Every great scene starts long before the camera rolls. Whether you’re shooting an indie short or a full-scale production, knowing how to break down a scene step-by-step can make all the difference. The five key stages every filmmaker should master are: block, light, rehearse, tweak, and film.
From understanding actor movement to fine-tuning your lighting setup and camera positions, these steps form the backbone of any well-run shoot. Practical, repeatable, and essential — this process is what turns chaos on set into cinematic order.
