In Week 1 we were introduced to the Scene In Cinema. Simplistically I understand this studio to be about the Camera Coverage in cinema and the process’ involved in developing and filming the action that plays out within a scene. Through this studio I hope to further my learning of camera coverage and how it intertwines with every other aspect of filmmaking. Hoping that by the end of the semester I have a sound understanding of my own taste and filmic style when blocking and shooting a scene.

Robin provided an entertaining introduction into the first tutorial of the semester. We did a blocking exercise where we were separated into groups and given separate scripts. Tasked to shoot a scene from our short scripts in one shot with one set focal distance. We then sat down and watched everyone perform their scene live from the camera onto a screen in the class room. We then watched some of the original examples of the same scripts we were given. Looking at how those were shot with the same constraints, and what decisions the cinematographer made compared to us. This exercise was an interesting look at how different creative minds decide to block and cover a scene.

In response to one of the set readings; Tom Reilly’s The Big Picture, its clear he has a very specific view on the blocking of a scene. In Reilly’s view, The entirety of the decisions of the scene’s blocking should come solely from the director. While I can appreciate Reilly’s opinion and understand that letting the actors dictate the blocking of the scene could potentially tarnish the directors creative vision. It doesn’t necessarily have to. I agree that overall, just because an actor is uncomfortable moving in specific ways within a scene should not mean the creative direction or pace of the film needs to go out the window. I also agree the director should always complete creative control however, Films are without a doubt collaborative works and without alternative creative opinions from actors and crew I truly believe the director is limiting the films overall potential.