Term: Space

The area within the frame which is at the filmmaker’s disposal. Space is a section of mise en scène and offers a three-dimensional stage, which can be filled with objects and characters. 

The space which is directly visible in the frame is called onscreen space. The space which is suggested (beyond the borders of the frame) is termed offscreen space. The configuration and the corresponding effect of space can be manipulated by certain camera distances, lighting or lens types.

According to mise en scène, special uses of space are:

• positive space

• negative space

• ambiguous space

• deep space or flat space

• tight framing or loose framing