Hello Everyone!

I’ve been exploring how to study film through a Zettelkasten approach, and I wanted to open a discussion with anyone who’s tried something similar, especially those using Obsidian for creative or media-based work.

I’ve been learning through Scott Scheper’s Antinet Zettelkasten principles and before I go on, I just want to say I’m aware (and deeply sorry) that he takes a dig at you guys in his book. My goal isn’t to stir anything; I genuinely value Obsidian’s capability of using visual images, audio, and sound, and want to learn from this community’s experience in using it thoughtfully

So far, I’ve been using Obsidian Canvas to create:

Mood boards - pulling in inspirational images, references, and stills

Storyboard prototypes - connecting images with short text notes on tone, lighting, and composition

A few experiments linking those visuals to notes on film concepts like framing, pacing, and symbolism

What I’m struggling with is how to structure learning film theory, history, and criticism within this system since I’m teaching myself.

I’m also looking for a way to record my practical experiments. For example, studying a specific director’s or cinematographer’s style, then documenting what I learned from trying to emulate their approach.

I’m curious:

How do you organize notes on film theory or criticism in a way that connects to practice (actual shooting, editing, etc.)?

Do you separate your theoretical and creative notes or let them mingle?

Any tips for linking Canvas visuals with Zettelkasten-style thinking (indexing, cross-referencing, etc.)?

I’d really appreciate any workflows, plugin suggestions, or examples from people studying creative fields with Obsidian. Thanks so much for reading. I’m still figuring out how to bring the analytical and the artistic together here.

** I have included pictures of what my flowcharts look like. I do not feel confident in my literature notes and permanent notes yet.