In theater and television production, what does "blocking" refer to?

In theater and television production, "blocking" specifically refers to the precise staging of actors and camera movements. This involves the planned movements and positions of performers on stage or in front of the camera, ensuring that their actions align with the narrative and enhance the overall visual storytelling. By mapping out where actors should stand, move, and interact, directors can create visually dynamic scenes that engage the audience. Proper blocking helps convey emotions, establish relationships between characters, and ensure that the performance is captured effectively by the camera.

The other concepts mentioned, such as placement of sound equipment, arrangement of set pieces and props, or editing scenes for pacing, do not fall under the definition of blocking. Each of these aspects plays a role in production but focuses on different elements of the overall process. Sound positioning ensures audio quality, set arrangements create the world for the story, and editing impacts the rhythm of the final product, but blocking is uniquely concerned with the physical placement and movement of performers.