Genres have been used to categorize art forms since their inception. While genre theory was formally studied beginning in the 1950s, films had been marketed based on genre from the early days of cinema. During the Classical Hollywood era, genres increased production efficiency as studios could reuse sets, crews, and stars across genre films of the same type, allowing them to identify and capture intended audiences through established conventions.

1. Genre
• Dividing art forms into genres goes back as far as art does.
• Genre theory and studies began in the 1950s, however films
were being sold by genre from very early on in cinema s history.
• During the Classical Hollywood Cinema, Genre production also
increased efficiency as studios could use the same sets, writing/
production teams and stars over and over again.
• Success depends on identification and capture of an audience.
• Andre Bazin began genre study in 1954 with his article The
Western or the American film par excellence . In the journal
Cahiers du Cinema .
• The understanding of genre is dependant upon the audiences
understanding/expectation of the conventions and characteristics of
that genre.
• It is an advantage to film-makers and audience alike that this
produces an economy of storytelling.