CREATING THE MOOD: MISE-EN-SCENE - Thur, 7th April

What's on the menu today?

We have looked at both still and moving images to begin analysing the MISE-EN-SCENE, and how the different elements work together in both DESIGN and COMPOSTION to create meaning in film.

It's now your turn to see if you can translate what you have learnt into your own still shot. (Anyone with the equipment feeling particularly adventurous can create a moving image shot with sound instead)

Your task is to design and shoot a mise-en-scene which helps communicate the mood and feel of life in the St George's College.

Task 1 - in pairs
Brainstorm emotions/feelings/ideas you identify with St George's. Try to go beyond simplistic ideas such as "happy" and sad". (eg. enclosed; open; oppressive; liberating; etc.) As many as possible in two minutes. I'm happy for you to write words in spanish at this stage - we can translate them when you feedback to the class.

Task 2 - in groups
From the class list gathered, you can select the ideas and mood you feel most conveys the "essence" of St George's College. Now, you need to plan a shot which can convey this essence. You will need to visualise it and sketch it using the paper provided. You can shoot outside or in class, corridors, but, obviously, no classrooms where other classes are working! Perhaps you will need to walk around first to decide on a suitable location? Fine - but you only have ten minutes to report back to me with your finished sketch.

Consider:

• characters (posture, clothes, appearance, spatial relationship to camera and other objects)
• objects (be realistic here - you can only use things that are available now in class)
• colour
• lighting and shadow (no light kits yet so you will have to use natural or ambient lighting)
• camera position and angle
• (and, if you are shooting a moving image - camera movement and sound)

Task 3 - in groups:
Once your group has had its sketch approved, you can go off and set up/shoot the shot. You will have twenty minutes to complete this. Then meet back in E2 to discuss the success of the shots, difficulties encountered, etc.

HOMEWORK - each group needs to upload their shot to their blogs ready for viewing on Monday, 11th April.