Mise-en-scène refers to the arrangement of everything that appears in the framing of a shot – including set design, props, costume, makeup, actors, and lighting.

The term is borrowed from French theater and essentially means "placing on stage."

Elements of mise-en-scène interact to create the overall look and feel of a film and contribute to its narrative and thematic meaning. Directors use mise-en-scène to create a realistic or stylized atmosphere and to guide the viewer's eye and convey information.

Key elements include:

• Setting and Set Design: The environment where the action takes place, including the physical surroundings and props.
• Costume and Makeup: What characters wear and how they are made up, which can convey information about their personalities, social status, and the time period.
• Lighting: The intensity, color, and direction of light, which can create mood and highlight certain elements.
• Staging and Composition: The positioning of actors and objects within the frame, as well as their movements and gestures.

Further reading:

• Britannica - mise-en-scène
• StudioBinder - What is Mise-en-Scène? Definition, Elements & Examples