Mise-en-scene refers to everything visible within a shot or scene that helps tell the story, including props, costumes, lighting, location, and actor positioning and performance. It draws on principles of semiotics to use signs and their interpretation. There are six key areas of mise-en-scene analysis: color, costume, props, set/location, blocking/performance, and lighting. Color, costume, and lighting can be used to convey specific meanings and themes. Blocking refers to actor positioning in relation to each other and the camera. Props should be chosen to advance the story and actors directed in how to use them appropriately.

1. Mise-en-scene
What does mise-en-scene mean?
Placed in the scene. The term was first used in theatre and referred to the way in
which the director organised the stage. In media, it is used to describe everything
that can be seen in a single shot. Analysing mise-en-scene relies on some
understanding of semiotics. Semiotics is the study of signs. It’s the basic idea that
all communication is made with a combination of signs (codes). Our understanding
of any communication is related to our ability to decode the signs.
What are the 6 key areas of mise-en-scene?
Colour, costume, props, set/location, blocking and performance and lighting.
Colour:
How is colour used in the 3 below pictures?
Colour can be used in several places – the set, lighting, costumes and makeup. In the
pictures, the colour used has several connotations. For example, the red symbolises blood,
also with her hands covered in blood links with death. The black has several connotations
of darkness and evil. Furthermore, the green hints at jealousy. The purple has regal
connotations linking with a high status. On the other hand, the white and blue has many
positive link, the midnight blue foreshadows the story. The sparkles also signify a magical
theme. The white could also hint at innocence, this links into Cinderella and being a
princess.
Costume:
What can we interpret from these costumes?
The costumes indicates which class they come from and their background. The dark
colours could signify the maturity and professional attire. However, the coats and hats
seem casual, also the financial situation is linked. Sherlock’s outfit could also indicate how
superior each character is. Furthermore, the height difference between each character
and blocking shows who is more important.

2. Mise-en-scene
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:
How would actors be directed to use them:
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?
Image 1 - Low lighting creates a sense of mystery and tension and has dark
shadows to emphasise this. Lighter on the main subject and darker in the
background.
Image 2 – High key lighting exposing the truth using a bright background to
emphasise what she is saying and highlight her as a key figure.

3. Mise-en-scene