How to Do a Shot-by-Shot Film Sequence Analysis
Plus a Free Example Course Using Azazel Jacobs' His Three Daughters
If you’ve ever wanted to teach (or learn) how to truly read a the rich language of film, a shot-by-shot analysis is one approach that can help you dig in to the details.
Whether you're a student trying to strengthen your writing and critical thinking skills, or a teacher looking for media-rich lessons that hit academic standards and spark interest—this method helps you go deeper than just “what happened in the scene.”
In my free self-paced course, I guide you (or your student) through how to break down the opening sequence of Azazel Jacobs’ film His Three Daughters. It’s part of my upcoming Hollywood & Literature course series—designed to blend film studies with academic skills used in the high school ELA classroom.
Here’s a breakdown of how shot-by-shot analysis works and how you can try it for yourself.
What Is a Shot-by-Shot Analysis?
Before we start breaking anything down, let’s clarify some basic film terms:
- A shot is a single continuous take—from when the camera starts rolling to when it stops.
- A sequence is a series of shots that work together to tell a part of the story.
- A scene is a unit of action that usually happens in one time and place—often made up of multiple sequences.
A shot-by-shot analysis asks:
“Why this shot, in this way, at this moment?”
And we use the tools of film language to answer that question. Think:
- Camera angle and movement
- Framing and composition
- Lighting and color
- Sound and silence
- Editing rhythm and transitions
What You'll Learn in the Course
Inside the free beta course, students (and curious teachers!) work through four clear lessons, each building toward analytical confidence.
Lesson 1: Understanding Film Terms
You’ll learn how to distinguish a shot from a sequence or a scene—and how to analyze visual storytelling like you'd analyze a paragraph or stanza.
Lesson 2: Active Viewing with Guiding Questions
Before we break anything down, we preview the sequence with focused questions that encourage active, critical viewing.
Lesson 3: Modeling + Independent Practice
I walk you through a model analysis of the opening sequence. Then, you try your own breakdown using a guided worksheet.
Lesson 4: Synthesizing Patterns & Crafting a Thesis
Once you've broken the sequence down shot by shot, we step back. What patterns or themes emerge? How does the director use visual language to build meaning?
In this case, we focus on how Jacobs’ composition choices suggest emotional distance and the tension between characters.
Who Is This For?
This free course is perfect for:
- High school students interested in film, writing, or deeper media literacy
- Teachers previewing digital curriculum options
- Homeschool families or independent learners
- College prep students working on visual analysis and thesis writing
- Anyone who wants to analyze film with depth—not just vibes
What You Get (Free!)
- Immediate access via Google Classroom
- Self-paced lessons with clear instructions
- Digital graphic organizers
- A real example using a contemporary, character-driven film
- Priority access to upcoming courses in the Hollywood & Literature series
Ready to Try It?
(Click to enroll as a beta tester—limited time preview!)
Or hop on my email list to get early access to future courses like:
