first attempt at actual animation in a process called [[animatics]]. This is like doing a time-based sketch. You do a rough-cut with blocked in elements and timing to find the best flow. Then you go back and refine for a cleaner cut. And again and again. Each round adding more and more detail and refinement until you reach the finished product. --- Learn more… - <https://animatedjobs.com/what-is-blocking-in-animation-and-why-is-it-so-important/> - <https://www.animationmentor.com/blog/5-key-steps-for-effective-blocking/> - <https://dramatics.org/blocking-101/> - <https://beverlyboy.com/filmmaking/what-is-blocking-in-film/> --- tags: #animation #resources home: [[! animation]]