Genre

Understanding Genres

Genres are categories that group films based on similar narrative structures or stylistic conventions.
Familiarise yourself with the common film genres such as drama, romance, horror, documentary, comedy, action, thriller, and sci-fi.
Each genre has a set of conventions related to setting, characters, plot, theme, visual effects, music, and costumes.
Understanding these conventions helps to shape your plot, script, and characters with expectations from the audience in mind.

Choosing Appropriate Genre

Your first task in creating a film is to choose a suitable genre that matches the idea or message you want to convey.
Being mindful of the genre when filming is crucial as it dictates the film’s mood, style, and emotional impact.
It’s possible to blend genres, however, this requires careful consideration to ensure the conventions of the two genres complement each other and do not confuse the audience.

Applying Genre Theory

Genre theory is key to analysing and understanding films as well as planning your own productions.
Be aware that genres are not static; they develop and evolve over time to reflect changes in society.
Understand the main plot structures for each genre and be familiar with the more subtle sub-genres.
Use symbolism and metaphor within the genre you have chosen to add deeper meanings to your work.

Challenges of Working Within a Genre

Working within a genre can be both restricting and liberating, challenges may include being predictable or cliche.
Challenge yourself to defy some conventions to surprise the audience, whilst maintaining enough conventions to ensure your film is still recognizable within its genre.
Strive to create a unique voice while working within the expected frameworks of the chosen genre.

Remember, using genre effectively in your creative production tasks requires a good understanding of genre theory and the conventions associated with each genre. This understanding will aid in your decision making on various production aspects, such as scriptwriting, directing, and editing. Harness the power of genre to make your work impactful and meaningful.