Genre Conventions and Audience

Genre Conventions and Audience 

A genre is a category of film that has a particular form,content or technique. Within film there are many genres. The popular genres consist of:

• Comedy.
• Drama.
• Romance.
• Horror.
• Thriller.
• Action.

Genre conventions are all the little elements that separate one genre of fiction from another. Most genres have a set of very particular elements that the audience expect, and artists often try to make sure their works include enough of these to keep the audience happy. Genre conventions tend to evolve over time as artists work to break out of the typical mold and create fresh content. Sometimes people eventually get tired of certain genre conventions,and the consistent repeating pattern of conventions of genre at which point these conventions might even be labeled as stereotypical cliché.

Particular genres appeal, and are suitable to a certain age range. this is down to the conventions that make up the genre.There are a large amount of conventions, some being: lighting, costume, sound, characters etc.

Comedy

There are many different genres of comedy. Character comedy-Derives humor from a persona invented by a performer; often from stereotypes, Black comedy- Deals with disturbing subjects such as death,drugs, terrorism, rape  and war can sometimes be related to horror genre, Insult comedy- A form which consists mainly of offensive insults directed at the performer's audience and/or other performers, and Observational Comedy- Pokes fun at everyday life, often by inflating the importance of trivial things or by observing the silliness of something that society accepts as normal. Some typical conventions of comedy genre consist of:

• locations that are known for popular events and bright locations
• non-diegetic sound of laughing 
• bright and unnatural light 
• characters that are perceived as 'normal' who contrast to the characters who appear folly and comical

64% of the general public enjoy watching films within the comedy genre. The demographics and market segment with the public that typically enjoy watching this genre are females aged 35+ and people within the AB social class, which is a hybrid of the social class A and class B, which is a mix of high earning members of society who are considered as members of the higher class and members of the working class. 

Drama

Drama film is a genre that relies on the emotional and relational development of realistic characters. While Drama film relies heavily on this kind of development, dramatic themes play a large role in the plot as well. Often, these dramatic themes are taken from intense, real life issues. Whether heroes or heroines are facing a conflict from the outside or a conflict within themselves, Drama film aims to tell an honest story of human struggles. Common conventions within drama are:

• real life situations 
• realistic characters 
• realistic settings 
• portrays journey of character development 
• the purpose is to move the audience emotionally.
• a form of realisation/ happy ending 

The Drama genre is the most broad of film genres, including sub genres such as romantic drama,courtroom drama and period drama. The core audience of Drama films are generally both the young mature and older audience of both gender , due to the strong script that all Dramas offer.

Romance 
Romance films are romantic love stories that focus on passion, emotion and the affectionate romantic involvement of the main characters and the journey that their genuinely strong, true and pure romantic love takes them through dating, courtship or marriage.Romance films make the romantic love story or the search for strong and pure love and romance the main plot focus. Occasionally, romance lovers face obstacles such as finances, physical illness,  various forms of discrimination, psychological restraints or family that threaten to break their union of love. Stereotypical conventions of films that fall within the Romance genre can be:

• a well known or A list celebrity playing the main male character
• warm colours (red, orange yellow)
• aimed at female audience 
• generally happy ending 
• something the audience can relate to 
• villain character / someone in way of the love

The core audience of the Romance genre is women, including teenagers and adult women. A study by McRobbie in the 1970s argued that a popular magazine strongly influenced teenagers to aspire to love and romance and make it their #1 priority to find an appropriate man who will show her affection. It is still evident today that women are strongly influenced to find love and aspire to indulge in a romantic relationship. This is a possible reason why women are the core audience for Romance film genre.

Horror

Horror films often deal with viewers'nightmares, fears and terror of the unknown. Plots within the horror genre often involve the intrusion of an evil force, event, or personage into the everyday world. Horror films usually involve ghosts, vampires, witches, psychopaths, serial killers and other characters with a negative aim. The Horror genre typically withholds aspects and conventions such as:

• low key lighting
• dark tones and colours
• blood 
• death
• mysterious and adrenaline rushing soundtracks
• intense silences 

The Horror genre generally appeals to people within the age range of 15-25 years. During young adulthood you are going through the key stages of developing yourself, learning about the world wanting to try new things and experience different feelings and emotions. Watching a film within the Horror genre is a way of experiencing adrenaline rush and fear.

Thriller 

Thriller Film is a genre that revolves around anticipation and suspense. The aim for Thrillers is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery. No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful climax. 

Thrillers have some similarities with Horror. There are some conventions that are generally presented within both genres. Typical conventions within Thrillers consist of:

• busy setting- suburban or urban areas
• low key lighting
• mysterious and suspenseful sound tracks 
• the narrative revolves around investigation of an enigma
• the hero is the only person able to solve the enigma and reveal the truth 
• violent theme 
• presents institutions such as the government and police 
• the hero is often an outsider 

Due to these conventions, Thrillers generally appeal to teenagers and young adults, similar to Horror. The common themes may create younger audiences to feel an immense deal of fear, causing problems. Thrillers may also be too intellectually demanding for younger audiences. 

Action 
Within Action films the protagonist or protagonists end up in a series of challenges that typically include violence, close combat, physical feats and frantic chases. Action films tend to feature a resourceful hero struggling against incredible odds, which include life-threatening situations, a villain, or a pursuit which generally concludes in victory for the hero. Stereotypical conventions of Action films consist of:

• mission waiting to be completed
• always a motive
• set in big cities
• violence/ fighting scenes
• cat and mouse chase 
• obvious protagonists and antagonists 
• sinister, upbeat nerve racking music 

Action films are very popular, which creates a range of people to enjoy the genre, different age ranges and social classes. The core target audience of the Action film genre is young adult males who have interest in action and generally exhibit the normative/ hegemonic masculine behavior. The majority of the characters within Action films are men, naturally drawing the attention of a male audience. The middle class are another group of people who are considered as the core audience. They tend to have disposable income, allowing them to view one film at a given period of time preferably being a film within the Action genre.