Lesson 1Editing and rhythm: continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, tempo and pacingThis lesson looks at editing as the arrangement of time and space, covering continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, and how speed, rhythm, and shot length influence story clarity, suspense, and audience involvement.
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 lesson delves into narrative structure and film time, differentiating story from plot, linear and non-linear formats, and techniques like flashbacks, ellipses, and voiceover that rearrange 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 lesson covers film music and scoring, including leitmotifs, music within the story and outside it, spotting methods, and how melody, beat, and instruments signal feelings, organise 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 lesson studies mise-en-scène as all that appears before the camera, like sets, costumes, props, and actor movements. It shows how these build the world, characters, themes, and mood across different film types 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 analyses camera movements and lenses, such as dolly, tracking, handheld, and point-of-view shots, plus focal length and depth of field, revealing how they influence 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 lesson explains core sound design ideas, separating sounds from within the story and outside it, room tone and background noise, and how sound viewpoint, quality, and quiet moments create atmosphere, realism, 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 lesson centres on analysing performances, looking at acting approaches, star image, casting decisions, and underlying meanings. It explores body language, dialogue, positioning, and interaction with shots, cuts, and film styles.
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 lesson probes lighting and colour in films, including bright and dark setups, natural and artificial lights, colour schemes, and how shades, intensity, and contrast craft mood, depth, and themes.
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 lesson breaks down shot setup and framing, covering rule of thirds, screen shapes, deep focus, and layered staging. It illustrates how visual harmony, proportion, and angle direct focus and define 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
