How to Study a Movie

There are “Film Buffs” and there are “Film Students”. For those of us wishing to become more knowledgeable in the ways of Film Making, watching movies is the most obvious way to study our craft. But to study a movie, it takes more than just watching it a hundred times and memorizing the best lines to truly understand how it was made. Follow these steps to be true students of film.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Movies
• Pen and Paper
• Time
• Passion

1. Pick a movie and watch it for what it is meant to be – entertainment. Enjoy it for the experience, first. Then, note, in a general way, if you liked it or disliked it and why.

2. Watch the movie again and again. Each time, however, focus your attention on a different technical element (Lighting, Editing, Camera Movement, Composition, Set Design/Art Direction, Music/Score, etc.) and take notes. I suggest turning off the sound when studying Editing and Lighting.

3. Pick another movie and repeat steps 1 and 2. Film Making is like any other art form, if you want to get better – study the masters of your craft. Good Luck!

[AnneZ]

on 5/1/2009 I am a filmmaker and also study tv and ads. Lots of cinematic ideas everywhere.Fun to try them, once you study them! 5* and a REC.

[savesomebucks]

on 5/1/2009 Loved it.