Mise-en-scene refers to everything that appears within the frame of a shot, including color, costume, props, set/location, blocking/performance, and lighting. These six elements are used to convey meaning and enhance the story. Color, costume, lighting, and location/set are all used to provide context about characters and move the plot forward. Props and blocking/performance are tools that directors use to guide actors in how to physically interact with the mise-en-scene elements on screen. Together, these components of mise-en-scene allow filmmakers to efficiently communicate crucial information to viewers.

1. Mise-en-scene
What does mise-en-scene mean?
Everything on the screen (in the frame)
What are the 6 key areas of mise-en-scene?
1. Colour
2. Costume
3. Props
4. Set/location
5. Blocking& performance
6. Lighting
Colour:
How is colour used in the 3 below pictures?
Costume, make-up, lighting etc.
The left imagine is wearing red, representing evil and could symbolise blood. Two
hair colours- split personality.
The centre image has a green tint- suggesting jealousy. Black clothing/ dark
environment- evil, darkness etc.
The image on the right shows the character in a white, wedding style dress-
suggesting the innocence and purity of the character.
Costume:
What can we interpret from these costumes?
Costumes form a personality, identity and
Cultural code for the characters.

2. Mise-en-scene
Different costumes can help to enhance the importance of characters and show
the audience their role that they have in the film.
E.g. the photo on the left show a family, seeming to be low-classed. This is
portrayed through their clothing reflecting low income.
The photo on the left shows the characters dress smartly, in working clothes
suitable for their job (detectives) which could suggest wealth and status.
Props:
Option 1 - You have to provide props for a tense police interview between two
officers and one suspected murderer. Decide what props you would incorporate
and how the actors should be directed to use them.
Option 2 – You have to provide props for a romantic meal between two characters
on their first date. Decide what props you would incorporate and how the actors
should be directed to use them.
Props needed:
- A voice recorder, Baton, handcuffs, low hanging light, desk, two chairs,
police documents (in a brown folder), notebook and pen, cups of water
How would actors be directed to use them:
The three characters would be placed around the table, one officer sat opposite
the suspect ready to interrogate, the other stood in the suspects shadow, watching
every move.
Location:
Can be a purpose built set or a real location
Blocking/Performance:
 Blocking refers to the positioning and movement of actors within the frame,
both in relation to each other and in relation to the camera (which
represents us, the audience)
 Performance covers all aspects of the actual acting – gesture, expression,
accent etc
Lighting:
How is lighting being used to create mood in the following examples?

3. Mise-en-scene
High key lighting- ensures even light across the frame with little or no shadow- it
has little dramatic affect.
Low key lighting- using the contrast between high and low lighting- can help set
dramatic scenes or even portray a bad character (relating darkness to their
personality).
Ambient lighting- natural light used. Suggests realism in the scene.
The left image has low key lighting, suggesting that the scene is tense. The mood
of the scene is conveyed by the dark lighting. Light shining on faces can help to
suggest that they are good characters, heroes even.
The right photo is more ambient lighting, this creates a contrast of dark and light
areas of the setting. This can suggest that the characters in each section are
opposites (good/bad).