Miss En Scene

Mise En Scene

via GIPHY

Definition:

• A French term meaning 'what is put into a scene or frame'

• Visual information in front of the camera

• Communicates vital information to the audience

The 5 Elements Of Mise En Scene:

• setting & props
• costume, hair and makeup
• facial expressions and body language
• lighting and colour
• the positioning of objects/characters within the frame

Setting & Props:

• Setting and locations play a very important role in filmmaking and are not simply backgrounds

• Sets are either built from scratch or a great deal of time is spent to find a setting that already exists

• Settings can manipulate an audience by building certain expectations and then taking a different turn

Costume, Hair and Makeup:

• costume, hair and makeup act as an instant indicator to us of a characters personality, status and job.

• it tells us immediately whether the film is set in the present and what society/or culture it centres around.

• certain costumes can signify certain individuals (i.e. black cloak of a vampire, spidermen's suit)

Facial Expressions And Body Language:

• Facial expressions provide a clear indicator of how someone is feeling.

• If someone is smiling broadly we assume they are happy, but we may get a different feeling if this is accompanied by scary music

• Body language may also indicate how a character feels towards another character or may reflect the state of their relationship. 

• The positioning of characters and object within a frame

• Positioning within a frame can draw our attention to an important character/object

• A filmmaker can use positioning to indicate relationships between people

Colour:

• Colour carries certain connotations which may add meaning to a scene (i.e. red = danger, love, passion)

• Can give a scene a particular look, feel or mood

• Can be used for dramatic effect

Lighting and Colour:

Lighting and colour can be used to achieve a variety of effects:

• To highlight important characters or objects within the frame

• To make characters look mysterious by shading part of the body or face.

• To reflect characters mental state/hidden emotions

Types of Lighting:

Low-Key Lighting:

• Created by using only the key and backlights

• Produces sharp contrasts of light and dark areas

• Deep, distinct shadows/silhouettes are formed

High-Key Lighting:

• More filler lights are used. lighting is natural and realistic to our eyes

• Produces brightly lit sets or a sunny day.