Mise-en-Scene

The mise-en-scene is an extremely important part of every single shot. this includes:

• The colour
• The lighting
• The decor
• The props
• The acting
• The costume

These are crucial, as they each create a different effect, and have a different connotation.

To use a cliched example- A ripped prom dress- the woman wearing it is vulnerable.

Or patched clothes could convey poverty,

Or a suit conveys power. 

And that is just using the example of costume.

Lighting could convey an emotion: fear, anger, sadness,

 Or it could convey a state of mind. For example, if, during a conversation, one character is well- lit and the other is in shadow it could show that the lit person is confident in their decisions whereas the dimly-lit figure is still struggling with what to do.

All parts of mise-en-scene have to be consistent, otherwise the film looks hastily put together and not well-planned. 

Storyboarding

We practised story boarding, using the opening of 'Remember me' and the opening of an episode of 'Luther'. It was a very important learning curve, as before this practise I don't think any of us had (I certainly hadn't!) realised how detailed a storyboard has to be. Each shot has to be drawn individually and each piece of sound has to be detailed on this plan, the duration of each shot. It certainly puts in perspective how detailed the storyboard for our openings will have to be. However, the practice drawing the openings of these shows was invaluable experience for when we plan our own openings.

Camera movement, angles and shots source

Camera Angles

1. Eye level

2. Low Angle

3. High Angle

4. Overhead shot 

5. Undershot 

Camera Shots

There are many different camera angles, such as:

1. Establishing shots. These are mainly used at the beginning of scenes to show the audience where the action is taking place.  

 

 2. Long shots. These are used to show the character in relation to their surroundings.

3. Full shot. This shot shows the entire body of a character.

4. Mid shot. This Shows the top half of the character.

5. Close up. This is usually just the character's face, and is used to convey the character's emotions-or to show a feeling of intimacy

6. Extreme close up. This technique is used to draw attention to details that may be missed in other types of shots. For example- a character's eyes shifting to look at something.

7. Very extreme close up. This is an unusual shot, and is used for a multitude of effects.

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Finding inspiration

Preceding the making of a film opening, it is helpful to watch films of the same genre as yours. Taking inspiration, ideas and techniques from other films can be extremely beneficial. For example, the year before last one group created a film opening called 'Distressed':

This clip was heavily influenced by the opening of the TV series released that year on BBC 1; 'Remember Me'

Unfortunately, 'Remember me' is produced and copyrighted by the BBC and so the video cannot be linked to.

The inspiration is evident, however, with  the multiple establishing shots in the begginning of the clip, mirroring the shots from 'Remember me'

The man looking at photos also parallels the original opening closely.

However the changes are also evident, as , inside of the sinister figure at the beach, the scene cuts to a girl playing the piano.