Planning Mise-en-Scene

Based on my script, my story of my film opening will primarily be communicated through dialogue. My character, Samentha, will foreshadow information with her telephone conversation. Alongside this, two clips from 'documentaries' will be shown that will hint towards the themes and allegories of the remainder of the film. (I plan not on showing other people's work, but instead filming some filler b-roll of some sort and using my own mini scripts and voice actors to create said documentary clips.) Because of the heavy focus on dialogue to communicate the story, there isn't much of a focus on the set itself. However, I do have some things in mind.

Samentha will be wearing a black blazer, white blouse, black dress pants, and black heels. Although no more than her torso will likely be on camera, I want to leave room for shots I didn't anticipate filming via full costuming. I also believe the sound of heels in the background will add to the experience of the film opening. Samentha's wearing formal dress because of her status as an emerging professional, but more importantly because she is getting ready for an interview. Every element of her outfit will corroborate this and give viewers a sense of this regardless of the fact it's not explicitly stated.

The location/set I'll be using is not wholly determined--I plan on filming during spring break. I may be visiting family during that time. If I am, I'll film in my sister's house in her living room. If not, I'll film in my own. I chose the living room because it makes that if Samentha's rushing to make final touches and get out the door--this is where she might be, especially in the smaller living arrangements college students are presumed to have. I'll largely use the location as-is for convenience's sake, but I'll add certain props (some of which are mentioned in my previous blog post) to create the realistic presence/living conditions of a young adult female.

Sound will be very important to my film opening! The opening will feature sounds of the 'documentaries' that are playing on the TV, Samentha's dialogue, as well as background noise of her getting ready. I plan to add the audio from the TV in post so that things are easier when filming and there are less variables involved. I am also considering doing the same for Samentha's phone dialogue, but as of now am planning on recording that with the footage. There may be (copy-right free) background music in the TV documentaries but otherwise my opening will not have music! Natural sounds like items shuffling, Samentha moving, etc. will be heard in the background.

The biggest part of my scene (regarding camerawork) will be the zoom shot I have planned for showcasing the TV and the items around it. I have yet to work out the logistics of doing so seamlessly, since I will be filming on my phone, but I look forward to executing it as well as I can when filming. If I don't succeed, I'll also look towards mimicking it while editing. Alongside the zoom-out shot, I also have close-ups planned.

Screencap from Us (2019) I'm taking inspiration from.

That's all for now!