WHEN
Wed, July 1 @ 7:00 pm

WHERE:
The Rockwell

COST:
$35

Lectures On Tap: Cinematic Storytelling: Visual Structure in Film

Event Description:

Join us for an engaging evening as Prof. Drew McClellan unpacks how filmmakers communicate thoughts, emotions, and ideas through visual strategy and cinematic design. You’ll discover how every shot is carefully constructed to guide your emotions, deepen storytelling, and choreograph the eye across the frame.

Through close analysis of still images and iconic scenes from classic and contemporary cinema, this lecture reveals the “secret” visual language used by directors, cinematographers, production designers, and editors to shape and enhance the audience experience.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, film lover, designer, student, or simply curious about why movies “feel” the way they do, this session offers an accessible and inspiring look at the architecture of cinematic storytelling—and will forever change the way you watch films.

Drew McClellan is an award-winning educator, filmmaker, and visual strategist whose work focuses on the intersection of cinematic storytelling and visual strategy. He serves as an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and is currently Chair of the Cinematic Arts Department at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA).

Agenda:

6:30 PM – Doors open: find a seat (open seating!), order food & drinks, and expect a bar line—arriving early is key.

6:55 PM – Host introduction

7:00 PM – Lecture begins

7:45 PM – Audience Q&A

8:00 PM – Have 1:1 time with the speaker, mingle with fellow guests, and order another round

8:30 PM – Wrap up.

Age Limit: This event is all ages.

ID: Valid ID required for alcohol consumption.

Start Time: Performances will begin no later than 15 minutes after stated show time.

Refund Policy: Determined by Lectures on Tap.

ADA Accessibility: The Rockwell is partially ADA Accessible with an elevator and restrooms in saloon wide enough for wheelchair use.