This document defines different film genres such as comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and romantic comedy. It provides characteristics and conventions for some genres. Documentaries are defined as factual films using techniques like voiceovers, interviews, and archival footage to inform audiences. Teen movies often focus on coming of age, relationships, and conflicts with parents/friends. Romantic comedies typically involve a boy and girl meeting and hesitating to become involved before reuniting after one makes a grand gesture.

1. GenreGenre

2. What is Genre?What is Genre?
A certain style of film. Codes and conventions ofA certain style of film. Codes and conventions of
this style determine what genre it is.this style determine what genre it is.

3. GenresGenres
ComedyComedy JapaneseJapanese Rom-ComRom-Com
ThrillerThriller CartoonCartoon Horror ComedyHorror Comedy
HorrorHorror TragedyTragedy MocumentaryMocumentary
DocumentaryDocumentary Greek mythologyGreek mythology MusicalsMusicals
WesternWestern ReligionReligion Film noirFilm noir
RomanceRomance SlapstickSlapstick FuturisticFuturistic
ActionAction Chick-flickChick-flick Costume DramaCostume Drama
FantasyFantasy BollywoodBollywood HistoricalHistorical
AdventureAdventure Sci-fiSci-fi

4. Definition of a DocumentaryDefinition of a Documentary
 A work, such as a film or televisionA work, such as a film or television
program, presenting political, social orprogram, presenting political, social or
historical subject matter in a factual andhistorical subject matter in a factual and
informative manner and often consisting ifinformative manner and often consisting if
actual news films or interviewsactual news films or interviews
accompanied by narration.accompanied by narration.

5. DocumentaryDocumentary
Conventions:Conventions:
 Voice over: Authoritive, encouraging the audience toVoice over: Authoritive, encouraging the audience to
think they have some kind of specialised knowledge.think they have some kind of specialised knowledge.
 ‘‘Real’ footage of events: documentary is seen as non-Real’ footage of events: documentary is seen as non-
fiction though this is debatable.fiction though this is debatable.
 REAL FOOTAGE: archive footage/stills. Already madeREAL FOOTAGE: archive footage/stills. Already made
footage or stills.footage or stills.
 Interview with experts. authenticate.Interview with experts. authenticate.
 Use of titles/titles: dates, times, labels.Use of titles/titles: dates, times, labels.
 Set up scenes.Set up scenes.
 Visual coding: mis en scene and propsVisual coding: mis en scene and props
 Images: people places, things.Images: people places, things.
 Sound: narration, voices, music, sound effects,Sound: narration, voices, music, sound effects,
background sounds, non-diegetic sounds,background sounds, non-diegetic sounds,

6. Teen moviesTeen movies
Plot based upon special interests of teenagers like:Plot based upon special interests of teenagers like:
 Coming of ageComing of age
 First loveFirst love
 RebellionRebellion
 Conflict: parents/friends/enemiesConflict: parents/friends/enemies
 Teen angstTeen angst
 AlienationAlienation
Example of teen movies: Angus Thongs AndExample of teen movies: Angus Thongs And
Perfect Snogging, Bend It Like Beckham, WildPerfect Snogging, Bend It Like Beckham, Wild
Child, Mean GirlsChild, Mean Girls

7. Romantic ComedyRomantic Comedy
Conventions:Conventions:
 Introduction of love themeIntroduction of love theme
 Main characters introducedMain characters introduced
 Boy meets GirlBoy meets Girl
 Two protagonist characters hesitate to becomeTwo protagonist characters hesitate to become
‘involved’‘involved’
 Hints that they may be a good love matchHints that they may be a good love match
 Part way after disagreementPart way after disagreement
 One of the two makes a grand gestureOne of the two makes a grand gesture
 They reunite and live happily ever after.They reunite and live happily ever after.