Lesson 1Editing and rhythm: continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, tempo and pacingHere we look at editing as the way time and space get arranged in films, covering smooth continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, and how speed, rhythm, and shot lengths build clear stories, create tension, and keep you 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 dive into how stories are structured in films and how time works, sorting out story from plot, straight linear tales from twisty non-linear ones, and tricks like flashbacks, skips in time, and voiceovers that mix up the timeline and what you 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 looks at film music and how it's scored, with repeating themes, music inside or outside the story, placement tricks, and how chords, beats, and instruments spark feelings, shape scenes, and point you towards what it all means.
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 check out mise-en-scène, everything right in front of the camera like sets, clothes, objects, and actor movements. It shows how these bits build the world, characters, ideas, and mood across different film types 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 meaningHere we break down camera moves and lenses, like dolly shots, tracking, shaky handheld, point-of-view, plus lens lengths and focus depth, to see how they change your view, size things up, and pull you into the emotions.
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 bit explains sound design from the ground up, sorting story sounds from outside ones, room atmosphere, background noise, and how sound viewpoint, quality, and quiet moments set the mood, feel real, and highlight the story.
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 subtextWe focus on analysing acting, looking at styles, star images, who gets cast, and hidden meanings. It covers gestures, voices, movements, 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, practicalsThis section digs into lighting and colour in films, from bright high-key to dark low-key, real light sources, colour schemes, and how shades, brightness, and contrast build mood, depth, 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 depthWe analyse how shots are set up and framed, using thirds rule, screen shapes, everything-in-focus, and deep staging. It shows how balance, size, and angles direct your 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
