Aim: To introduce Mise-en-Scene

Mise-en-Scene Pronounced meez ahn sen, it is a French term and originates in theatre. Of all the technical aspects mise-en-scene is the one that we are likely to be most familiar with. When a film finishes we may not remember the camera shots or editing but we can usually recall some elements of the mise- en-scene So, what is it? Mise-en-scene refers to everything that appears in the film frame.

Elements of mise-en-scene What makes up mise-en-scene? In pairs list those elements that you think are covered by the term. Location / Setting Props / iconography Costume and Make Up Lighting Use of colour All elements are controlled by the director with the help of a several design departments– remember that accidents in production of film or tv are rare! Mise-en-scene is crucial in creating the world of the show and meaning for the viewer

Connotation and Denotation Denotation? What you actually see eg. A Rose is a red flower Connotation? What something might stand for or represent, e.g.. To give someone a red rose might suggest love What are all of the connotations of the colour red? The mise-en-scene in a film or TV show can connote complex ideas to the viewer very quickly. Task: Look at the tv drama posters. These feature scenes from the drama they are advertising. What connotations do you get from the mise-en-scene on your poster? Consider Setting, Props, Costume, Colour and Character Position

Connotation and Denotation

Mise-en-scene and meaning The mise-en-scene can enhance audience understanding of a film/tv show by informing them of four different meanings: The period/era. The place or cultural context. The genre The characterisation.

Lighting Lighting and cinematography go hand in hand although lighting is also part of the design of the film and therefore crosses over to mise-en- scene. Why is lighting important in film and TV? Can we think of films where the lighting design was significant? What lighting techniques do we know? Turn to page 157 in handbooks.

Audience Meaning Watch this clip from Life on Mars (Series one, bbc) and aim to identify how the mise-en-scene creates meaning for the audience. Make notes on sheet in handbook p 155