Blocking
Blocking is a fundamental planning step in animation and storyboarding where artists create rough sketches to map out how characters move and interact in a scene. Think of it like creating a basic blueprint before building a house. Artists use blocking to figure out where characters will be positioned, how they'll move through the space, and the basic timing of actions. This helps everyone on the team understand how the final animation will look before investing time in detailed artwork. It's similar to when theater directors position actors on stage, but for animated characters.
Examples in Resumes
Created initial Blocking layouts for major action sequences in animated feature film
Developed character Blocking and motion studies for TV animation series
Led team reviews of scene Blocking and rough animation for commercial projects
Typical job title: "Animation Blockers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Animation Blockers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach blocking a complex action sequence with multiple characters?
Expected Answer: A senior artist should explain their process of breaking down complex scenes, managing screen space, ensuring clear storytelling, and how they consider camera angles and timing. They should mention how they coordinate with other departments.
Q: Can you describe a challenging blocking problem you solved and how you approached it?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving skills, and ability to balance creative and technical requirements while meeting production deadlines.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure your blocking communicates the intended emotion of a scene?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how they use character positioning, spacing, and timing to convey emotions and story points, while maintaining clear character readability.
Q: What's your process for incorporating feedback into blocking revisions?
Expected Answer: Should explain their workflow for making changes efficiently, maintaining scene continuity, and balancing multiple feedback sources.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles you consider when blocking a simple character action?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic concepts like spacing, timing, and how to show weight and movement in simple character actions.
Q: How do you use reference material in your blocking process?
Expected Answer: Should describe how they gather and use reference materials to inform their blocking choices and improve movement authenticity.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic character posing and movement
- Understanding of timing and spacing
- Ability to follow storyboards
- Basic animation principles
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex character interactions
- Camera movement planning
- Efficient workflow management
- Clear communication with team
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced scene composition
- Team leadership and review skills
- Complex action sequence planning
- Production pipeline expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to show basic understanding of movement and timing
- No knowledge of animation principles
- Poor communication skills when explaining their blocking choices
- Lack of experience with animation software tools
Related Terms
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