Blog Post #2- Genre Convention Theories

All films are usually categorized into a certain genre that can represent what type of film it may be. These genres can be things such as romance, sci-fi, action, fantasy, horror and much more. Theories have been created regarding genres within films and certain conventions within them. The genre theories that I will be researching will be theories from Nick Lacey, Steve Neale, John Fiske, and David Buckingham.

Nick Lacey discusses in his theory how genres contain repetitive elements. What is meant by this is that he thinks that genres use elements that are used within other films of the same genre for the purpose of establishing familiarity within the audience. This also helps the audience recognize the genre of the film. 

Steve Neale agrees with Lacey on the fact that genres contain repetitive elements but adds his own take to this theory. Steve Neale's theory discusses the fact that genres contain repetitive elements but also contain elements that are different from other media texts. Steve Neale thinks that films should contain difference in elements as well as familiar elements for the purpose of making the film unique rather than similar to another film within the same genre.

John Fiske's theory puts an emphasis on the importance of genre conventions for recognition within the audience. This theory can be represented within advertisements for films or tv shows. This is because most advertisements for these types of media usually use genre conventions within them for the purpose of providing the audience with something that allows them to recognize what the genre of the film may be. This recognition of the genre then allows the audience to have an idea of what may be within the film.

David Buckingham's theory discusses the view that genres usually try to reflect social, cultural and political issues that are relevant. What is meant by this is that genres start to incorporate elements that may represent these issues within films for the purpose of letting the audience make the connection of the film to what is currently happening within the world.

This information will be beneficial to me when I start developing my project because I can make sure to use elements that are repetitive within the genre of my short film and use unique elements that can make my project stand out from other short films within the same genre. This information has also provided me with details on certain elements that may need to be included within my marketing for the short film.