Lesson 1Editing and rhythm: continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, tempo and pacingThis section looks at editing as the way time and space are arranged, covering continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, and how speed, rhythm, and shot length affect story clarity, tension, and how viewers stay 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 section explores story structure and film time, separating story from plot, straight-line and non-straight 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 section dives into film music and scoring, including signature themes, music inside or outside the story, placement tactics, and how melody, beat, and instruments signal feelings, build 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 section checks mise-en-scène as all that is put before the camera, like sets, outfits, items, and actor positions. It looks at how these build the world, characters, themes, and mood across different 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 section breaks down camera moves and lenses, like dolly, tracking, shaky cam, and point-of-view shots, plus lens focus and depth, to show how they shape 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 section explains basic sound design ideas, separating story sound from outside sound, room atmosphere and background noise, and how sound angle, quality, and quiet moments set 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 breakdown, looking at acting approaches, celebrity image, casting decisions, and hidden meanings. It explores body language, voice, positioning, and how acting works with shots, cuts, and genre 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 section looks into lighting and colour in film, covering bright and dark setups, natural and real light sources, colour schemes, and how shades, brightness, and contrast build 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 setup and framing, including thirds rule, screen shapes, sharp depth, and layered staging. It shows how visual balance, size, and angle direct focus 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
