What does "blocking" refer to in directing?

Blocking refers specifically to the staging of actors in a scene, which includes determining their movements, positions, and interactions with each other and the environment. This process is crucial in directing as it helps establish the visual composition of a scene, enhances storytelling, and ensures that the performances are both visually appealing and effective in conveying the intended emotions or actions. Blocking allows directors to communicate how the dynamics between characters will play out on screen and how these interactions fit into the overall narrative and pacing of the film.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of film production. Editing the film for a final cut relates to the post-production phase, where footage is selected and assembled into the final story. Capturing audio for a scene involves ensuring clear sound quality and synchronization with the visual components of the film, which is vital but distinct from the visual staging involved in blocking. Choosing the location for filming refers to pre-production planning and involves deciding where scenes will be shot, which is separate from the actual performance staging that blocking entails.