asmedia genre conventions research.

1. GENRE CONVENTIONS
psychological horror

2. FILM GENRE CONVENTIONS
‘Genre conventions’ is the term used to describe the features of a film that relates
to genre, theme, setting, characters and even the plot itself. An example of this
would be horror movies as they typically include jumpscares and blood.
These qualities or characteristics help the audience identify which genre the movie
belongs to. Also helps in emphasising the mood that the plot or narrative is trying
to convey.

3. HORROR GENRE CONVENTIONS
Horror genres are extremely easy to identify because of the style its presented in.
This genre usually shows a lot of blood and gore, specifically the slasher horror
movies– such as ‘Scream’. In recent horror films, within props, there is a use of
holy objects such as the cross that is used to ward off the evil spirits that lurk
about. I think that horror films also follow a very complex plot that contains many
enigmas and has a main theme– revenge. This is a good way of involving the
audience and capturing their interest.

4. REPERTOIRE OF ELEMENTS
Repertoire of elements are key features or characteristics of a film that are
consistently seen or repeated throughout a genre. Each genre has its own
repertoire of elements that makes it different or unique from the next. The
elements fall under seven important categories–
Iconography, props, style, settings, narrative, characters, themes.

5. ICONOGRAPHY, PROPS AND STYLE
The genre I chose for my film is horror and the iconography in this particular genre
(typically) involve masks, blood, silhouettes, shadows etc. Iconography is the use
of images and symbols to portray a subject. It can also be the use of certain
symbols to convey genres. For props it includes objects such as guns, daggers,
chainsaws, blood, candles, cloaks, knives and antiques such as paintings to
create a sinister scene.
Under style it uses things that are portrayed as dark, shadowy, and uses low-key
lighting (the famous light flickering can help create a feeling of nervousness within
the audience) and eerie music. Organs and low key chords from a piano playing.
Extreme close-ups and high angle shots to create tension.

6. SETTINGS (MISE-EN-SCENE)
Within this genre, the narrative is usually set in isolated and deserted areas where
it may be quite difficult to reach out for help or finding somewhere to run. Linking
back to the narrative, it uses pathetic fallacy to foreshadow the misfortunes of the
characters such as the portrayal of thunder and heavy rain.
Colours that are used within horror films are typically blacks and reds as they
connote danger and death.

7. NARRATIVES AND THEMES
Narratives in horror movies involve being trapped, communicating with the
supernatural or being chased/stalked/haunted by the antagonist of the film.
The themes that are explored usually include death, fear, gore, traps, isolation, sin
vs purity, light vs dark, alive vs dead, known vs unknown etc.

8. CHARACTERS
Characters that are usually seen in this genre include serial killers, monsters,
demons, evil spirits, devils, witches and a victim. Children appear very often in
these films as it gives a sense of innocence against the evil. There are also many
stereotypical characters that make an appearance within this genre such as the
typical student groups.
I plan on using a character that will not be expected as my main character is an
artist, and artists are depicted as calm and peaceful, however, the artist I will be
portraying in my film is psychotic and chaotic. This breaks the stereotypical views
on my character and is something out of the ordinary.

9. AUDIENCE OF HORROR MOVIES
The audience for horror films would usually be men as it is exciting and something
related to the unknown. Young adults from sixteen upwards would most likely be
interested since its not typically something you would come across in everyday
life, therefore it essentially takes you to a alternative universe where almost
anything is possible.

10. FAMOUS HORROR FILMS

11. PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR MOVIES