Genre

The word g e nre comes from the French (and originally Latin) word for 'kind' or 'class'. The term is widely used in rhetoric, literary theory, media theory, and more recently linguistics, to refer to a distinctive ty p e of text.G e nre is a term that can be split up into different categories, based on characteristics that they share, for example, settings, storyline's, narratives, characters and themes. In particular, genre can be referred to music videos, and they can be classified as being a particular genre, for example, pop, rock and hip-hop. 

What is Genre ?

• Characters

• Location

• Props

• Sound/Music

• Genre conventions

• Plots/situation

• Themes

• Costume

Characteristics of genre

Conventional definitions of genres tend to be based on the notion that they constitute particular conventions of content (such as themes or settings) and/or form (including structure and style) which are shared by the texts which are regarded as belonging to them.

Genre can provide structure and form which can allow a great deal of creativity and virtuosity, especially when a genuine reworking of generic conventions comes. Genre provides key elements for an audience to recognise, so that they may further appreciate the variation and originality surrounding the representation of those elements.

Genre Theories – Daniel Chandler

Steve Neale states that 'g e nre s a re ins ta nc e s o f re p e titio n a nd d iffe re nc e ' and ' g e nre s a re no t s y s te m s , the y a re p ro c e s s e s o f s y s te m is a tio n ' .

He also say's that, definitions of genre are historically relative and are therefore historically specific. Believed that there was a system of expectation and that by using own knowledge and applying conventions of the genre, the audience should be able to infe r the na rra tiv e and s to ry line o f the m us ic v id e o . He also declares that difference is essential to the economy of genre; mere repetition would not attract the audience. 

Steve Neale

“one advantage of genres is that they can rely on readers already having knowledge and expectations about the works within a genre”. This means that producer do not have to explain the conventions of a text as audiences are already familiar. – Fowler

“Genres are instances of repetition and difference... difference is absolutely essential to the economy of genre: mere repetitions would not attract an audience.” - Steve Neale 1980

“Genre creates expectations that condition our responses. The familiarity of the genre enables each spectator to anticipate and predict what will appear in them. Genre sets up hopes and promises and brings pleasure if these hopes and promises are fulfilled.”- Warren Buckland

Quotes to use in exam

Tom Ryall (1978) – Genre provides a framework of structuring rules, in the shape of patterns/forms/styles/structures, which act as a form of ‘supervision’ over the work of production of filmmakers and the work of reading by the audience. John Fiske defines genres as ‘attempts to structure some order into the wide range of texts and meanings that circulate in our culture for the convenience of both producers and audiences.’

Steve Neale (1990) argues that Hollywoods generic regime performs two inter-related functions: i) to guarantee meanings and pleasures for audiences ii) to offset the considerable economic risks of industrial film production by providing cognitive collateral against innovation and difference .

‘what is expected in a certain genre of film’

Which include areas such as location, character and props. These are what usually give a film their generic genre traits. For instance, an isolated area is very often associated with horror films as this gives the characters no where to run, and allows the action to intensify in one specific area. Also, an extremely stereotypical area of horror is that low key lighting is used; whether that be night time, bad weather or a unlit area (e.g. no lights on in a house). This connection between the dark and the unknown makes the audience believe they can prepare themselves for what could possibly happen/ However, the association of emotions, isolation; anxiety; fear etc. of this situation begin to surface.

Semantic

.‘Elements in the narrative or ideology of the genre’

For example. In a horror film, the narrative we expect is foremost, the survival of the main character or characters. More commonly, there is only one, if any survivors. Second to this, we expect a person or ‘creature’ to be after these characters. This unknown adds to the element of anxiety and fear which increases as the narrative goes on heightening close to the end of the film. This leaves the audience in suspense. Horror movies are designed to induce emotion and adrenaline into the audience. However, this is an appealing factor as even though the fear is there, the viewers know they are safe and that it is different to a real life situation.

Syntactic

AS & A2

1. Your chosen genre of title sequence/ Music Video e.g. rom com, horror action RnB, Rock etc.

2. Use of costumes, how does this reflect the codes and conventions of your genre ?

3. Use of location, why did you choose to film there?

4. Props, How does it relate to your genre ?

5. Narrative, how does is reflect your genre ?

6. Actors, why did you choose them and how to they fit in your chosen genre ?

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How to link to your own work