Post 7a: What is Genre?

Definition of Film Genre 

Film genres are identifiable types, categories, classifications or groups of films that have similar techniques and conventions. such as Content, Subjects matter, Structures, Themes, Mood, Plot, Setting, Props.

Conventions and Paradigms

Definition of Paradigms

Genres function according to sets of rules and conventions, which govern their capacity and range. They respond to theses rules and conventions by developing formulas and patterns (Paradigms). Overtime, these formulas and patterns may acquire not only typical, but even archetypal force, dominating ways of seeing and of representing the world around us. 

Here is a link to further information on Paradigms: 

 http://ccms.ukzn.ac.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=969&Itemid=29

Definition of Conventions

What you expect to see or hear in any given media product. e.g In Action films we expect to see Heroes and Villains and car chases.

Here is a link to a media studies website of which looks at media codes and conventions:

 http://media-studies.tki.org.nz/Teaching-media-studies/Media-concepts/Codes-and-conventions

How are Paradigms Grouped? 

Theses Paradigms may be grouped into those relating to:

Iconography - The main signs and symbols that you see/hear
Structure - The way the text is put together and the shape it takes
Theme - The issues and ideas the program deals with

Why do we Categorise Films?

Film genres are categorised according to the setting of the film. Although films with the same setting can be very different from one another due to the use of different themes or moods. One of the reasons films are categorised is so that it is easier to find different types of genres and also so that audiences know what's suitable for their age group and if they are going to appreciate the film.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_genre

Positives and Negatives of Genre 

Negative:
Creates stereotypes 
detailed sub genres 
makes people stereotypical 
people are not open minded to different genres 

Positive:
Its Identity is a key demographic 
Easy to divide genres into categories  


Do Genres Change Over Time? 

Target Audiences often change over time, it is said that over time younger audiences have become more interested in films and movies making the target audience much younger. This is know as 'Juvenilisation'. Audiences Expectations - audiences are becoming to familiar with the codes and conventions which are becoming to predictable. Audiences have also changed due to different age groups, gender and different rates. The change in society of women, conflicts, disease, immigration and  emigration and the attitudes towards sex and violence, are just some of the issues that have and will influence representation and trends in the media. 

Censorship and Code of Conventions - In the 1960's different codes and ethics applied to films, which banned nudity, swearing and excessive kissing. It is obvious of the changes that have been considered acceptable by audiences and shows that the film industry has moved on. Modern audiences now are interested in films that consist of more graphics, sexual imagery, nudity and violence. Which has become much more acceptable in the current day. 

As well as particular texts being influential, specific stars and directors are of influence to the film industry, effecting what is produced and shown. There have been dramatic changes in technology as it has advanced in the film industry for example the Steadicam was created which allowed the camera to appear to float and enabled the stalking shots which are important today in horror films and developments in digital video editing techniques which then led to fast paced editing and pacing of music with on screen movement. The Blair Witch Project is an effective example of a film that has been influenced by new technology.  Technology now days has enabled anyone to download programs and buy cameras and produce home films and videos at a cheap price, making films develop and making them accessible to everyone.

Special effects have also developed and improved over time meaning that anything and everything can be represented as real, without it actually being there or even existing. Special effects also allow film industry to cut down on sets by using green screens to represent and place actors and places in to different, effective locations which could not otherwise get to. But a disadvantage is that films can be seen as being flat as it not real and not there also makes it harder for actors to act against nothing, making the reaction not as believable.
While researching and learning about Genre it has given me a wider understanding and more depth into and around all the different elements and aspects, allowing me to explore new ideas, within media theories, Also giving more ideas of what I could include in my own short film to make it stimulating and dramatic.