The film theory platform.

For film lovers, learners and educators alike!

What do some of the best filmmakers in the world all have in common? They are masterful storytellers… and they honed their craft by analysing the stories of others. In our ten-part video series, we will be doing just that! Each video lesson includes analysis of award-winning features and short films, fundamental film theory, excerpts from some of the most notable storytellers around, and some all-important tips you can take away and use in your own films.

We built this course with one goal in mind: to make film education more contemporary, engaging and inclusive. We wanted to bring you all the benefits of years of film study, without the textbooks and expensive fees.

Our courses will be available in early 2019! Register your interest here and gain early access to the course for FREE.

Lessons available on our course:

Storytelling

Introducing visual film language, and discussing how editing, cinematography, mise-en-scene, sound and effects work to communicate meaning and emotion to audiences. Theories surrounding plot vs. story, Hollywood’s classic narrative and how to identify key themes in Film

Semiotics: The Magic of Signs

Identifying signs and codes in classic and modern film, and exploring the ways iconography can influence the audience

Auteur Theory

Discussing and debating Truffaut’s auteur theory, romanticism, the idea of individuality within Film, and modern auteurs (directors, writers, designers, artists) with a distinct style

Genre Theory

Breaking down the origins of genre film, and analysing the codes and conventions of popular genres and subgenres

The Stars & the Studios

Exploring the star system created by studios as another way of ensuring cinematic success, a practice we continue to this day

The Evolution of Film Language – Part 1: Eras

Exploring how film language and our way of telling stories on the silver screen has changed through the eras, from the Silent Era to the ‘Technological Revolution’

The Evolution of Film Language – Part 2: Technology

Exploring the ways storytelling changed with the development of new technologies by running through the eras from Part 1 of the series

The Evolution of Film Language – Part 3: Location (World Cinema)

Learning how film language varies around the world, with case studies from British cinema and beyond

Representation

Discussing stereotypes, gender and ethnic representation in film internationally, as well as how representation is evolving in the present day

Our Articles

Start your research here with the writing in our Interviews, Articles and Essays section. We examine iconic films and modern classics, cinema past and present, and explain the theoretical stuff in a way that just makes sense.

The website is divided into various areas of film studies, including Film Language, Narrative, Auteurs and World Cinema. Gain insight into the film industry from in-depth interviews with professionals in every discipline. There is something here for everyone – directors, cinematographers, editors, designers, you name it!

For additional resources, be sure to check out our Useful Links page that features other services you might find interesting.

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you. Let us know what you think of the website. Send us your feedback in the comments directly or communicate with us personally via email. Ever wonder what the STTG team get up to when we are not writing film articles? Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Want to write for us? Find out more about joining our team here.