Elements of Video Media

Elements of Video Media

Terms

Mise-en-scene:

The five elements on one long scene, used to describe the diegetic world or to portray character interactions.

-Setting and props: Important for building the world of the film, either from scratch or based on already existing locations and worlds. Settings can set certain expectations for films (E.g. Space in Science fiction films, cities and cafes in Romantic Comedies, mansions and forests in Horror Films)

-Facial expression and body language: Show how a character is feeling and the general tone of the scene. If someone's smiling broadly it can indicate they're happy but when  complimented with creepy music we feel more uncomfortable. Body language also portrays how a character feels, as well as their personality, characteristics and relationship with the other characters around them (E.g. slouching shows laziness, furrowed brows show anger, kissing shows passion, smiles show happiness)

-Lighting and colour: Certain colours  connotate certain moods, feelings and looks. Can be used for dramatic effect. Lighting can also highlight characters and objects in the frame, showing their general mental state and characteristics (E.g. red shows anger, dark lighting shows intensity).

Types of lighting: Low Key lighting- Created using only the key and back light, producing sharp contrasts of light and dark areas. Deep and distinct silhouettes are shown (e.g. Horror films).

High Key lighting- More filters are used and the lighting is natural, produced on brightly lit sets or sunny days (e.g. Romcoms).

-Positioning of characters and props: Draws our attention to an important character/object. This can indicate relationships, power dynamics and importance (E.g. two characters sat away from each other shows limited affection, one character towering over the other shows power, two characters on eye level show understanding)

-Costume, Hair and Make Up: Look are an instant indicator to what the character's job, personality and status is. It tells us the time period of the film and the culture it centers around. With a strong silhouette they can signify certain individuals (E.g. monsters or superheroes)

Iconography:

 Something encoded with meaning to represent something else

Lighting

What type of lighting is used and what effects / meaning does the lighting suggest?

1) To highlight a specific character, hiding the others in she shadow. This can show their relationship

2) Highlights the silhouette of a person, and a contrast between the central character and secondary, mysterious.

3) Mise-en-scene, brightens the woman and rug

Colour

Black and white: Mystery, old, dark, serious
White with red text: Comedic, impactful
Blue and orange/red: Contrasting, adventurous, action, impact
Orange and whites/blacks: Bold, eye-catching, unusual 

Pink for love, romance, happiness
Greens and blues for content and stability
Yellow for happiness and hope
Grays and blacks for sadness 

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