Mis-En-Scene Notes and Application to Location

Since I will be building up parts of the library as my set and incorporating all of the aspects of mis-en-scene (including the character's clothing, all the things I do to alter the library in the production...etc.), it was important for me to research mis-en-scene.

Mis-En-Scene:

(Narrative Film: Mis-En-Scene):

(Content and quotes from research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=439&v=G5bvkvgQDzI&feature=emb_title)

The two most basic questions of filmmaking are where to put the camera and what the point the camera at. Mis-en-scene is what the camera is pointed at ("put into the scene"). 

There are 5 elements to the mis-en-scene/constitute the "production values" of the shot:

1. Setting (location)

Everything that falls in the 4 sides of a shot besides the costumes and actors. In live theatre, the set is usually static (remains unchanged/moved). The locations for film are much more dynamic and can move from one location to another quickly. Cutting from one location to another is called cross cutting. Production designers are in charge of visual aspects of production. There must be many opportunities to create the illusion of depth. 

Sets are either built from scratch or a great deal of time is spent to find a setting that already exists.

Includes props (not just the background).

2. Costume/Hair/Makeup

The costumes must covey time, characters, and relationships between the characters. They must compliment the setting and genre of the film. Makeup must counteract the exposure in possibly bright lights on camera. Makeup is also used as an effect (like in monster movies or horror films). 

Tells immediately film's genre, culture, location, time period, the character's personality, position, age, social class...etc. Certain costumes can covey immediate identities (ex- army soldier or vampire)

3. Lighting/Color

Scenes must have the proper amount and position/color/diffusion...etc of light for "proper illumination." Lighting is the most crucial part to creating depth. The three lights in the traditional lighting set up is a key light, fill light, and back light. The brightest light is aimed at the dominate side of the face. The shadows on the face create shadows, and thus the "illusion of depth." The fill light is a softer light of lower intensity placed on the opposite side of the key light. The back light it shown on the back of the performer to further create the illusion of depth. Is also called the rim light, edge light, and hair light to outline the hair from the background, ensuring the subject stands out. Lighting can make certain characters look mysterious by adding shadow to one part of the face. 

Color has specific connotations that can convey meaning in a scene. It can also add dramatic effect. May highlight important characters or objects in a scene. It can display hidden emotions. 

*In media texts, lighting is just as important as any other element. Everything seen (in the light) has a purpose to elicit a certain response from the audience. 

*If lighting in a shot is wrong, people can look wash-out, can be hard to see, things can be less clear. 

Types of Lighting:

- Realistic Lighting: used so the actors and set are light naturally so the audience does not think about any equipment used to simulate reality. (Often used in romantic comedies and soap operas)

- High Key Lighting: More filler lights are used. Lighting is natural and realistic to the eyes. Produces brightly light sets or a sunny day. Makes the shot look very bright overall with small areas of shadow. (Like for romantic comedies)

- Low Key Lighting: Created by using only the key and back lights. Produces sharp contrasts of light and dark areas. Deep and distinct shadows and silhouettes. Makes shots look overall darker with few highlights (like shots at night). There can be one area very brightly light to add shadows. (Horror and thrillers)

- Expressive Lighting: When the director uses light to set a mood or tone for the scene or a look for the whole film. (Action and adventure movies)

4. Acting/Facial Expressions/Body Language

Acting for film is providing the true human experience. A good actor creates an internal life for their character. Facial expressions are a clear indicator of how a person is feeling. Body language can show how one character feels about another/their relationship. 

5. Shot Composition

Position of characters and object in a scene. Positioning can draw attention to a specific spot, character, or object. It can indicate relationships as well. 

- Each aspect of mis-en-scene creates meanings and communicates them to the audience. 

How I will apply this to Novikof:

The setting/location is outside and inside of a multi-story collegiate library (the Alvin Sherman library at NOVA Southeastern University). 

Outside

Inside

I called the Alvin Sherman Library on Thursday, January 7th at +1 (954) 262-4600 and asked to speak with the director for permission to film a school project on the grounds and in the building. I was directed to the Vice President of the library. His contact was given to me:

James Hutchens

Vice Pres: 954-262-4648

email: jamesh@nova.edu

He was not available, so I left a message and scheduled to call him again the next day, Friday, January 8th. He called me back and gave me his email. I sent him the details of the project and my shot list. He then emailed my case to the attorney who then replied that I should email Mr. Stephen Grubb, the Public Information Officer, Marketing, Publicity & Communications, Libraries Division. Mr. Grubb sent me a link to fill out a film permit request form. I filled out the permit request form at https://www.sunny.org/film/filmpermits/locations-images/. 

My permit application was declined because I am a student and do not have a legitimate production company, a drone piloting license, flight school, or insurance for filming. I instead asked the Parkland library's director about their library since it is not connected to Broward County Library and then the Helen B. Hoffman private library in Plantation, Florida. Both were declined, so I asked my mom, who is a professor at South Florida Bible College about their library. I filled out some formed and emailed the library director and finally, this was approved on February 10th, about a week out from shoot day. I was relieved. SFBC requires me to add their name to the credits, so I will try doing that under the main titles on the door at the end of the opening. 

Here is an image of SFBC's library:

I also plan to take a few shots at the Alvin Sherman Library that are very innocuous and will not be in anyone's way (ie the stairs, elevator, and moving shelves shots).