Lesson 1Editing and rhythm: continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, tempo and pacingThis part looks at editing as arranging time and space, covering continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, and how speed, rhythm, and shot length bring clarity to the story, 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 plotThis part explores story structure and film time, separating story from plot, straight and twisted forms, and tools like flashbacks, skips, and voiceover that mix up time and control what the audience knows.
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 dives into film music and scoring, covering repeating themes, music inside and outside the story, placement tricks, and how chords, beats, and instruments signal feelings, shape scenes, and steer viewer understanding.
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 blockingThis part checks mise-en-scène as all that's put before the camera, like sets, clothes, items, and actor positions. It looks at how these build the world, characters, themes, and mood across different styles and times.
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 part breaks down camera moves and lenses, like dolly, tracking, shaky hand, and point-of-view shots, plus focus length and field depth, to show how they affect viewpoint, size, and emotional connection.
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 soundThis part explains basic sound design ideas, sorting story sound from outside sound, room hum and background noise, and how sound angle, quality, and quiet moments set mood, realness, and story focus.
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 subtextThis part centres on acting breakdown, looking at styles, star image, casting picks, and hidden meanings. It checks gestures, voice, positions, and how acting works with shots, cuts, and style rules.
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, practicalsThis part looks into lighting and colour in film, from bright and dark setups, natural sources, colour schemes, and how shades, strength, and contrast set mood, depth, and theme.
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 depthThis part analyses shot setup and framing, like thirds rule, screen shapes, all-in-focus, and layered staging. It shows how balance, size, and angle direct eyes and build character ties.
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
