Mise-en-scene Research

Introduction

Welcome back to my blog I have decided to continue my research by looking at the different mise-en-scene elements that contribute to the making of a film.

Location

To start off location is an essential part of mis-en-scene. The location or setting helps amplify the plot and the story by creating settings that can help describe the mood. For example, a sunny day at the beach with bright colors sets a fun mood, and by doing this the audience can understand and determine the mood better. Another importance “location” has is that it can add realism and authenticity to a film. For example, if a film takes place in the 1980’s, then having the film consist of different locations and props from the 1980’s can help create a more realistic setting for the audience. Therefore, by learning this I know that me and my partner must pick a location that makes sense and helps emphasize the story to make our film successful 

            

                    -For example this scene from the movie "Eternity"is taken from a beach on a sunny day and                            the natural light and vivid colors implement that the scene is set as a fun mood. 

           Link: https://rangshila.com/location-is-everything-how-the-right-setting-elevates-filmmaking/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20biggest%20advantages,important%20as%20any%20other%20character. 

Lighting

The next part of the Mise-en-scene is the importance of lighting. Lighting contributes a lot to a scene, hence if the lighting is bad, the whole scene and its ambience will be wrong. First things first, lighting contributes to a scene setting, making it easy for the viewer to know what time of day the scene is taking place or even the location. For example, there may be a scene where the lighting is dim, and there are a bunch of colored LED lights. By using this lighting it’s easy to depict that the setting is probably at a club. Just like how location can set a mood so can light. When a scene has natural lightning from the sun, it can create a carefree, happy atmosphere. But when a scene has very bright white lights, it can create an unpleasant mood or forced mood as the colors are more cooled tone instead of a warm tone. Furthermore, my partner and I have discussed lighting, and we plan to incorporate what we have learned to our film opening and use the lights that will help achieve our mood. 

                                 

 - For example this shot the lighting is dim and there is LEdD lights. Just by looking at the lightning you can tell that this takes place at a night club.     

Link: https://glidegear.net/blogs/news/the-importance-of-lighting-in-film-production#:~:text=September%202023,happiness%20of%20a%20lighthearted%20comedy. 

Mise-en-scene 

Lastly, for mise-en- scene we have costumes, costumes can help the audience understand who this character is and what they do. Having a good costume is essential to a character's personality and backstory. For example, there are different ways a costume can tell a story. For one it can set the time period the film or show takes place, for example if you are watching the series Stranger Things you can immediately tell what time period they are from just by looking at their clothes, especially since it took place in the 1980’s and during that time period bold colors were popular. Another way a costume can be used is for social cues like a popular girl in a high school movie are usually wearing high-end clothing rather than a broke kid who would be wearing hand me downs. 

                                         

                                         - This link goes to a YouTube video on the costume designer of Stranger things, and  she talks about the aspects that went into creating these outfits. Stranger things costume

Link:https://looptalent.co.uk/the-power-of-costume-design/#:~:text=The%20costumes%20they%20design%20are,Global%20Influence%20on%20Costume%20Design 

Reflection

All these elements of Mise-en-scene are very important when making a film and are often ovelooked. Now with the research I know I will make sure to apply every single element to our film opening to make it the best it can be. Well, that's all the research for today until next time! 

 

Film Studio's Research

After me and my partner discussed what would be the best genres and sub-genres, in the end we decided that we will be creating a Sport-Drama-Co movie with a about a gymnast and her mental struggles about her skills and her personal life. So, I chose to research two different studio/ Production companies that we can take inspiration off for our film. And the two best studios for our genre were A24 and Universal pictures. 

A24 Studio Research

To start off, A24 has become one of the best studios for the distribution of new coming-of-age and emotionally heavy drama films. They usually select film ideas that focus on personal growth, quiet character moments, and realistic teenage experiences. Some of their biggest successes are Lady Bird, The Spectacular Now, and Eighth Grade. All three of these coming-of-age dramas rely heavily on internal conflict, identity, and personal development. Which suits the emotional tone we want for our film idea about a gymnast dealing with mental blocks would have. A24 films often feel personal, and grounded, which is why they connect so well with audiences who want deeper drama rather than big action movies.  

Link: https://theburlingameb.org/3268/opinion/a24-coming-of-age-films-have-transformed-cinema/ 

Universal Studios Research

 While, Universal and its subsidiary Focus Features are also known for their expertise with uplifting and inspirational dramas, such as "The Theory of Everything", "The Danish Girl", "Blinded By The Light", and "Billy Elliot", which has strong themes of youth, emotions, and performances that correlate nicely to the themes of this film. Generally speaking, Universal Films focus their narratives on characters who must face numerous obstacles or fight for things they believe are important or valuable. Although made on larger budgets than most Universal Inspirational films, the intent is still to produce a cinematic experience while remaining true to the emotions associated.  

Link:

 https://www.universalpictures.com/about/#:~:text=The%20coming%2Dof%2Dage%20film,gamble%20that%20ultimately%20paid%20off. 

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/13/the-danish-girl-transforms-fascinating-truths-into-tasteful-safe-drama 

Conclusion

After comparing A24 and Universal Pictures, they both have excellent successful films in drama, and they both have a different approach to it. A24 is better at smaller, more realistic, and dialogue-heavy coming of age dramas. This is good for the tone we're aiming for in our opening, as our focus is going to be on the gymnast and her struggles with internal pressure. On the other hand, Universal Pictures is better at inspirational storytelling with a more refined and motivational tone. While Universal matches our inspirational story, A24 matches our coming-of-age and struggle-emotional level. Hence, it appears that A24 will probably be the most similar in terms of the style and genre of our inspirational, coming of age drama film.