Genre Theory: Steve Neale (Media Language) Flashcards
Genre - Definition
Media forms can be grouped into genre categories and each category is recognised by the agreed conventions
What is Genre Theory?
All genres are instances of repetition and difference. May mean that familiar elements are presented in unfamiliar ways or completely new elements are introduced
Why is difference essential?
To sustain a genre - simply repeating the codes and conventions of the form would not appeal to the audience. However audiences also like to anticipate what is familiar about a genre.
How do genres change?
They develop and vary as they borrow from and overlap with one another
Why do audiences derive pleasure from difference?
They enjoy seeing how the genre has been manipulated to produce something recognisable but ‘different’
Give an example of genre theory
‘Life on Mars’ repeats many of the typical conventions of a crime drama but has the ‘difference’ that the main character has travelled back in time
Why are genres with set codes and conventions an advantage to the media institutions that produce them?
They have a predetermined audience
Are easy to market
Success can be predicted - reducing the economic risk ton the industry
Theory in a nutshell
Genre is recognisable but does change over time or borrow from other genres. Genre is important to institutions because it helps them to market texts.
