what is mise en scene

Mise-en-scène is a French term that means "placing on stage" or "what is put into the scene". It refers to the stage design and arrangement of actors in scenes for a theatre or film production, both in the visual arts through storyboarding, visual theme, and cinematography and in narrative storytelling through direction. In film analysis, the term mise-en-scène refers to everything in front of the camera, including the set design, lighting, and actors, and the ultimate way that this influences how the scene comes together for the audience. Mise-en-scène can be used to suggest a characters state of mind, whether that be happy with bright colors, or sad with darker colors. The elements of mise-en-scène include sets, props, lighting, costumes, actor blocking, and shot composition. The director, cast, and crew all have input on the mise-en-scène, and they work together to make sure it fits the film well before production begins.