Mise-en-scene refers to everything within the frame of a shot that can be controlled by the filmmaker, including color, costume, props, set/location, blocking and performance, and lighting. These elements are used purposefully to convey meaning and provide context. Color can represent moods or ideas, costumes reveal character traits and social cues, and props are handled intentionally to advance the scene. Location and lighting also shape the audience's understanding through atmosphere and emphasis. Mise-en-scene is a key tool for directors to tell stories visually through the crafted environment of the film.

1. Mise-en-scene
What does mise-en-scene mean?
Translated from French “placed in the scene”. The term was first used in theatre, then
was used in film & TV
What are the 6 key areas of mise-en-scene?
Colour
Costume
Props
Set/Location
Blocking& Performance
Lightning
Colour:
How is colour used in the 3 below pictures?
Red – danger, death, blood
Costume:
Includes clothes,hair,make-up
Createsidentity&personalityforthe characters
Cultural code  costume providescluesaboutpeople &situations
What can we interpret from these costumes?
Coat iswhite onthe outside
(lookinginnocent)
Redon the inside (she is
dangerous)
White dress- pure &
innocent
Surroundedbyevil black
Blue background- sadness

2. Mise-en-scene
Props:
Propsare any objectsusedwithinthe frame,usedtodressthe setor usedbyactors.
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
Set: will have been built to filming & is part of a studio complex
Location: leaving studio environment & filming in existing locations that have been
“scouted” as suitable.
Both have to be dressed purposefully.
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?
Casual,lowerclass
Scarf neatlytied,expensive
trenchcoats, elegant,hair
well done,upperclass

3. Mise-en-scene
High-key lighting: even light across the frame, light is bright, sunny, little or no
shadow or dark areas, little dramatic effect
Low-key lighting: high contrast between light & dark within the frame, shadow for
dramatic effect
Ambient lightning: scene has been lit using available light
Pictures:
Low-key high- key