Blocking

MARK RUFFALO - DIRECTOR, ACTOR: SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS

"Joan lead me to the structure of the story. She led me to understand the logic of the film emotionally. Helped me find the tools that I needed to walk onto the set with confidence and joy."

WHAT IS IT?

Live In-Person for the first time in 3 years! The Blocking Lab 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, you will 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:
 
  • Block beautifully, fast and on the fly
  • Work organically in coherence with your vision and your actor’s choices
  • Stage the spiritual essence of the story
 

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:
 
  • Deepen your ability to work with Action and Beats 
  • Clarify the active/emotional map of your scene
  • 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.
 
  • Play in the action gym and find playable actions that really work!
  • Discover the link between Action and Blocking.
  • 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:
 
  • Block on the  Beats 
  • Create rhythm and pace
  • Viscerally stage  the soul of the scene
  • Apply these same principals to the camera blocking

Day 4: ONLINE Q&A

After the weekend intensive, a Monday night 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!
 
  • Recap all the new tools the Lab has delivered! 
  • Ground as a group: both Live and Live Online students have a chance to meet in the Zoom Room!
  • Ask Joan your burning questions!
 

WHO GOES?

Whether you are Directing, Writing, Acting, or Producing, The Technique™ is essential in taking your career to the next level! The Lab Series is designed for Film, Episodic, Commercial, and all content creators. It may be attended individually …or by the entire team.

  • Directors
  • Writers
  • Actors
  • Producers
  • Executives
  • Financiers
  • Production
  • Designers
  • Cinematographers
  • Editors
  • Brand Directors
  • Any creatives are interested in Story!

Please see See Films, Community and Quotes for Artists Joan has worked with and their thoughts.

WHEN / WHERE?

LIVE LAB DATE TBD

Join Joan in-person for a hands-on experience in Los Angeles (Limited class size), or join the Live Lab via Zoom and participate remotely from all over the world. Online participants have the opportunity to see Joan demonstrate the embodied work with in-person students.

or

NEW* ONLINE SELF GUIDED

Anytime Self-Guided Online via Thinkific!  For the first time ever, this course can be taken online at your own pace, for details check out the SELF-GUIDED!