Genre

1)Defining Genre:
Genre isn't fixed/system.

Identify Generic ConventionsWhat you would expect to see in a filmExample: Cowboy film: Horses

Plot Structure > Character types > Narrative Structure
-- what type of villan/hero is associated with that genre

--EXAMPLES
--Vladimir Propp's Theory (Briefly)

Hybrids?

2) Why do people make genre films?
-most blockbusters are genres because they are set up of familiar generic conventions-genre film set up audience expectations-similar actors, props, sets, costume

-Expect things to happen but hope they happen differently to the last genre film.

-Important for filmmakers: Millions of £/$ invested in these films-More likely to invest in a genre film in Hollywood - guaranteed more success in terms of profit

-Independent filmmakers are less likely to make genre films (high production costs/values)-Independents can be more edgy and unique

-Good script, good story > genre isnt as important

CONTEXT AND CULTURE

-why are certain types of film popular at certain times? --westerns: disappeared and then reappeared suddenly, Brokeback Mountain, True Grit, No Country for Old Men, Cowboys and Aliens (hybrid)

-Social Realism: Romcoms, Period Dramas, more popular in Britain

--This is England (culture, about hard times)

SHORT FILMS AREN'T A GENRE
Factors to make a good short film > simple narrative with a twist > few characters > few settings


TASK
1)Defining a Genre
3)Explaining why genre is important and expectation of audience
4)How it has developed and evolved over time

WHAT EXPECTATIONS HAVE WE SET UP FOR OUR AUDIENCE? WHICH ONES DID WE FULFILL?