Genre

Within the context of production, why do genres exist?

• The production of genre films is more economically efficient

• Sets, costumes, and props can be used again

• Camera crews grow more adept at filming set sequences

• Star actors are often ‘type-casted’ as their skills develop according to plot formulas.

• This is particularly true under the Hollywood studio system

Within the context of marketing, why do genres exist?

• It is a way for audiences and reviewers to differentiate between films.

• Audiences are more likely to pay money to see a film if they know what to expect, therefore marketing will often emphasise generic genre-specific elements.

• Producers are able to differentiate their product for different target audiences, e.g rom-coms for women and gangster movies for men.

From a director’s standpoint, why does genre exist?

Genre provides a framework that the director can use to express their individual style and themes.

What is genre iconography?

Visual patterns/motifs of setting, dress, props, and style widely associated with a specific genre of film

What does the repetition of genre iconography do in genre films?

Establishes genre and passes information quickly

What effect do symbols of character have in genre films?

Reminds us of genre archetypes and can represent a character’s ideology/goals/traits/beliefs

What can a genre-specific plot device do in genre films?

Build tension or signal a predictable/archetypal upcoming event/scene

What does genre-specific setting do in genre films?

Establishes tone, themes, and the conflict of the film