Genre (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Media Studies): Revision Note

What is genre?

• Genre means a type or category of media text

• Genres are created using repeated features (codes and conventions)

• Established genres help audiences know what to expect or what should be included

• Commonly recognised film genres include action, sci-fi, comedy and horror

• Audiences are also able to determine if they are likely to enjoy engaging with the product based on their previous experiences and media preferences

  • Example : The horror genre usually contains themes of fear, darkness and danger which might scare some audiences away from watching

Steve Neale Genre Theory

• Steve Neale was a film historian and professor of film studies

  • Neale argued that genres change over time

  • He theorised that Media texts must use a mix of repetition and difference

    • Repetition of familiar genre features allow us to recognise the genre

    • Difference brings new or original ideas alongside the typical conventions

• Producers need to balance repetition and difference to avoid audiences becoming bored and to create appeal for their products

  • Example : Marvel films repeat well known superheroes and villains but add humour, contemporary soundtracks or new characters to feel fresh

Subgenres and Hybridity

• A subgenre is a smaller category within a genre

• It has additional specific conventions that help audiences to define it further as a type or category within the larger genre title

  • Example 1: Slasher, psychological or supernatural are subgenres of horror

  • Example 2: Spy or superhero are subgenres of action

• Hybridity is when two or more genres are mixed together

• Hybridity creates wider appeal for audiences as it attracts wider media preferences

  • Example: Stranger Things = horror + sci-fi + teen drama

Intertextuality

What is intertextuality

• Intertextuality is when one media text references another text

  • Example 1: TikTok videos which re-create backgrounds or scenes from famous films

  • Example 2: Deadpool references Marvel film characters

• Intertextuality borrows meaning from the original text

• Audiences feel a sense of gratification (reward) when they recognise the reference

• Intertextuality helps build shared knowledge and fan culture

• There are different types of intertextuality, and they can be constructed in subtle or obvious ways:

  • Direct intertextual references when another film or character is mentioned

  • Parody when another film or character is copied for comedy

  • Homage when it shows respect to the original text of another film or character