Mise-en-scene and Framing- Light and shadow Flashcards
Mise-en-scene
what is in the shot/ what is on the screen
cinematographic composition
how it is shot
elements of mise-en-scene
setting, actors, lighting, movement
movement (staging) and performance
how actors are positioned in a frame can tell u alot about their relationships, acting style and typecasting
costumes (wardrobe) and makeup
can convey a characters personality or status, can signify an era
hard lighting
creates a strong contrast with harsh shadows emphasizing the difference very bright and very dark areas.
low key lighting
uses minimal fill light resulting in strong contrasts between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. creates deep shadows which can obscure parts of the principal subjects
Soft lighting
produces softer edges with less contrast and fewer harsh shadows creating a more even gentle illumination
high key lighting
very bright lighting with minimal shadows. used for a lighter tone to create an upbeat and cheerful atmosphere.
frontal lighting
eliminates shadows
side lighting
emphasizes a characters facial features
backlighting
can creates silhouettes and separation from the foreground.
under lighting
can create the effect of a menacing or threating figure
top lighting
can create the effect of a glamorous or angelic figure
source- lighting
artificial and natural
colour- lighting
palettes, contrast, saturation
framing
camera distance, balance, level, height, angle, aspect ratio
closeups- camera distance
focus on a single subject
extreme closeups- camera distance
zoom in a specific part of the subject to emphasize particular details
medium shots- camera distance
capture the subject from the waist up, balancing detail and context
long shots- camera distance
show the subject with a broader environment, providing context and setting.
screen distribution/ arrangement- balance
how elements like actors and props are positioned in the frame
symmetry and asymmetry- balance
using balanced or unbalanced compositions to create visual interest or convey meaning.
parallel level- framing
the camera is level with the subject providing a stable and balanced view.
tilted/ dutch angle- framing
the camera is tilted creating a sense of unease or disorientation.
eye- level- framing
the camera is at the subjects eye level creating a sense of equality and connection.
high or low height- framing
adjusting the camera height can after the viewers perception of the subjects importance or emotional state.
high angle- framing
looks down on the subject making them look smaller or vulnerable
low angle- framing
looks up at the subject giving them a sense of power or dominance.
straight angle- framing
a neutral perspective often used for straightforward storytelling
widescreen- aspect ratio
often used for epic and expansive shots, providing a cinematic fee.
academy ratio- aspect ratio
a more square format traditionally used in older films which can create a sense of nostalgia or an intimate atmosphere.
camera movement
a way of directing the audience attention to a scene, it tells us who to follow, what is important and can even misdirect us.
pan- camera movement
camera scans space horizontally left to right
tilt- camera movement
camera swivels up or down like nodding your head
tracking/ dolly shots- camera movement
changes the camera’s position, can be used to follow characters.
crane/ drone/ helicopter shots- camera movement
allows the camera to rise above ground level.
focus
how sharp or blurry an object, person, or setting appears in a scene. directs the viewer’s attention to a specific part of the frame.
depth of field
the extent of the scene that appears acceptably sharp and is influenced by the focal length of the camera.
shallow depth of field
only a small area of the scene in focus, while the background and foreground are blurred. often used to isolate the subject from its background, drawing the viewer’s attention to a specific element.
deep focus
a larger portion of the scene in focus, from the foreground to the background. useful for scenes where you want to keep multiple elements in sharp focus, providing a more detailed and immersive view of the environment.
