Mise en Scene and Motion Graphics
There are two traditional paradigms for cinematic composition; two pillars by which we make meaning and experience on screen. The first is the Mise en scene - the frame and creation of meaning by the arrangement of elements inside the frame. The second is Montage - the generation of meaning by the sequential arrangement of images. Meaning inside the frame and Meaning between the frames.
But of course along comes the digital age and a massively expanded digital toolbox of possibilities. And whilst it can't be said the digital age has dispensed with Mise en scene and Montage it has arguably presented new dimensions of consideration.
As I have argued in previous essays and blog posts the composition of cinematic form in layers, via the mechanics of compositing and motion graphics, presents a tangible expansion and hybridization of traditional Mise en scene and Montage.
The ability for multiple framic compositions and visible elements to occupy a shared and blended singularity of vision presents a new aesthetic of both Montage and Mise en scene.
Compositing, the construction of cinematic media vertically in layers as well as in linear time, creates what might be described as a form of simultaneous montage. Montage makes meaning by juxtaposition in time; Compositing allows for the same montage juxtapositions to be generated by blended layers and 3D spatial arrangement within a singular frame in simultaneity.
This simple hybridization amounts to a profound shift in visual aesthetics and redefines what audiences expect from the moving image.
One of the most comprehensive online resources for exploring and understanding Motion Graphics, Compositing and associated technologies and techniques is
Motionographer.
Along with its wealth of eye popping examples cinematic art and a range of articles and interviews Motionographer has now, in the great tradition of user co-creation and web 2.0, added a
Motion Graphics Wiki to its resources. Quickly growing in dynamic content I would encourage any one with interest and experience on compositing and motion graphics to contribute to the Motionographer wiki and help develop it further into a comprehensive resource.
For those new to motion graphics and not familiar with its terms and processes this article entitled '
Poetry in Motion or Vertical Editing' may be of use as it briefly looks at some of the concepts behind building visual media in a layered rather than linear environment.
Posted at 12:00AM Nov 25, 2007
by Mike Jones in motion graphics |
