Production design/mise-en-scène

A stage set with cinematic equipment. A small group of people standing around the stage

Production design brings together all the visual elements that make a film. means ‘setting the stage’ - in film production this is the placement of all things in front of the camera, including people. Production design the audience in the world of the film. This is done through decisions about the settings, the props, the camera angles, special effects and costumes.

Props

Props are items and objects which actors use in films. Props can be bought or designed and built especially for the film.

When developing a video or film think about the props needed and where or how to get them. Some items might be owned by people you know and could be borrowed. Other things might have to be made to get the right effect. If it is only being used as set decoration in the film then it doesn’t have to be functioning. For example, you could make an old-fashioned umbrella for the background without it having to work properly as an umbrella.

Costume

Actors usually wear costumes that match the setting, otherwise the film will not be believable. Sometimes costumes could intentionally not match the setting, to create a strange or unsettling mood, for example in a dream. Costumes can be found, borrowed or created from scratch depending on the genre and theme of the film being produced.

Make-up

Make-up can take different forms and designs in film production. The type of make-up used depends on the production and characters. Sometimes make-up is used to enhance the natural features of the actors.

Bright film lighting can change the appearance of someone’s skin colour, often making it look paler. So make-up is used to bring back the colour on camera.

Special effects make-up (sometimes referred to as SFX make-up) can be complex depending on the design. SFX make-up artists can use to disguise or change certain parts of an actor’s face or body. Once applied, SFX make-up artists will then use thick make-up to add the colours and textures required. This can sometimes be painted directly onto the face and body or airbrushed on using a spray gun.

SFX make-up is used to create characters that might not be human - for example, an alien from another planet or a villain in a superhero movie. Sometimes SFX make-up is used to injuries.

Make-up artists are used throughout film-making because it is hot under studio lights and the make-up may sweat off. Touch-ups are required throughout a film to make sure that the actors look at their best throughout filming.

Location

A film crew with a camera and boom mic filming a man walking on the beach

Location is similar to setting but not all settings happen in a real location. Sets can be artificial sometimes.

Performance

A man running up to a woman on a train. A film camera attached to the side of the train. — Image caption,
Elaborate camera setups were used in the film Half Girlfriend to capture the actors' performances

Body movements, facial expressions, tone of voice and characterisation can be subtle in film acting. When in front of a camera, actors need to be aware that the viewer will be able to pick up on the smallest details.

Filming can take a long time to prepare and carry out, so actors may need to film scenes over and over until they get it right.

Question

What is mise-en-scène?

Film and animation - EdexcelProduction design/mise-en-scène