Task 10: What Is Genre?

Genre: the type/category of film e.g Horror, Comedy, Action

Sub-Genre: The genre with in the genre; the sub group E.g dark comedies are a sun-genre of comedies.

Hybrid Genre: Two genres combined together in one film e.g rom-coms. This is done to expand the target audience and to appeal to more people.

Codes & conventions: The codes are system os signs and the conventions is the generally acceptable way in which things are done. They work together to indicate the tone of the movie, using mainly stereotype based ideas.
Genre tropes: Generic pros/costumes/set/lighting/sound/colour associated with the specific genre. creates atmosphere and establishes the genre. e.g Horror films might use dark lighting and eerie music.

Importance 

Genre is an important element in the film industry because:

-They help to establish certain expectations and familiarity in audiences

-Help audiences to develop personal tastes and help them discover new movies that the might enjoy based on their favourite genre

-Having genre makes the marketing easier. 

-Genre helps establish certain codes and conventions that film makers can follow in order to make the product look a certain way

The Conjuring

The director used particular codes, conventions and genre troops to convey to the audience that this film is going to be horror. This will attract the right kind of audience that will enjoy being scared and also indicate to the parents that this film isn't for children. Having a genre also makes this easier to market as the marketing director can present this as ' The most thrilling and terrifying horror of this generation"

Genre Preferences

My favourite movie genres are Sci-fi, Comedies and Musicals.

Musicals

This genre of film uses songs to unravel the plot of the movie. This makes the story seem to float and give the audience a smooth and pleasant movie experience. I love the bright theatrical costumes and dramatic makeup that's usually used. In musicals, a lot of effort goes into styling all the characters and it's very well thought out. Musicals usually feature extravagant characters that normal films wouldn't dare to portray, adding a unique charm to musicals v.s. any other genre of film. 

 My favourites include:

 -The Rocky Horror Picture Show

 -The NightMare Before Christmas

-Little Shop Of Horrors

The bright costumes and up beat melodies suggest this is a musical.

Comedies 

Comedies follow many codes and conventions in order to successfully produce a funny film. Sound is important in comedies, they can use sound effects to add a comical element, e.g. fake/ cartoon sounding punches/slaps sound effects, in order to keep the tone of the movie light-hearted. The dialogue between characters is usually clear, so that the jokes can be heard. Comedies are usually set in casual setting creating a sense or realism. They also tend to use natural or bright lighting to add to the realism and the lightless of the film. My favourite element of comedies is the comical side kick, whose main purpose is to entertain.

My favourites include:

The Naked Gun

The Hangover 

Some Like It Hot

The lack of seriousness and cartoon elements of this film suggest 
that this is a comedy 

Sci-Fi

Sci-fi main themes are is the conflict between good and evil. Sci-fi films are usually set in the future, or feature an alternative time-line. They are also usually set in outer space, other worlds and alternative versions of earth. This gives the audience a totally new perspective, and the directer more creative input. Special effects also play a large role in sic-fi films because they help make the setting seem more realistic. Often features other spies e.g. aliens.  

My Favourites include:

The avengers 

Back To The Future 

Inception 

The advanced electronics e.g Iron Man suit, and the futuristic 
aliens suggest that this is a sic-fi film