Film Course

Lesson 1 • Reading a Film Critically

Develops analytical habits for deconstructing films as texts. Students apply vocabulary from prior sections to structured scene analysis.

Lesson 2 • History and Evolution of Film

Traces cinema from silent shorts to contemporary digital production. Establishes historical context that informs every subsequent technical and artistic decision.

Lesson 3 • Film Genres and Their Conventions

Maps major genres and their defining codes, iconography, and audience expectations. Provides a framework for analysing and intentionally subverting genre norms.

Lesson 1 • Rewriting and Script Notes

Introduces revision strategies, self-editing techniques, and how to process feedback. Iterative rewriting transforms a rough draft into a production-ready script.

Lesson 2 • Story Concept and Premise

Teaches how to generate, test, and refine a cinematic idea into a viable premise. A strong premise anchors all subsequent script decisions.

Lesson 3 • Professional Script Formatting

Covers industry-standard screenplay format, slug lines, action lines, and transitions. Proper formatting signals professionalism and aids production planning.

Lesson 4 • Three-Act Structure and Plotting

Breaks down classical and alternative narrative structures with plot-point mapping. Students outline a complete story arc before writing scenes.

Lesson 1 • Camera Movement and Motivation

Covers handheld, dolly, crane, and stabilised movement with their emotional effects. Every camera move must be motivated by story or character need.

Lesson 2 • Camera Mechanics and Controls

Explains sensor size, lens types, and manual exposure controls. Understanding camera mechanics enables deliberate creative and technical decisions on set.

Lesson 3 • Composition and Framing Techniques

Applies compositional rules and their intentional violations to create meaning. Framing choices communicate character psychology and narrative tension.

Lesson 4 • Shot Lists and Visual Planning

Teaches how to translate a script into a prioritised shot list and storyboard. Pre-visualisation reduces on-set time and ensures coverage of every story beat.

Lesson 1 • Safety and Ethical Production Practices

Addresses on-set safety protocols, talent agreements, and ethical treatment of cast and crew. A safe set protects people and the production from liability.

Lesson 2 • Production Design and Art Direction

Explains how sets, props, and costumes construct the film's visual world. Production design reinforces character and story without dialogue.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Production Planning Essentials

Covers script breakdown, scheduling, and budgeting as the foundation of a viable production. Thorough pre-production prevents costly on-set problems.

Lesson 4 • Managing the Shooting Day

Covers call sheets, daily schedules, and on-set communication protocols. Effective day management keeps the production on schedule and within budget.

Lesson 1 • Acting Fundamentals for Directors

Introduces acting techniques so directors can speak the actor's language effectively. Understanding performance craft prevents vague direction and builds actor trust.

Lesson 2 • On-Set Direction and Communication

Teaches real-time direction, giving actionable notes, and managing set dynamics. Efficient on-set communication preserves schedule and maintains creative momentum.

Lesson 3 • Rehearsal Techniques and Table Work

Covers script read-throughs, table work, and blocking rehearsals. Structured rehearsal reveals script problems and builds ensemble chemistry before cameras roll.

Lesson 4 • The Director's Role and Vision

Defines the director's creative and logistical responsibilities across pre-production and production. A clear directorial vision unifies all department heads toward one goal.

Lesson 1 • Non-Linear Editing Fundamentals

Introduces the NLE interface, timeline organisation, and basic cut types. A solid editing foundation enables efficient assembly and creative experimentation.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Editing and Continuity

Covers the 180-degree rule, match cuts, and continuity editing conventions. Understanding these rules allows editors to maintain or intentionally break spatial logic.

Lesson 3 • Assembling and Refining the Cut

Walks through rough cut, fine cut, and picture lock stages with decision criteria. Each pass tightens story logic, performance selection, and emotional impact.

Lesson 4 • Sound Design and Music in Post

Introduces dialogue editing, sound effects layering, and score integration. Sound design completes the emotional and spatial world established by the image.

Lesson 1 • Documentary Modes and Ethics

Maps observational, participatory, expository, and performative documentary modes. Ethical obligations to subjects distinguish documentary from fiction filmmaking.

Lesson 2 • Observational and Verité Shooting

Develops skills for capturing unscripted action with minimal intrusion. Verité footage requires anticipation, patience, and ethical restraint.

Lesson 3 • Interview Techniques and Setup

Covers camera placement, lighting for interviews, and question sequencing strategies. A well-conducted interview yields usable sound bites and emotional depth.

Lesson 4 • Research and Story Development

Teaches archival research, pre-interview preparation, and finding the documentary spine. Strong research prevents on-location surprises and deepens subject credibility.

Lesson 1 • The Film Distribution Landscape

Maps theatrical, streaming, broadcast, and self-distribution channels with their trade-offs. Knowing the landscape enables filmmakers to choose the right path for each project.

Lesson 2 • Film Festivals and Market Strategy

Covers festival submission strategy, market screenings, and networking at industry events. Festivals generate visibility, awards, and distribution deals for emerging filmmakers.

Lesson 3 • Film Marketing and Audience Building

Introduces key art, trailers, press kits, and social media campaigns for film promotion. Marketing begins in pre-production and shapes audience expectations before release.

Lesson 4 • Rights, Contracts, and Revenue Models

Explains intellectual property ownership, licensing agreements, and revenue streams. Protecting rights and understanding deal structures prevents financial loss.