Steave Neale Genre theory

Steave Neale's theory, the genre theory places media products into categories based on similar repeated elements. He argues that they are not fixed but rather evolve overtime. Audiences enjoyment of certain elements fuels these.

 The first concept is repetition and difference where sub-genres have made the classification process more complicated. Reference to the real world can identify genre easily. The more reference, the more likely to be more news/history based products. Less reference, the more likely to be more fantasy/fiction based products.  Narrative where story structure can help define what genre a product fits. Products with suspense are more mystery whereas products with presentation are more news article. Genres also can be identified by themes such as science fiction with 'man vs machine'. Character motives also can define genre with anti heroes being used more in crime dramas. Mise-en-scene can attribute to how to identify a products genre such as western films involving deserts, guns and cowboys. Audience appeal also shows this for example romance is more targeted at a female audience. Use of repetition allows audience to identify the components that appeal to them and interact with them. Genres however do always evolve due to audiences wants, contextual influence and economic influence. Media products are also marketed on their ability to combine with other genres. For example Stranger Things combines science fiction with horror. Hybrid genres enable audience appeal, culture mixing and nostalgia to interest their audiences.

The second concept is industry's effects on genre. For example film directors personal styles of movie creation will affect how the movie is produced and the elements/tone of the movie. In Star Wars Abrams added lens flares and poetic stillness on top of the films sci fi aesthetic. Genres also plan for the primary time to release their products such as horror released in Halloween or diet shows at new years time. Marketing functions by using genre as a marketing tool, interest fans of certain genres to consume media products labelled as similar. 

This chapter has explained how complex genres are but how necessary they are for both audiences to enable them to explore and participate in media products that interest them but also the industry in order for it to easily promote and market their products in an easily profitable fashion. This reading has shown me the complexity of genres and how it is not a fixed element but rather a constantly evolving thing.  

Good As Gold (2023 Winter appeal)

I chose this video as it shows a heart breaking narrative involving the loss of innocence that children are forces to undergo due to their situations. It represents the sympathetic narrative as the aim  of the video is to make the viewer feel empathetic towards the girl who despite being well behaved gets no presents or nice living situation for Christmas as she wishes. This reflects pro-social behaviour by encouraging audiences to think about how privileged they may be to receive both necessities at Christmas and other presents too. This motivates the viewers to donate to the cause as they will feel sorry for the little girl and wish to give to the charity so young children can experience Christmas as it should be for children (a festive, happy time). 

 

Juno Article

The article about Juno speaks on how Hollywood is starting to see the value of quirky movies for niche audiences and how it has a much bigger appeal to modern audiences. Juno tells the tale of a pregnant high schooler who decides to give her child to another family. The edgy story however appealed to a wider audience than intended. Juno previously had struggles with gaining a budget and independent films often can touch on riskier themes due to their low budgets as they don't require huge box office figures to gain a profit. When making Juno there was worries about protests from pro-life people (due to the topics of pregnancy and abortion). Juno was however a big hit with audiences. Juno also having mainstream stars such as Ellen Page famous for Hard Candy and X-Men gained a wider audience from this too. Jennifer Garner was famous for Daredevil and Elektra and Michael Cera was popular for the success of Super bad. This all added to the teenage audience appeal. Juno also released early to take advantage of the buzz for Sciretta. This got the film more attention in awards season and gain it more money for when it is printed. The clever script, characters and distribution plan were all key reasons to its success and eventual Oscar nominations. 

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