How do films and TV create meaning? How do images, sound, performance, editing, and storytelling work together to shape our understanding of a story, a character, or an entire world?

Lights, Camera, Meaning is an ongoing series taught by Dr Maggie Parke that explores TV & cinema as both a storytelling medium and a cultural force. Combining film studies with an examination of production practices, the series investigates how creative and technical choices shape the stories we see on screen. Through close analysis, discussion, and accessible critical frameworks, students will develop the tools to interpret visual media thoughtfully while gaining insight into the craft behind them.

Topics may include visual analysis and the language of cinema; editing, lighting, sound, and musical scoring; screenwriting and story development; character arcs and adaptation across media; genre studies; directors and creative voices; fantasy and speculative film; popular franchises and fan communities; and the evolving relationship between film, culture, and audiences. Drawing on examples from beloved classics, contemporary cinema, and adaptation-rich works such as Tolkien and beyond, the series invites students to consider not only what stories mean, but how filmmakers create that meaning. This series will complement Maggie's other series on specific story deep-dives, Taking Fun Seriously.

Designed for students from any background, the Lights, Camera, Meaning series combines rigorous analysis with an enthusiasm for storytelling, offering a welcoming space for anyone who wants to understand film more deeply, engage critically with visual media, and develop a greater appreciation for the artistry and craft of TV and cinema.