BLOCK — Spatial Staging

[!NOTE] Disambiguation: This document defines the Sub-State Tag [BLOCK] used inside [EXECUTION] lines to direct spatial actor staging (horizontal position, depth planes). It is separate from top-level Macro-Blocks (the document container sections like [INTENT], [LOGIC], [AESTHETIC], etc.).

Coordinate Category: Spatial Staging & Physical Placement
Status: Specialized Structural Coordinate

1. Purpose & Functional Role

[BLOCK] directs the physical arrangement of subjects across the frame, depth layering, character distance, and spatial orientation relative to permanent set architecture.

2. Formatting & Coordinate System

1. Horizontal Frame Placement

  • frame-left: Subject positioned on the left third of the visual frame.
  • frame-center: Subject anchored in the middle third.
  • frame-right: Subject positioned on the right third.

2. Depth Layering

  • foreground (FG): Subject close to lens, often in soft focus or framing coverage.
  • midground (MG): Primary dramatic action plane.
  • background (BG): Deep spatial anchor (e.g., set pieces, looming figures, architecture).

3. Spatial Anchors & Relationships

  • [BLOCK] Felix seated frame-left on bench, Samira leaning against eastern wall frame-right
  • [BLOCK] Mark stands stage-left near lecturer desk; Robert anchored stationary stage-right
  • [BLOCK] Arthur stands midground-center; Evan steps defensively to background-right

3. When to Deploy [BLOCK]

Apply [BLOCK] whenever: 1. Two or more characters share a scene to ensure spatial separation. 2. A character enters, exits, or crosses physical territory in the room. 3. The physical distance between characters collapses (e.g., stepping into personal space) or expands.

4. Placement in Macro-States

[BLOCK] is placed early in the Macro-State line, immediately establishing spatial coordinates before character action occurs: [CAM 01] MS, eye-level -> [BLOCK] Rosa frame-left, Evan frame-right -> [ACT] Rosa takes a sharp step toward center -> <Footstep slap>

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