Lesson 1Editing and rhythm: continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, tempo and pacingThis part looks at editing as arranging time and space in films. It covers smooth continuity editing, montage mixing, cross-cutting between actions, sudden jump cuts, and how speed, rhythm, and shot lengths build clear stories, create 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 digs into story structure and time in films, telling apart the story from the plot, straight linear telling from twisted non-linear ones, and tools like flashbacks, time skips, and voice-overs 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 looks closely at film music and scoring, covering repeating themes or leitmotifs, music inside the story versus outside, placement strategies, and how chords, beats, and instruments stir feelings, shape scenes, and steer what viewers think.
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 studies mise-en-scène as all things put before the camera, like sets, clothes, objects, and actor movements. It shows how these 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 meaningThis part breaks down camera moves and lenses, like smooth dolly shots, tracking follows, shaky handheld, point-of-view angles, plus lens focus and depth, showing how they change viewpoint, size, and how we connect with feelings on screen.
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 teaches basic sound design ideas, sorting sounds inside the story from those outside, room background noise and surroundings, and how sound viewpoint, clearness, 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 analysing acting, looking at styles, star images, who gets cast, and hidden meanings. It checks gestures, voices, movements, and how acting works 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 part checks lighting and colour in films, from bright high-key to dark low-key, natural light sources, colour schemes, and how shades, brightness, and contrast build mood, depth, and main 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 depthThis part analyses shot setup and framing, using thirds rule, screen shapes, all-in-focus depth, 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
