Mise-en-scéne

This is a French term meaning “placing on stage” it is the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame of a shot. This includes set design, and any props, actors, spacing, lighting and even costume. Even what is put in or left out of a scene can make a difference. Set design can amplify a characters personality, help tell a story and set a scene. Different props can mean different things, and the way they are perceived can affect a scene. Using a prop or setting a scene correctly can be critical to getting your message across during a scene. 

Lighting is another critical aspect of filming that can affect a scene. The intensity, direction, and quality of lighting have a big effect on the way an image is perceived. Light and shade can emphasize texture, shape, distance, and mood, time of day or night and seasons. It affects the way colours are rendered, both in terms of hue and depth, and can focus attention on particular elements of the composition.

Spacing in a film can be important. The proximity between characters can help the audience distinguish relationships, and the emotions. Also the size and proportions of objects and characters can have an effect. If it is a close up or long shot, it can all affect the mood of a scene.

Depending on what costume a character is wearing, the audience can tell who they are, or what part they may be playing in the film. For example a homeless person wouldn’t be walking around in a suit, or a rich person in rags. Also colours in costume can make a difference. For example in a horror, the murder wouldn’t be taken seriously wearing bright clothing.

A simple scene can be the setting for two completely different genres. If you change the lighting or the way an image is perceived, then it can have a drastic effect on the mood and atmosphere of a film.

For example a house:

 This could be the setting for a romantic style film. The placing of the trees and other plants give it a homely feel, and the use of bright colours sets the right mood. The sky is blue and bright, giving the impression it is a clear sunny day. The house also has bright colours that makes it more inviting.

Where as in this picture, there are dead trees, and much darker colours that give it a more sinister feel. The sky is dark, giving the effect of night time which is a time most people associate with bad things happening. Also the house is tinted a darkish, unattractive colour. The angle of the shot also makes the house look more intimidating, like it is towering over you.