This document summarizes the origins and conventions of romantic comedy (rom-com) movies. It discusses how the rom-com genre originated from a combination of screwball comedies and nervous romanticism. It then outlines several common conventions in rom-com trailers, posters, promotional packages, and magazines, such as the use of voiceovers, kissing scenes, billing blocks, shots of the main characters, and feminine colors. Overall, the document provides an overview of the typical origins and promotional elements of rom-com films.

1. GENRE RESEARCH
SUMMARY
Peta Searle

2. Origins
 Rom-Com genre came from a combination of
The Screwball Comedy and Nervous
Romanticism

3. Trailer conventions
 Production logo
 Establishing shots
 Diegetic dialogue
 Creation of narrative
through cutting
 Fast-paced editing
 Title screens
 High key lighting
(occasional low key
lighting)

4. Rom-Com conventions
 Male
voice-over
 Kissing
scenes
 Mid shots
 Main male
and female
character

5. (more)
 Non-diegetic music
 Diegetic dialogue
 Natural make-up
 Casual costuming
 Home setting
 Establishing shots
 Low-key lighting (on date)
 Principle of thirds
 Fast-paced editing

6. Promotional Package
 Brand identity
(colour, shot types,
actors, fonts)
 Different features
(hyperlinks, billing
block, video etc)

7. Poster conventions
 Billing block
 Image of main
characters
 Actor names
 Review in form of
quote
 Large film name
 Portrait

8. Rom-Com Conventions
 Image of main
characters
depicting
relationship
 Feminine colours
 Attractive, well-
known actors
 Plain background

9. Magazine conventions
 Masthead
 Cover lines
 Plug
 Cover story
 Mid-to-long shot of
featured film’s main
character/s
 Barcode
 Date, issue no., price
 Strapline
 Header and footer bands

10. Trailer Content
 Conventional
average of:
 93 shots
 27 scenes
 Shot lengths from
1, 2 or 3 seconds