AN INTRODUCTION TO GENRE

Media Studies

A genre has characteristicfeatures that are known to and recognised by audiences.

Media Studies

A genre has characteristicfeatures that are known to and recognised by audiences

Media Studies

The same formula is applied time and time again.

WesternsWar filmsSoap operasCrime drama

are obvious examples

Media Studies

Game showsNews bulletinsDocumentariesReality TV, etc.

are also genres

Media Studies

There are also subgenreswithin genres.

Spaghetti westernsHammer horror filmsJames Bond

Media Studies

What makes genre attractiveto audiences?

Media Studies

What makes genre attractiveto audiences?Expectations are fulfilledand they can predict whatwill happen next.

Media Studies

Why do producers like towork within a genre?

Media Studies

Why do producers like towork within a genre?

Communication with theaudience is instant…

Media Studies

Why do producers like towork within a genre?

..as key components are easilyrecognisable (see stereotypes)

Media Studies

Why do producers like towork within a genre?

…no need to set up characters and plots.

Media Studies

The audience will know what

to expect

Media Studies

For a genre to become established, certain conventions need to

become identifiable in the general consciousness

of the audience.

Media Studies

KEY COMPONENTSof GENRE

Media Studies

KEY COMPONENTS• Stock characters

Media Studies

KEY COMPONENTS• Stock characters• Stock plots, situations, issues

and themes

Media Studies

KEY COMPONENTS• Stock characters• Stock plots, situations, issues

and themes• Stock locations and backdrops

Media Studies

KEY COMPONENTS• Stock characters• Stock plots, situations, issues

and themes• Stock locations and backdrops• Stock props

Media Studies

KEY COMPONENTS• Stock characters• Stock plots, situations, issues

and themes• Stock locations and backdrops• Stock props• Recognisable music

Media Studies

KEY COMPONENTS• Stock characters• Stock plots, situations, issues

and themes• Stock locations and backdrops• Stock props• Recognisable music• Generic conventions

Media Studies

KEY COMPONENTS• Stock characters• Stock plots, situations, issues

and themes• Stock locations and backdrops• Stock props• Recognisable music• Generic conventions• Familar narrative structure

Media Studies

DISADVANTAGES of GENRE

Media Studies

DISADVANTAGES of GENRE

• formulaic media texts

Media Studies

DISADVANTAGES of GENRE

• formulaic media texts• texts that do not fall into line

have problems getting shown

Media Studies

DISADVANTAGES of GENRE

• formulaic media texts• texts that do not fall into line

have problems getting shown

• texts that are not easily categorised are difficult to

sell Media Studies

SUMMARY

Genres function according to sets of rules and conventions

Media Studies

SUMMARY

They respond to these rules and conventions by developing formulas and patterns.

Media Studies

SUMMARY

Over time, these formulas and patterns may begin to dominate the way we the

world about us.

Media Studies