Lesson 1Editing and rhythm: continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, tempo and pacingHere we look at editing as arranging time and space in films, including smooth continuity editing, montage sequences, cross-cutting, jump cuts, and how speed, rhythm, and shot lengths create clear stories, build tension, and keep viewers hooked.
Continuity editing and invisible styleMontage theory and associative editingCross-cutting, parallel action, suspenseJump cuts, ellipsis, and temporal gapsPacing, shot length, and viewer attentionLesson 2Narrative structure and temporality: linear vs non-linear, flashbacks, ellipses, story vs plotWe explore how stories are structured in films and how time works, separating the story from the plot, straight timelines from twisted ones, and tools like flashbacks, skips in time, and voiceovers that mix up events and control what audiences know.
Story vs plot and narrative discourseClassical three-act and alternative formsNonlinear narration and flashbacksEllipses, gaps, and viewer inferenceVoiceover, focalization, and reliabilityLesson 3Music and scoring: leitmotif, diegetic music, emotional cueing, spottingThis part covers film music and how it's scored, with repeating themes, music inside or outside the story, placement choices, and how tunes, beats, and instruments stir feelings, shape scenes, and help viewers understand deeper meanings.
Leitmotif and thematic developmentDiegetic, nondiegetic, and source scoringSpotting sessions and cue placementMusical style, genre, and audience expectationLesson 4Mise-en-scène elements: set design, costume, props, performance blockingWe study mise-en-scène as all that's set before the camera, like locations, clothes, objects, and actor movements, showing how they build worlds, characters, ideas, and moods across different film styles and eras.
Set design, architecture, and worldbuildingCostume, makeup, and character codingProps, symbols, and narrative motifsBlocking, proximity, and power dynamicsLesson 5Camera movement and lenses: dolly, tracking, handheld, POV, focal length effects on meaningThis lesson breaks down camera moves and lens choices, such as smooth dolly shots, tracking, shaky handheld, point-of-view, plus lens focus and depth, and how they change viewpoints, sizes, and emotional connections.
Dolly, tracking, and Steadicam movementHandheld style, instability, and realismPOV shots and subjective alignmentFocal length, distortion, and scaleDepth of field and selective focus cuesLesson 6Sound design basics: diegetic vs nondiegetic, room tone, ambient soundWe cover simple sound design ideas, like sounds from the story world versus added ones, room atmosphere, background noises, and how sound angles, quality, and quiet moments set moods, feel real, and highlight story points.
Diegetic vs nondiegetic sound functionsRoom tone, ambience, and continuitySound perspective and spatial realismSilence, minimalism, and negative spaceLesson 7Performance analysis: acting styles, star persona, casting choices and subtextFocus on studying acting, from styles and star images to casting decisions and hidden meanings, including body language, speech, positions, and how acting fits with shots, cuts, and film types.
Classical, method, and stylized actingGesture, facial expression, and micro-behaviorStar persona, typecasting, and imageCasting, chemistry, and narrative stakesLesson 8Lighting and color theory in film: high/low key, color palettes, symbolism, practicalsWe examine lights and colors in films, from bright or dark setups, natural sources, color schemes, and how shades, brightness, and contrasts create feelings, space, and big ideas.
Three-point lighting and key stylesHigh-key, low-key, and contrast ratiosMotivated light, practicals, and realismColor palettes, harmony, and dissonanceColor symbolism, genre, and character arcsLesson 9Shot composition and framing: rule of thirds, aspect ratios, deep focus, staging in depthAnalyze how shots are composed and framed, using thirds rule, screen shapes, all-in-focus, and layered staging to balance visuals, sizes, views, and show character bonds.
Rule of thirds and visual balanceAspect ratios and field of viewDeep focus, shallow focus, and meaningStaging in depth and blocking layersFraming, offscreen space, and point of view
