RESEARCH - What is genre?

Genres are used to categorise different products that share similar features or characteristics. Genres are important because they help quickly establish differences between different media forms. They also help establish certain codes and conventions that film makers can follow in order to make the product look a certain way or to achieve a certain effect and attract a specific audience. They create expectations and familiarity in audiences, which leads audiences to develop personal tastes around the genre.

• Genre - specific type or category of music, film or writing
• Sub-Genre - a subdivision of a genre e.g RomCom
• Hybrid genre - blends themes and elements from two or more different genres
• Codes and Conventions - codes are systems of signs, which create meaning - technical and symbolic. Conventions are typical things that are expected in a genre
• Genre Tropes - common/overused themes or devices

Comedy is one of my favourite genres. The conventions mainly include bright settings, such as towns and cities. The technical code is that the  lighting is commonly bright or natural light because this creates a realistic environment. The camera shots are mainly close up or medium close up. This is to capture the facial expressions of the characters. Moreover, comedy films usually have some sort of sound effects to contribute to the humor. A good example of a comedy film is The Hangover.

Romance is another of of my favourite genres. The common conventions of the romance genre is that there is mainly two protagonists, a male and a female. The film is often centered around the female character, therefore we mainly see the film from her point of view. Furthermore, there is often always a happy ending in the relationship of the two protagonists, by them either getting together or getting married. A good example of a romantic film is The Notebook.

Action is another genre I enjoy to watching, as they give you a thrill and excitement. The common conventions of action movies tend to include big machinery, a massive destruction, death of loved ones, weapons such as knives and guns and it is usually set in a big modern city. Furthermore, there is always up beat and nerve racking music to build up the tension. A good example of action movie is Fast and Furious.