Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scene is the arrangement of everything that appears in the framing, such as actors, lighting, decor, props and costume. It is a french word meaning "putting on stage". When applied to to tv drama, mise-en-scene refers to everything that appears before the camera. The four ways in which Mise-en-sceneis used in TV drama is in body language, colour and lighting, costume and props and setting.

Decorations

Lighting

There are two kinds of lighting, high key lighting and low key lighting.

In high key lighting everything appears white with little or no shadow. It is lacking in dramatic effect so it is often used in scenes where they is little tension or to make a situation or character more up lifting.

Low key lighting is the opposite of high key lighting. There are lots of shadows giving negative connotations.  It has lots of bright and dark areas in the shot.

Costume and props

As it is in TV and film a huge variety of props and costumes can be used. Costume is used to present the character to the audience. The costume normally gives a lot away to the audience about the character to make them easy to identify.

Location

The location of any filmed drama is created to give meaning to the text. The location gives meaning and context to the plot and can help move it along.

Body language

Appearance- how the actor appears in the role, large small, normal size. Costume and makeup can help build a character. Movements- an actor's movements can enhance the believability of the character, and increase the information the audience is receiving about the character. Gestures are helpful to show what the character is think and feeling as well as facial expressions which are important in weather the character is sympathetic or not. Vocal delivery is very important in delivering lines so that comprehensive meaning is understandable to the audience.

Mise-en-scene Terminology

Actors/star vehicles

Costumes

Props

Make up

SFX

Locations

Settings

Lighting