Basic scene set up

There are many elements that you need to consider when you are creating the ambiance for any given scene that you create when you are filming a movie. There are several different genres within the movie world, and within each of those genres are sub-genres. Different types of movies can automatically tell you the types of scenes that you could expect. So, when you are looking at the script, check out the action underneath the scene heading, and see what the description is within that action. For instance, in the picture above I am setting up the scene first off with the physical elements that I want to see in that particular scene. You can see candles in the background, a wine bottle on the table, but what you don't see are the items that I have on the table. In this scene, the actors will be using a OUIJA board for the first time. So, I want the room to be dark, and only be lit by just candle light. I want to set the mood to be eery, mysterious, and scary. The actors will have shadows on their face, and you will draw the audience in and concentrate mainly on what the characters say, and to pay attention on the action that the characters will be doing.

If the scene was lit too bright, it would take away from the drama, mystery, and the scariness of the scene. I am mainly a horror director, so many of my scenes don't require any harsh lighting, or direct lighting. For me, less is more when it comes to the horror genre. Also on the table, I have a plate of cookies, so that during the scene and between dialogue, one or more of the characters will grab a cookie, eat it etc. This allows the actor to do something with their body other than just talking. It allows them to create something organic and less robotic.

Usually within the action line of the script, it will tell you what items, people etc are within that scene. BUT...as a creator and director, you can certainly add thing to the scene, if you think that it would benefit or enhance the scene. This is just a basic overview on scene set up. I will dive into other aspects of setting up a scene in future blogs.