Exam Practice

Analyse how mise-en-scene is used to create meaning in a media product you have studied  - 12 marks
(Answered as a class)

In the Doctor Who episode, 'The Power of Three', mise-en-scene plays an important role in establishing a sense of character and mood. For example, in terms of costume, the Doctor is represented as a character who holds a position of authority. This is demonstrated through his old-fashioned, formal appearance. He wears a bow tie, blue-grey shirt and tweed jacket. The Doctor's appearance creates a sense of timelessness, which reflects the fact that the show has been running since 1963. Successive Doctors have worn similar attire since the show's inception. Rick Atman states that audiences consume media for different reasons; one of three is an emotional pleasure. The doctor's antiquated dress codes trigger feelings of nostalgia in the audience, making us feel a sense of fondness and identification with his character.

Analyse how camera is used to create meaning in a media product you have studied - 12 marks

Plan:

Angles used:

• Neutral view - Allows viewer to look at the contestant
• High angle - Puts the focus on the contestant - main feature of the scene 
• Low angle - Connotes the intimidating position that the contestant is in

Shot Types:

• Close-up - Of the judges, members of the audience, family members, and the contestant 
• Mid-shot - Of the contestant 
• Long-shot - Of the stage
• Eyeline - Of the contestant 
• Extreme long-shot - Of the audience and stage

Movements:

• Zoom - Brings in more focus
• Tracking shot - Allows the viewer to see surroundings 

Answer:

In the X-Factor audition clip of Ella Henderson, a variety of  camera techniques are used in order to present the atmosphere and series of emotions for the viewer. For example, Low angle shots are used when the contestant first enters the stage. This makes the contestant, Ella, appear inferior to the judges and also emphasises, for the viewer, how intimidated the contestant is and how intense the enviroment of the scene is. 

Another example of how different camera techniques are used, is when there is an extreme long-shot from the back of the arena. This allows viewers to see the extent of the audience. This has an effect on the viewer as it enables them to understand how nerve-racking the setting is. This could also result in the person watching, to feel nervous on behalf of the contestant, enabling them to establish an understanding and connection to the individual.