Storytelling Sessions: Silence in Film

Mascha Deikova

Storytelling Sessions: Silence in Film

Mascha Deikova
1h 9m
7 modules (view curriculum)

$29/month
When billed annually.

  • Total Time:

    1h 9m

Description

The first webinar in the Storytelling Sessions series explores silence as a storytelling tool in modern filmmaking. A rare topic, yet so impactful! Silence, both in films and in life, can take on many qualities: sometimes scary, other times soothing; tense and awkward; creative, or even maddening. In this recorded live session, we examine how to use silence in your stories to create a specific impact on the audience. We approach it through a mix of film theory, philosophy, and concrete scene examples from acclaimed films and series. What does the absence of music make us feel? How does an awkward, unspoken pause in dialogue shape a scene? When and where do truly silent moments wield their greatest power? Discover the answers to these questions and much more in this webinar.

All film excerpts shown in this webinar are used solely for educational and analytical purposes. Spoiler alert: Some examples in this webinar reference important scenes and story developments from selected films.

Modules

Introduction

01m

Join Masha, co-founder of Holy Moly Films, for an insightful session on filmmaking. Discover valuable tips for films, stories, and social media content. Masha shares her expertise as a director, writer, and contributor to CineD, offering a professional look into documentary, corporate, and music video production. This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of creative storytelling and film techniques.

Silence in dialogues

07m

In this lesson we look at Mia Wallace from "Pulp Fiction" as a prime example of silence in dialogue. It illustrates how subtle pauses can create emotional depth and contrast with the human tendency to fill empty conversational space. Discover how embracing silence can lead to genuine connection and improved listening skills.

The art of subtext

09m

In this lesson we'll go into subtext, or "silencing real thoughts," in storytelling and life. We'll explore how unspoken meanings create intrigue and tension, using Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" as a prime example. Discover how mundane conversations can mask intense situations and how subtext can amplify emotional resonance.

The absence of music

16m

This lesson explores how the absence of a score can amplify tension and realism, using "No Country for Old Men" and "A Ghost Story" as prime examples. The discussion also touches upon diegetic and non-diegetic music, and how AI is being used to generate sound for films.

Silence crucial for the story

01m

Silence in storytelling is exemplified by "A Quiet Place" and Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." Discover how strategic silence can build tension, convey information, and enhance storytelling. These cinematic masterpieces as essential viewing for aspiring filmmakers seeking to master this crucial narrative tool.

Total silence

14m

In this lesson we explore total silence, using "Oppenheimer" and "Sound of Metal" as key examples. We'll look at how strategic silence amplifies dramatic moments, heightens sensory perception, and evokes powerful emotional responses from the audience. The discussion highlights the deliberate use of silence to create contrast and emphasize pivotal scenes.

Q and A and quiz

17m

This lesson goes into how strategic use of silence can elevate scenes and viewer engagement, contrasting it with the pitfalls of overused soundtracks. Discover the collaborative art of film scoring, where story and subtext guide musical choices, and test your knowledge with a fun film quiz.

About the Educator

Mascha Deikova

Director, Author

4 Courses

Mascha Deikova is a filmmaker based in Austria and co-owner of the video production company Holy Moly films. She works on commercials, music videos, corporate films, and documentaries. Mascha’s passion lies in exploring cinematic and narrative techniques for storytelling, as well as emerging AI tools for streamlining mundane tasks. She regularly writes about these topics for CineD.com.

Related Courses

The Efficient Filmmaker: Subtitle Mastery
Mascha Deikova
$39
The Efficient Filmmaker: AI Video Masking for the Rest of Us
Mascha Deikova
$0
The Efficient Filmmaker: Scan and Plan
Mascha Deikova
$0
Ready to Get Started with MZed Pro?

Make a commitment to becoming a better filmmaker, today. Seven-day money-back guarantee (view full terms here).

Monthly Membership
Annual Membership
Monthly price
$49/month
$29/month
(billed annually)
Unlimited access to all courses
Learn from Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winning educators
Offline download and viewing with the MZed iOS app
Industry recognized certificates upon course completion
Over $9000 in course value
7-day money back guarantee
Join Monthly
Join Annually