A2 Comedy drama codes and conventions

1. Comedy Drama Codes & Conventions
By Ana Vasilescu

2. What is the Comedy-Drama genre?
Within the comedy genre there are sub-genres that are based
on different types of humour. This genre has a dramatic tone
yet important elements of the comedy genre. The amount of
comedy and drama elements are equally balanced. The genre
is usually used to send a message about an important issue
with a comedic undertone.
Some of our inspirations for the
film were “A Series Of Unfortunate
Events” and “A Long Way Down”.
Our film will incorporate aspects of
each film

3. Drama Conventions
● Drama must include symbolising conventions which portray how the story is portrayed, so as to achieve full
impact
● The drama genre shows and exaggeration of human emotion. This is usually implemented through a variety of
socially indulgent events such as: poverty, class difference, moral dilemmas...etc.
● All drama films are created to be full of tension by the soundtrack/music playing. With intense scores the
director can initiate emotions for the audience
● Known for challenging stereotypes and stereotypical thinking
● The plot tries to connect on a more personal level with the audience
● The storyline has therapeutic qualities since it shows the protagonist overcoming his/her difficulties
demonstrating therapeutic qualities therefore casing the audience to think after the film
● This genre displays serious representation of real life situations through the aspects which affect everyday life
and how they can or cannot be resolved

4. Drama Codes
CODES
Some concept of
recognition to end
of the film
There is a concrete
relationship between the
character and its
surrounding
The storyline must be
pragmatic
Some sequence or
journey must be
involved
Use of realistic
setting
There must be
truth within the
storyline
guidelines
Characters must be
relatable to the
audience

5. Comedy Conventions
● Films/ programmes within the comedy genre are usually set in bright locations as this connotes happiness and
positivity and also creates a realistic scene.
● The camerawork used for most comedies is very naturalistic. A wide range of shots are commonly used in
comedy films, such as medium close up’s, extreme close up’s and two shots to portray the characters
emotions and feelings.
● Majority of the characters are presented as sharing the same social status, with no character looking more
superior and dominant than others.
● The clothing and colours are usually bright, for example in The Simpsons, the characters skins are yellow which
is unusual and would be seen as being comical to the audience. Also, the colour suggests the programme
should not be taken too seriously and is simply there to provide entertainment.
● Socially awkward, clumsy/accident prone and sarcastic characters are usually associated with the comedy
genre as they are able to embarrass themselves, which is humorous to the audience.
● Non-diegetic sound is often incorporated to emphasise comical scenes and evoke laughter within the audience.
● Happy endings – The disruption is usually resolved and the film has a happy ending

6. Types of Comedy
Types of Comedy Description
Slapstick This form of comedy uses physical movement and gesture.
Physical comedy is often influenced by clowning
Dark Humour Deals with disturbing subjects such as death, drugs,
terrorism, rape and war
Word Play More intellectual forms of comedy based on clever, often
subtle manipulation of language (though puns can be crude
and farcical)

7. How these come together into the Comedy
Drama Genre
● High and low key combination lighting can be used within this genre. This is when there may be a high key
exterior to a building, with a low key interior, in which the protagonist walks from one to the other. This could
signify to the audience that the genre of the scene is different to what it was in the past scene, moving from
comedy to drama, and vice versa.
● Dramatic non-diegetic or diegetic sound effect can also enhance a comedic scene. The audience may be
introduced to an intense and highly dramatic scene and then surprised by it being what they did not expect.
Contrapuntal sound can also be used, making the audience laugh at something that is not meant to be laughed
at.
● This can also be done with props, as they could seem so over-dramatic that it becomes laughable.
● The setting and narrative almost always juxtaposes the genre against each other, as the action on screen can be
completely opposite to the mise-en-scene and serious theme of the film. For example, "Juno" has a serious theme
of teen pregnancy, however characters and events bring comic effect, making it a comedy and a drama film.