Researching Genre

There are several genres in todays Media, and with the evergrowing post modernism, Genres are becoming intertextual and changing. However, all have their own conventions (rules) which either must be adhered, subverted or challenged to make the text fit its chosen genre. An example of a genre is Sci-fi.

In a Sci-fi genre there are many conventions you'd expect the Director to follow, so for example in Sci-fi there is;

• Symbolism - Semiotics which can instantly signify the genre is futuristic - Lasers for example
• Setting - Space, Set in time, Past or future. New planets etc.
• Narrative - Scientific principles - Time travel. Political systems - Utopia/Dystopian etc. Technology - Space ships, laser guns etc.
• Good V Evil conflict -E,g Star Wars - Rebellion v Empire.

An example of a Sci-Fi text which follows these conventions is Star Wars. Where instantly you can identify by the mise-en-scene (props & characters) that the text is set far far away from planet earth. The use of aliens is another sign of the Sci-fi genre. It's these small signs which are able to allow the audience to connote that they're watching a Sci-Fi text.

However, these conventions don't just apply to films. They also apply to music videos aswell. Ariana Grande for example (Break Free). You can instantly notice in her piece there is Sci-fi aspects involved. The scrolling of the text with the narration - a playful use of reference (Star Wars) the framing of space and th meteors further emphasises the genre to signify to the audience her text is sci-fi. 

What this helps me learn is how valuable genre really is. Genre is the backbone of the video, like the constitution to USA. Its rules must be obided to in order for the audience to understand the text and what is going on, and therefore draw in a wider audience. Which I can refer back to with my research and planning to maximise my project potential.