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Be able to define mise-en-scene, give the literal translation of this French term, and describe which elements contribute to planning a shot?

Mise-en-scene means, "Staging or putting on an action or scene." Refers to the overall look and feel of a movie. Can reinforce characters and themes. Can be highly personal for a director or adhere to a predetermined formula.

T/F Mise-en-scene is a product of planning?


Be able to describe how mise-en-scene is sometimes taken for granted.

The better it is, the more we take it for granted.

Be able to describe how various components of mise-en-scene contribute to the overall "feel" of a movie.

Every production element contributes to the overall "feel" of a movie. Costumes, make up, hairstyles, 2D, 3D, location, sounds, décor, setting, props, and lighting.

Be able to define design how it relates to mise-en-scene

Creates a convincing sense of time, space, and moods. Suggests a character's state of mind. Relates to developing themes.

Be able to discuss the responsibilities of a production designer; in the classic Hollywood system, what did the executive position of a production designer used to be called?

Responsible for the overall design concept. Supervises the head of the many departments that create a movie's look. Creates visual continuity, balance, and dramatic emphasis. Art director.

Be able to describe what a production designer is able to organize overall through design

Art, costume design and construction, hairstyling, makeup, wardrobe, location, properties, carpentry, set construction and decoration, greenery, and transportation.

Be able to identify the decisions a filmmaker must make about choosing where to shoot a movie

2 options, film on soundstage or outdoors on location.

Be able to define all of the décor of a set that can be considered part of the properties

Properties- All of the physical objects within a scene.

Be able to define and describe a soundstage

Soundstage is different than a set. Soundstages are controlled environments. A set can be outdoors. Typically windowless and soundproof. May build a set on a soundstage, but the soundstage is the larger outer shell and a controlled environment.

Be able to describe the function and expressive impact of lighting in a scene

Lighting is integral to creating mood. It's a production element that contributes to the overall look and feel.
Guides viewer's eyes through the moving image.
Calls attention to shapes and textures; shadows may mask or conceal things
Light is controlled and manipulated to achieve expressive effects.

Be able to define chiaroscuro

Contrast between light and darks, but also subtle variations in between. Lighting=Chiaroscuro.

Be able to describe the challenges of creating stylistically distinct and historically accurate costumes, makeup and hairstyle in a scene; what was the trend in hairstyles and costuming during the Hollywood studio years?

Trend use to be modernizing make up no matter what but now it is what the time they are going for it to be more realistic.

Be able to define composition

Process of visualizing the look and feel of your film and deciding the placement of people, objects, and elements.

Be able to define framing and describe all the elements that must be considered in order to coordinate the overall meaning of a shot or scene

The frame is the moveable border between what the filmmaker wants us to see and everything else.
Framing ALWAYS implies point of view (POV). * IMPORTANT
POV can be omniscient or subjective or ambiguous

Define how point of view relates to framing and what it implies

POV can be omniscient or subjective or ambiguous. Framing ALWAYS implies point of view.

Define kinesis and how it relates to framing

Kinesis and framing always are equally important to composition, visualizing and planning shots.

Be able to describe the two basic types of movement that we see on screen

Subjects are moving in the shot or move the camera.

Define blocking and how it is incorporated in the filming process

Is planning out the movement and positions of actors and the cameras.

German Expressionism

Movement in Germany back in the 20's. Gave objective expression to subjective human feelings and emotions through the use of design elements
Aimed at heightening reality by relaying on nonobjective elements such as symbols, stereotyped characters, and stylization.
Created a unified mise-en-scene to increase the emotional impact of the production on the audience.
Expressionism in film: Stucture, color, texture= grossly exaggerated.

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