Research and Planning - Genre Research

Adventure/Thriller.

This genre of film seeks to give the audience an adrenaline rush, it contains elements of fantasy, whilst often being set in an everyday setting the audience can relate to. This genre often ends up with a clear hero or heroine and has a small cast of main characters whom appear throughout. Films of this genre use methods such as high-key lighting, contain a cast of well-known stars and are aimed at families. They aim to make the audience feel empowered. Films of this genre include the iconic Harry Potter series, The Hunger Games and James Bond and often have a certificate of either 12 or 15 years.

Comedy.

Comedy films are often created in Hollywood and contain methods such as high-key lighting, a well-known cast, elements of humour and aim to leave the audience feeling positive. Throughout the film, elements of drama may be included, however all normally works out well in the end. There are various sub sections of comedy, such as slapstick comedy, rom-com and spoofs. Due to the lighthearted sense of this genre, films are often give certificates of 12 or below. Films generally focus their story lines on an everyday situation and place emphasis on the characters reactions to these situations. Films of this genre include Without A Paddle, Big Momma's House and Despicable Me. 

Social Realism.

Social realism films are generally created by a British director on low budgets. They tend to face realistic issues which the audience can relate to, focusing on and dealing with issues such as violence, racism, bullying, drug/alcohol abuse and family problems. Due to the low budgets they have; films are often set in urban settings (e.g. council estates), contain an unknown cast and can be improvised. They contain a main storyline, however often deal with other issues along the way. They normally have a 15 or 18 certificate and films of this genre include This Is England, Kidulthood, Adulthood and Shifty.

Horror.

This genre of film is made to scare and get a negative reactive from the audience. Key elements of films of this genre are the use of low key lighting (playing on people's fear of the dark and the unknown), tension building or eerie music, posters in which make it fairly obvious who the 'bad guy' is, scenes of gore to receive a negative or startled reaction from the viewer and is often in a normal suburban setting - in order to implant the idea that something such as what happens in the film, could in fact happen in real life. For example, after watching a horror film, audiences have a heightened fear of going upstairs alone in the dark or being awake late into the night. Horror films are more than likely to have a certificate rating of 18 or over, however more mild ones containing less gore can be given a 15 certificate.