Professor Williams introduces the relationship between story shape and story rhythm. By examining the shape for several genres, start to see the rhythm of a story. To keep us coming back, sometimes filmmakers break the rhythm, while at other times they present the same pattern out of order. Characters, dialogue, and plot all play a part. Ultimately, building tension is what keeps us in our seats.

On a basic level, blocking is the way that characters interact in a space. Framing is the way in which the blocking is captured by a camera. Professor Williams explains how both can be broken down into elements of lines and shape and scale. Using a plethora of examples including The Wizard of Oz and Good Will Hunting, you'll explore what sorts of messages good blocking and framing can send.

Dive into Apollo 13, The Shining, Room, Clockwork Orange, and more, to discover how props and set design can set a story up, introduce the characters, and provide clues about what to expect before the first line of dialogue has been spoken. Professor Williams demonstrates how the evolution or degradation of the set and props can often act as a mirror to the character's mental state.

Professor Williams acknowledges he can't tell you how an actor does what he or she does, but through this lecture he helps you appreciate the nuance that goes into acting as he breaks down the role of an actor. As you travel through Psycho, Get Out, The Thin Red Line, Rounders, and others, you discover what actors do (or should do) to prepare for roles and the pressure to portray believability.

Professor Williams introduces you to the story of a young hero whisked off on a journey through new lands full of strange and colorful characters, and introduced to a dangerous foe. The hero rises to various challenges, finds friends, and defeats the bad guy in a happy ending. Uncover the foundation of Joseph Campbell's "hero's journey" and explore how it shows up in unrelated films and genres.

Professor Williams looks at the lasting influence two films have made on every component of movie making over the last 75 years. As Professor Williams breaks down Casablanca, you'll better understand the three factors that made this movie an instant classic, suitable for repeat viewing. With Citizen Kane, he'll introduce you to seven groundbreaking film techniques that changed movies forever.

Professor Williams uses Precious and The Piano, and sprinkles in theories from Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, to illustrate how relationships are established, how the relationships work, and how they create tension in film. Examining established archetypes and character types, Professor Williams shows how easy it is to make movies predictable and how intention can help subvert expectations.

Professor Williams introduces you to the four approaches to film sound, provides eye-opening (or perhaps "ear-opening") insights into where the sound made a scene memorable in films such as The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and The Hurt Locker, and how tuning us into what our character hears provides us with more than just background noise.

You'll go behind the scenes to discover the different ways stars interact with characters who don't exist and the details that need to be captured - such as the correct angle of a non-existent sun reflection - when nothing you are filming is real. Plus, Professor Williams reveals his two picks for greatest special effects movie, and we're pretty sure you'll be surprised when you hear them.

Learn how to look at a film as a painting. Professor Williams explains how visual literacy is based upon at least four factors. He then delves into the distinct camera moves and how each brings you a different impression of what you're seeing. Using beautifully shot movies such as Blow Up and Jaws, you'll examine framing and filming constructs such as the "rule of thirds" and point of interest.