1. Introduction to Genre

2. What is Genre?
A system of codes, conventions & visual styles that allow us to understand what we are watching. This is sometimes called iconography.
The rules.
A label that allows us to categorise and understand film.

3. Why Study Genre?
Genre helps us trace how films develop: by comparing one genre film to another.
All films we watch are seen in relation to others.
Genre tells us about the audience – how our desires and interests change over time.

4. Recognising Genres.
All genres contain specific codes & conventions that allow us to recognise them. These include:
Narrative expectations
Set-pieces
Character types
Costume
Location

5. Hybrid Genres When two or more genres are combined.
The most popular is Rom-Com (Romantic Comedy).
Examples:
Cowboys & Aliens (Western & Sci-Fi)
Shaun of the Dead (Romantic Zombie Comedy)
From Dusk Till Dawn (Gangster & Horror).

6. Sub-Genres
Some Genres are so big they get sub-divided into Sub- Genres.
Horror has lots of Sub-Genres – list as many as you can.
What do they have in common?