10. What is Genre?

Genre is a specific type or category of film.
sub-genre is a smaller genre within a genre
Hybrid genre is two or more genres combined

Genres are a main aspect in media such as in music and film. In film genres help establish different aspects and expectations that will be presented in the product. The audience will know of the codes and conventions that are expected. Genre also allows the audience to know what type of films they like (i.e. if they prefer comedy over action, or if they don't like horror but like romance)
 

This clip of Means Girls is a clear presentation of what genre this film is. The audience can see that it fits into the teen/highschool genre (as they are teenager girls) as well as comedy (when a member in the audience is hit in the face by the music player) - it's a hybrid.


Below are my 3 favourite genres:

Horror is one of my favourite genres of film. This is because it builds a lot of tension and always has my heart racing. Some of the typical conventions of this genre that I like the most are the jump-scares, the dark and erie atmosphere, the makeup and wardrobe and the constant theme of death. These conventions always have me anticipating the next action, whether or not one of the characters are going to die. Some of the film That I have seen in this genre are 'Drag Me To Hell', 'Insidious' and 'Paranormal Activity'.

Comedy will always remain a favourite of mine as it never fails to make me laugh. Some conventions I enjoy are when the characters get hurt, or are presented as 'stupid', facial expressions or if there is dark humour in the film. However over many years, this genre is always showing new and different comedic strategies, which I find amazing as the creativity is never ending.

Animation is a genre I always hold close to me, as it always make me feel as if I was 8 again. This genre holds many stereotypical conventions like the bright, high key lighting, easy childlike humour and a happy ending. Animation is commonly used to produce children's films as they are distortion of real life made for their entertainment.

In conclusion, genre plays a big part in film production, especially in the opening sequence as this is where the audience will know what type of film this is. This can allow them to decide if they want to watch the film or not.