Mise-en-scène and Worldbuilding

This week mainly focused on the fundamentals of mise-en-scène and camera language. We explored how elements such as set design, characters, and props can be used to convey narrative atmosphere and emotional tone. Composition also plays a key role, especially through the use of the rule of thirds and the golden ratio.

After gaining a theoretical understanding of these principles, we began working on filling in the actual content. Worldbuilding involves considering multiple dimensions — such as time, location, and culture — all of which contribute to how believable and immersive the world feels.

At the heart of the story are the characters. They need to have a convincing background and a distinct personality, as these traits will shape how they react to different situations (similar to how character stats affect outcomes in tabletop RPGs).

Assignment

This week’s main assignment focused on the early development and exploration of storyboard ideas. We were asked to create three different concepts, each experimenting with composition and shot planning.

Personally, I gravitated toward sci-fi and action-based scenarios, as these genres align with my interests and allow me to apply the techniques we’ve been learning in class in a dynamic and engaging way.

I explored a few different directions for my storyboard ideas. One was inspired by a narrative similar to Top Gun, involving fighter jets and aerial tension. Another leaned more towards action and combat, with a looser focus on plot and more emphasis on movement and intensity. The third idea was an extension of a previous project, continuing a storyline I had already developed.