Lesson 1Editing and rhythm: continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, tempo and pacingHere we look at editing as sorting out time and space in films, including continuity editing, montage, cross-cutting, jump cuts, and how speed, rhythm, and shot lengths build clear stories, 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 built in films and how time works, sorting out story from plot, straight-line versus twisty timelines, and tricks like flashbacks, skips, and voiceovers that mix up time 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 checks out film music and scoring, like repeating themes, music inside or outside the story, placement tricks, and how tunes, beats, and instruments spark feelings, shape scenes, and steer what you 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 blockingWe examine mise-en-scène as all that's put before the camera, like sets, outfits, items, and actor movements. It shows how these build worlds, characters, ideas, and moods 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 section breaks down camera moves and lenses, such as dolly, tracking, shaky handheld, point-of-view shots, plus lens focus and depth, revealing how they twist views, sizes, and your bond with the story.
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 soundWe cover sound design basics, sorting story sounds from added ones, room atmosphere, background noise, and how sound angles, clarity, and quiet moments set moods, feel real, and highlight the tale.
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 subtextFocus on acting breakdowns, styles, star images, casting picks, and hidden meanings. We look at gestures, voices, positions, and how acting meshes 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, practicalsWe probe lighting and colour in films, high or low key setups, natural sources, colour schemes, and how shades, brightness, and contrast craft moods, 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 depthAnalyse shot setups and frames, rule of thirds, screen shapes, sharp depth, layered staging. See 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
