2. The word g e nre comes from the French (and
originally Latin) word for 'kind' or 'class'. The term is
widely used in rhetoric, literary theory, media theory,
and more recently linguistics, to refer to a distinctive
type of text.
G e nre is a term that can be split up into
different categories, based on characteristics that
they share, for example, settings, storyline's,
narratives, characters and themes.
In particular, genre can be referred to music videos,
and they can be classified as being
a particular genre, for example, pop, rock and hip-
hop.
What is Genre ?
4. Conventional definitions of genres tend to be based on the
notion that they constitute particular conventions of content
(such as themes or settings) and/or form (including structure
and style) which are shared by the texts which are regarded as
belonging to them.
Genre can provide structure and form which can allow a great
deal of creativity and virtuosity, especially when a genuine
reworking of generic conventions comes. Genre provides key
elements for an audience to recognise, so that they may further
appreciate the variation and originality surrounding the
representation of those elements.
GenreTheories – Daniel Chandler
5. Steve Neale states that 'g e nre s a re
ins ta nce s o f re p e titio n a nd diffe re nc e ' and
'g e nre s a re no t s ys te m s , the y a re p ro ce s s e s
o f s ys te m is a tio n'.
He also say's that, definitions of genre are
historically relative and are therefore
historically specific. Believed that there was
a system of expectation and that by using
own knowledge and applying conventions of
the genre, the audience should be able to
infe r the na rra tive and s to ryline o f the m us ic
vide o . He also declares that difference is
essential to the economy of genre;
mere repetition would not attract the
audience.
Steve Neale
6. “one advantage of genres is that they can rely on readers already
having knowledge and expectations about the works within a genre”.
This means that producer do not have to explain the conventions of a
text as audiences are already familiar. – Fowler
“Genres are instances of repetition and difference... difference is
absolutely essential to the economy of genre: mere repetitions would
not attract an audience.” - Steve Neale 1980
“Genre creates expectations that condition our responses. The
familiarity of the genre enables each spectator to anticipate and predict
what will appear in them. Genre sets up hopes and promises and
brings pleasure if these hopes and promises are fulfilled.”- Warren
Buckland
Quotes to use in exam
7. Tom Ryall (1978) – Genre provides a framework of structuring rules, in
the shape of patterns/forms/styles/structures, which act as a form of
‘supervision’ over the work of production of filmmakers and the work of
reading by the audience. John Fiske defines genres as ‘attempts to
structure some order into the wide range of texts and meanings that
circulate in our culture for the convenience of both producers and
audiences.’
Steve Neale (1990) argues that Hollywoods generic regime performs
two inter-related functions: i) to guarantee meanings and pleasures for
audiences ii) to offset the considerable economic risks of industrial film
production by providing cognitive collateral against innovation and
difference .
8. ‘what is expected in a certain genre of film’
Which include areas such as location, character and props. These are
what usually give a film their generic genre traits. For instance, an
isolated area is very often associated with horror films as this gives the
characters no where to run, and allows the action to intensify in one
specific area. Also, an extremely stereotypical area of horror is that low
key lighting is used; whether that be night time, bad weather or a unlit
area (e.g. no lights on in a house). This connection between the dark
and the unknown makes the audience believe they can prepare
themselves for what could possibly happen/ However, the association
of emotions, isolation; anxiety; fear etc. of this situation begin to
surface.
Semantic
9. .‘Elements in the narrative or ideology of the genre’
For example. In a horror film, the narrative we expect is foremost, the
survival of the main character or characters. More commonly, there is
only one, if any survivors. Second to this, we expect a person or
‘creature’ to be after these characters. This unknown adds to the
element of anxiety and fear which increases as the narrative goes on
heightening close to the end of the film. This leaves the audience in
suspense. Horror movies are designed to induce emotion and
adrenaline into the audience. However, this is an appealing factor as
even though the fear is there, the viewers know they are safe and that
it is different to a real life situation.
Syntactic
10. AS & A2
1. Your chosen genre of title sequence/ Music Video e.g. rom com,
horror action RnB, Rock etc.
2. Use of costumes, how does this reflect the codes and conventions
of your genre ?
3. Use of location, why did you choose to film there?
4. Props, How does it relate to your genre ?
5. Narrative, how does is reflect your genre ?
6. Actors, why did you choose them and how to they fit in your chosen
genre ?
7.
8.
How to link to your own work
