Mise-en-scene

The definition of mise-en-scene is 'an expression used to describe the design aspects of a theatre or film production'. In French it translates into 'putting into the scene'. It includes:
Lighting
Props
Costume
Make-up
Colour
Setting
Decoration/scenery of the setting



The typical mise-en-scene for alternative rock videos are usually based in urban settings such as busy cities. The artists commonly wear casual clothes (jeans, jackets, shirts). Instruments (drums, guitars) and performances of the artists are regularly included. The lighting varies, however dark lighting is used quite a bit if the concept of the song is sad. The use of black and white editing is commonly used in alternative rock music videos too. Narratives are often used, usually with a reference to love and/or heartbreak depending on the narrative of the song.
To gather research for our genre, I will analyse two alternative rock music videos.

The Fray - How To Save A Life

The establishing shot of this music video of a man playing piano - showing an instrument is a characteristic of alternative rock videos. The scene has a white background and the man is wearing black. I think this has been done to represent the sad mood of the song. A performance is shown as cuts throughout the music video, here other instuments are focussed on such as guitars and drums. Many close-ups are used of the lead singer and the characters in the music video, this is to show their emotion and this captures the concept of the song. Their is also writing on the mirrors, phrases such as 'let it go' are shown. This clearly shows the feelings of the characters and it makes the video link with the lyrics. Towards the end of the song the music begins to progress into more of an upbeat tone and this changes the vibe of the music video to reflect the song. This is shown through the characters jumping around and smiling. Phrases on the mirror such as 'have faith' is shown. During the whole music video cuts are used to show a heart shaped necklace. This may represent love, and this could be shown as the deeper message of the music video.

Snow Patrol - You're All I Have

The music video starts off quiet, but then a band member plugs in an amplifier and then the music properly starts. I think this is done because it shows that the music video is linking with the song. This whole music video is performance based. The setting is all in one place but it is not on a stage or with an audience as you may expect, it is set in what looks to be a kind of basement area. The decoration that has been used are props such as poles around the setting, This may emphasise the genre. The music video focuses on the band members and their instruments. They are dressed in casual clothes such as jeans and plain tops. The music video uses special effects, it shows lightning in the room that they are performing in. This is used because the pattern in which is is used, is in time with the beat of the song. The lighting is fairly dark, this is quite common in alternative rock videos so this also may emphasise the genre.

In our music video we are going to create the mood with the lighting and editing. Dark lighting and black and white editing is used on Ally when he is alone and sad about being rejected, and flashbacks of when he was with Shannon are going to be colourful with bright lighting. Ally will be wearing simular clothes to other alternative rock videos we have watched and analysed.