Mise-en-scene- Lighting and Colour

The elements of mise-en-scene depend on the genre and type of the music video. The main elements that I will be focussing on in the production of my music video are: lighting, colour, props, costume, hair and makeup and location. In this post I will talk about the use of lighting and colour in my music video; however information on location, props, hair and makeup and costume can be seen in other posts on my blog.


Lighting
Lighting is a key part of any music video as it can be used to highlight important characters and objects that are significant in the performance or narrative or a music video. Light can be used to set a mood; with dark lighting for sad and angry emotions and brighter lighting for happier and more positive emotions. Different tones in lighting can also be used according to the specifics of a music video with tinted bulbs or effects being made.
For my own music video I would like to use a combination of both dark and bright lighting to represent the shift between locations and time frames. The more bright/ white lighting will be sued in the shots in the narrative where the couple are happy and together; this will contrast with the darker shots after the couples fall out and the shift in time. I will accomplish the brighter lighting by using natural lighting in a room with bright walls that can reflect the light and make the room seem larger. I will create a darker setting through filming outside when it is later in the day.



Colour
Another key element of mise-en-scene that will feature in my music video is colour. After researching my audience and artist I have decided that a naturalistic colour palette will suit the music video the most. This will include whites and greys, with earth tones of brown and green in the setting of the music video. My actors clothing will also feature greys and blacks as well as some warmer tones of brown and green. I think that overall I want the colour scheming of my music video to be very tranquil and natural; this is important as my video is going to be narrative and the characters cannot look too extravagant for the story that is being told in the music video.