Mise En Scene: Bedroom

CDs: Originally our group liked the idea of placing posters (e.g. music/bands) on the wall as homages to the themes and the story plus perhaps as subliminal messages. As this would have been expensive to buy all originals, we considered printing our own using pictures from the internet. Eventually, we decided to use CDs as this would be cheaper and easier to make as the pictures would be smaller. Amy provided the empty cases and filled them with album/single artwork of the selected tracks from printed Google images. Album artwork included:
Cobra Starship - Good Girls Go Bad
Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad
You Me At Six - Sinners Never Sleep
Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict A Riot


The different music genres suggests the different sides to her and the way in which the cases are arranged reflects the chaos and lack of order involved in the riots. Music is a very influencing factor specifically linked to the younger generation, with many disputes leading to conclusions of controversial music causing bad behaviour amongst youths.


When filming the shots to contribute towards scene setting, we tried shooting from different angles to achieve the right framing of the shot which clearly showed the objects plus indiscreetly displaying the foreboding messages. As well as this, we had to adapt the lighting, as there appeared to be glare from a nearby window on the cases.


Camera: We chose to include the camera in the shot as we felt it represented her wealthy/well-off upbringing and lifestyle as these types of cameras are expensive. This object also reflects the riots: the technology that the events relied on and the how they were documented.

Wallpaper: One wall of her bedroom is decorated with pink and white patterned wallpaper. The pink suggests young and girly which contrasts with what the character is wearing in the scene. This could mean that the decoration isn't her choice (much like aspects of her life perhaps which is why she rebels) or it is not from recently (showing how she has changed - referencing the contrast between Laura Johnson's actions and how she was previously seen to be). The pattern is sophisticated which can relate to her family life representing her foundations and surroundings. It is only one one wall however meaning this could be only one side of her.

Bookcase: We chose to try shots of the bookcase as a means of showing the character is educated in a way that she likes literature. This could be thought of as a suggested hobby. We specifically chose to feature the French language dictionary as it is known that Laura Johnson studied French at A Level and had an interest in languages. This also shows her commitment to her studies.

'Jack Petchey's "Speak Out" Challenge!' Award: Using this as mise en scene in a shot could suggest that the character is a good public speaker, showing she knows and feels comfortable with voicing her opinion due to good confidence levels. This also shows an academic achievement of hers. The fact that it's extra-curricular show her commitment to her studies and education.


Mirror: The mirror is central to her rooms insinuating self-image is important to her, especially as it is surrounded by make-up and beauty products. The ornate frame reflects those around traditional family portraits and aristocracy but as she's the only one in the frame, she only thinks about herself.


Garden View:This view out of the bedroom window gives a sense of peaceful ambiance and surroundings as well showing she's well-off from the space. This is an optional shot as we could not see Cally very well from this angle.



Laptop: The character's laptop is pink, giving the same effect as the wallpaper as this shows her life is due to her parents especially the things that are quite expensive and so are influenced by their preferences rather than hers. This is another example of technology also mixed with academia and education.


Phone: We specifically chose to use a Blackberry for our main protagonist as this make of mobile was specifically used in the events of the London riots. It also shows her type of lifestyle and that she follows trends. As well as this she finds socialising and her friends important. The phone we chose was Amy C's as she owns a Blackberry Bold.


Magazine & Shoes: The variety of shoes and the style magazine also suggests that image is important to her. The fact that there are a large amount and the magazine is specialised could denote that she is wealthy and can afford nice and luxurious things.


Daisy