Lesson 1Editing and rhythm: continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, tempo and pacingThis section looks at editing as the arrangement of time and space, covering continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, and how tempo, pacing, and shot length affect story clarity, tension, and viewer 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 section delves into narrative structure and film time, separating story from plot, linear and non-linear forms, and techniques like flashbacks, ellipses, and voiceover that rearrange time and influence 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 section covers film music and scoring, including leitmotifs, diegetic and non-diegetic music, spotting methods, and how harmony, rhythm, and instruments signal emotion, structure scenes, and steer audience 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 section examines mise-en-scène as all that's placed before the camera, including sets, costumes, props, and blocking. It explores how these build world, character, theme, and tone across different genres 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 section breaks down camera movement and lenses, like dolly, tracking, handheld, and POV shots, plus focal length and depth of field, showing how they affect perspective, scale, 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 section covers basic sound design ideas, distinguishing diegetic from non-diegetic sound, explaining room tone and ambience, and showing how sound perspective, fidelity, and silence create mood, 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 section centres on performance analysis, looking at acting styles, star image, casting decisions, and subtext. It explores gesture, voice, blocking, and how performance works with framing, editing, and genre norms.
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 investigates lighting and colour in film, including high-key and low-key lighting, motivated and practical lights, colour schemes, and how hue, saturation, and contrast shape 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 section analyses shot composition and framing, covering rule of thirds, aspect ratios, deep focus, and staging in depth. It shows how visual balance, scale, and perspective direct attention and build character dynamics.
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
