Film Genres
Most people who go to the movies never think about the genre of the film they're watching, or have just
seen. They're simply trying to enjoy themselves. Having said that, screenwriters, need to know the
genre they're working in before, during, and after they've completed their final draft.
Genre is the category of artistic composition... In this case, film, characterized by similarities in
form, style, or subject matter. When it comes to film, most, if not all theories have actually been
borrowed from literary genre criticism. Right off the top, there's two basic distinctions to be made
about film:
Fiction
Documentary
Aside from this obvious difference however, film genres can be categorized as follows...
Setting
Where the actual story and action of the film takes place.
Theme
Refers to the issues or concepts the film revolves around.
Mood
The emotional tone of the film.
Format
How the film was shot or presented. Film. Video. 16mm. 35mm. Hi-Definition. DV. Mini-DV. We can
even categorize film genres by their target audiences.
Film genres also extend to subgenres. A category within a category, if you will. For example, romantic
comedies are actually a subgenre of the Love Story film. Even more important for the screenwriter to
know is that these film genres and subgenres can and should be combined to create new, hybrid
genres... I don't know why, but the subgenre, Torture Porn, comes to mind.
Film Genre Definition
It's generally considered that film genres are defined the following four ways:
1. The Idealist method which judges film by predetermined standards.
2. The Empirical method which compares a film to a list of other films within that genre to
determine the genre of that film, itself.
3. The Apriori method which utilizes components identified in advance.
4. The Social conventions method which identifies a film's genre based on the accepted cultural
consensus within society.
The term, genre is very often, a vague way to identify a film because there are really no fixed
boundaries and so many films today, expand into multiple genres and subgenres. Some film genres are
story-based war films, for instance while others are developed and created from literature like
comedies or dramas -- or from other media like musicals.
There are film genres that are also performer-based... Think back to the Fred Astaire and Ginger Roger
films. Budget-based film genres are those tent pole films the studios release throughout the year with
the intention of becoming a blockbuster.
The art film genre is based on artistic status, while race films deal with racial identity. Let's not forget
the location-based film genre or sexual orientation film genre where both westerns and gay and lesbian
films reside.
Screenwriters need to remember many of these different film genres already have a built-in audience
and fan base along with media outlets like magazines and websites that support their existence. The
harder a film is to categorize into a genre, the harder it is to get made and they are often less successful
than their counterparts.
Be mindful of genres that work and catapult their studios and producers into the black. Study films that
cross into other genres and subgenres that make money.
There's a reason for that.
Film genres are also used for promotion, criticism, and consumption. In today's screenplay market, a
screenwriter must know how to transcend genres, in order to give their eventual audience some sense of
originality and surprise. This is why it's so important to know your genres before, during, and after
writing your final draft because often, it's genre that determines some of the plot and content that
should ultimately, find its way into your screenplay.
Start off by studying specific genre-based films... Find out what works and what doesn't. Don't just
watch these films for enjoyment. Watch them to learn. When you do in fact enjoy a scene, figure out
why. Make notes. Find films with similar type scenes and figure out what made them work or not
work.
Studying films like this, allows the screenwriter to borrow certain elements of successful movies,
implement their own twist, then include it in their own spec screenplays. No doubt, you've already read
screenplays and watched films that attempted to do just that... And while many of these films didn't get
it done when it comes to originality, that should be considered, good news to the screenwriter trying
to break into the business. Those films got made yet fell short... Stay away from derivation. Push
yourself to be original because even when films that were produced, yet fell short when it came to
originality, somebody thought it would work. Somebody in the greenlight loop thought it was
original enough but when they fail? The bar is automatically raised the next time around. Know this up
front. Stay original and you'll have a much easier time getting those in the industry to read your
material.
More good news...
Most screenwriters today professionals and those trying to break in simply do not twist their story
enough so their final draft doesn't feel derived from some other film. In fact, a lot of screenwriters on
both sides of the fence think it's actually okay to be a little derivative.
Don't fall into that trap.
So now that you understand film genres somewhat, let's get into the genres and subgenres used by
working screenwriters today. The list may surprise you a bit but rest assured, these genres and
subgenres have evolved from practice and experience.
The Love Story film genre...
The Love Story film is defined as a genre where the plot revolves around the love between two
protagonists. The Love Story genre normally contains a theme exploring an issue or issues within the
love itself. Some examples are forbidden love, love triangles, sacrificial love, and love at first
sight.
While a lot of films within the Love Story genre are quite similar, the tone of the Love Story film
can vary quite a lot. The Love Story film's intent is to always evoke strong emotional reactions from
its audience, whether the film ends happy or sad.
Some examples of the Love Story film genre...
TITANIC
THE NOTEBOOK
FORREST GUMP
HER
GONE WITH THE WIND
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
GHOST
Subgenres of the Love Story film genre include...
Romantic Drama film subgenre: this subgenre explores the more complex side of love. The plot
normally revolves around a seemingly insurmountable obstacle preventing the love between the two
protagonists in the film.
Some examples of these seemingly insurmountable obstacles include...
Family disapproval
Forbidden love
Psychological barriers of one or both of the protagonists
Bad timing
Romantic dramas often end with the two protagonists in love separating because they simply cannot
overcome the obstacle, realizing they are incompatible, or simply as the result of fate.
Some examples of the Romantic Drama film subgenre...
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN
TITANIC
THE GREAT GATSBY
THE NOTEBOOK
TWILIGHT
Romantic Comedy film subgenre: this subgenre utilizes the combination of love and humor in order to
capture the heart of its audience. The Romantic Comedy is usually light-hearted fare, placing the two
protagonists in love in humorous situations that test their love for one another. This subgenre usually
centers itself around a romantic ideal... True love. The endings of this subgenre almost always prove
the romantic ideal wins out over whatever obstacles or situations the screenwriter threw in its way.
Some examples of the Romantic Comedy film subgenre...
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
KNOCKED UP
FAILURE TO LAUNCH
HITCH
YOU'VE GOT MAIL
AS GOOD AS IT GETS
Buddy Salvation film subgenre: more commonly known as the Buddy Movie. The Buddy Salvation
subgenre replaces romantic love between the two buddies, with friendship.
Some examples of Buddy Salvation film subgenre...
THELMA AND LOUISE
LETHAL WEAPON
48 HOURS
ROMY AND MICHELLE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION
BAD BOYS
The Horror film genre...
The Horror film genre contains three subgenres...
The Uncanny subgenre: where the source of horror can be be explained no matter how astonishing it
seems to be. Think government or science-created monsters, aliens, etc.
Some examples of The Uncanny subgenre...
THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE
PSYCHO
HALLOWEEN.
The Supernatural subgenre: where the source of the horror originates from a spirit realm or world.
Some examples of The Supernatural subgenre...
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THE EXORCIST
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
THE EVIL DEAD.
The Super-Uncanny subgenre: where the audience keeps guessing where the source of the horror is
coming from. Usually between at least two other possibilities.
Some examples of the Super-Uncanny subgenre...
THE SHINING
THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT
THE THING
The Western film genre...
This genre revolves around stories set in the late 19th century in the American Old West. Most western
genre films take place sometime between the American Civil War and the early 1900s. Some common
themes of the western genre film are as follows...
Taming the country
Conflict between cowboys and indians
Cultural differences between the East and the West
Outlaws and lawlessness of the Old West
Treasure and or prospecting for gold
Resistance to modern change The "Western" film genre normally centers around a detached,
apathetic, and stoic protagonist yet emphasizes the significance of honor and sacrifice.
Subgenres of the Western film genre are as follows...
Contemporary Western subgenre: films set in contemporary America yet reflect the motifs and themes
of the classic Westerns. These films are almost always still set somewhere in the west. Contemporary
Westerns will very often explore the Cowboy who struggles in the new, modern, civilized world.
Contemporary Westerns explore and examine the protagonist as well as how the west itself has
changed since the 1800s to early 1900s.
Some examples of the Contemporary Western subgenre include...
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
HUD
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
LONE STAR
DOWN IN THE VALLEY
The Revisionist Western subgenre: these films were developed and created in the 1960s and often took
a hard look at the travesties resulting from civilizing the west. This kind of film introduced audiences to
Native Americans as more than the typical blood-thirsty savages they were portrayed as in the older,
classic western films. Often, the use of violence is called into examination in the revisionist western...
Is it moral? Is it justified?
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Some examples of the Revisionist Western subgenre include...
DANCES WITH WOLVES
THE WILD BUNCH. UNFORGIVEN
THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
The Science-Fiction Western subgenre: this subgenre incorporates science-fiction elements into the
western film. The Science-Fiction Western subgenre will often utilize some kind of future technology
that transports present day characters into the Old West. This subgenre tends to contain a lighter tone
and less violence than the traditional western.
Some examples of the Science-Fiction Western subgenre include...
WILD WILD WEST
COWBOYS AND ALIENS
WESTWORLD
TIMERIDER
BACK TO THE FUTURE III
The Spaghetti Western subgenre: also known as the Italian Western, is a broad genre of Western films
that emerged in the mid-1960s in the wake of Sergio Leone's film-making style and international boxoffice success. Shot on location in an Italian desert, the Spaghetti Western film tended to be lower
budget than their American counterpart. This subgenre of the Western was responsible for introducing
more violence than audiences were used to with American-made western films. The protagonist of
these films were much less noble and more mercenary than American western protagonists.
Some examples of the Spaghetti Western subgenre include...
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY
A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS
FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE
The Modern Epic film genre...
Where the protagonist is pit against the state or some overwhelming entity or institution...
Some examples of the Modern Epic film genre include...
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON
THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT
BRAVEHEART
SCHINDLER'S LIST
The War film genre...
The War film genre revolves specifically around combat.
Pro-war and Antiwar subgenres: More contemporary war films usually oppose war or point out that
war is senseless however, in the beginning of this genre, war was actually glorified... Even with its
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obvious brutality being evident.
The Maturation Plot film genre -- also known as the Coming-of-Age story...
Some examples of the Maturation Plot film genre include...
RISKY BUSINESS
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
DEAD POETS SOCIETY
FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF
STAND BY ME
FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH
The Redemption Plot film genre...
This genre usually shows its protagonist arc start off bad, then arc its way to good.
Some examples of the Redemption Plot film genre...
THE HUSTLER
DRUGSTORE COWBOY
GRAN TORINO
CRAZY HEART
THE WRESTLER
RAIN MAN
The Punitive Plot film genre...
In this film genre, the protagonist's arc often starts out with him or her being a good guy, then ending
up as bad guy. The character is often unsympathetic and generally unlikable, yet they have sufficient
charisma or other power we find fascinating in some way.
Some examples of the Punitive Plot film genre...
THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE
FALLING DOWN
WALL STREET
The Testing Plot film genre...
These are films revolving around the protagonist's willpower versus their temptation to conform.
Some examples of the Testing Plot film genre include...
COOL HAND LUKE
THE LAST CASTLE
BRUBAKER
The Education Plot film genre...
The Education Plot genre has its protagonist undergo a deep change of his or her view of self, people,
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or life. This usually starts from a negative point of view, changing to a positive point of view.
Some examples of the Education Plot film genre include...
GROSS POINTE BLANK
MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING
TENDER MERCIES
The Disillusionment Plot film genre...
This genre has its protagonist change his or her world view from positive to negative.
Some examples of the Disillusionment Plot film genre include...
THE GREAT GATSBY
MACBETH
MRS. PARKER AND THE VICIOUS CIRCLE
The Comedy film genre...
The Comedy film genre relies on humor as its driving force to push plot forward. Comedy films are
made to evoke laughter from its audience through humorous action and dialogue via its characters.
While it's true a comedy might contain serious material, they usually climax with happy endings.
Some examples of the Comedy film genre include...
GROUNDHOG DAY
HAPPY GILMORE
THE HANGOVER
The Comedy film genre can be used to create hybrid subgenres because humor is vastly international
and can be implemented into many other film genres...
Anarchic Comedy subgenre: The Anarchic-Comedy subgenre of comedy uses stream-of-consciousness
humor that tends to be nonsensical. Its characters and situations are exaggerated. They often
incorporate slapstick comedy, yet generally considered to be less violent physically overall. Anarchiccomedy films rarely rely on narrative to explain the context of its humor.
Some examples of the Anarchic-Comedy film subgenre include...
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL
BLAZING SADDLES
ANIMAL HOUSE
Action-Comedy subgenre: this subgenre combines humor with action and relies on its characters for
that humor while the action is normally less intense than traditional action films.
Some examples of the Action-Comedy film subgenre include...
BEVERLY HILLS COP
HOT FUZZ
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RUSH HOUR
LETHAL WEAPON
Black-Comedy: The Black-Comedy subgenre is a combination of both comedy and satire and revolve
around subjects that are often considered taboo. These films take topics and situations normally taken
for granted as serious, and explores them in a comedic way. Because of this comedic approach, this
subgenre often causes its audience to not only laugh but feel uncomfortable as well.
Some examples of the Black-Comedy film subgenre include...
FARGO
HAROLD AND MAUDE
DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE
BOMB
Horror-Comedy film subgenre: This subgenre combines its comedy with traditional horror film themes
and characters. Its subject matter can often cause the Horror-Comedy to cross over into Black-Comedy
territory. While these kinds of films' focus on ways of making its audience laugh at their fear, their
main goal is to in fact scare their audience as well.
Some examples of the Horror-Comedy film subgenre include...
BEETLEJUICE
ZOMBIELAND
SHAUN OF THE DEAD
Dramedy: This subgenre of film contains and maintains both fairly equal amounts of dramatic tone and
comedy. It's this balance the provides comedic relief for its audience while focusing on serious issues.
Some examples of the Dramedy film subgenre include...
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS
LOST IN TRANSLATION
Parody, Spoof, or Farce film subgenre: This subgenre bases itself in reality, yet ridicule, scoff, mock, or
impersonate serious issues, situations, and people. They rely very heavily on satire and thus, used as a
way to create political or social commentary.
Some examples of the Parody, Spoof, or Farce film subgenre include...
NAKED GUN
SCARY MOVIE
LIFE OF BRIAN
Romantic-Comedy film subgenre: A subgenre of film that tries to win its audience over with a
combination of both humor and love. Lighthearted in mood, the Romantic-Comedy almost always
places its two protagonists in humorous situations and centers around a romantic "ideal" like true love.
Some examples of the Romantic-Comedy film subgenre include...
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
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KNOCKED UP
FAILURE TO LAUNCH
Slapstick film subgenre: This subgenre of Comedy incorporates a lot of physical comedy into its story.
Lots of visual action, harmless violence, comedic situations, etc. to evoke laughter from its audience.
Relies on a lot comedic timing and controlled physical performances of a specific actor.
Some examples of the Slapstick film subgenre include...
ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE
CADDYSHACK
TOMMY BOY
The Crime film genre...
This genre centers around actions of a criminal mastermind of some sort, often chronicling the
criminal's rise and fall. Some films in this genre revolve around the criminal's victim, while other films
focus on a protagonist that pursues the criminal. A fast-paced genre, the Crime film can contain a bit
of mystery stemming either from plot, character, or both. Subgenres of the "Crime" film genre utilize
varied points of view, regarding the crime contain within them.
Some examples of the Crime film genre...
FARGO
SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
RESERVOIR DOGS
Subgenres of the Crime film genre include...
Mob and or Gangster film subgenre: this subgenre revolves around organized crime or the mafia. Many
times, films like these, centers itself around the rise and fall of an organized crime leader. These kinds
of films often attempt to explore either the destructive world of organized crime or the humanity of a
specific character who lives in that world.
Some examples of the Mob and or Gangster film subgenre...
THE DEPARTED
GOODFELLAS
SCARFACE
Film-Noir film subgenre: known not only as a subgenre of the Crime genre but also known as a
specific type of stylistic crime drama, made popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Mainly
characterized by an acute black and white visual style with harsh, grim, and desolate lighting.
Protagonists of this subgenre are often misanthropic. These films usually rely on a narrative voice with
flashbacks that explain its plot.
Some examples of the Film-Noir film subgenre...
THE MALTESE FALCON
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
SUNSET BOULEVARD
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Neo-Noir film subgenre: refers to modern films containing characteristics of the Film-Noir genre
film. These films contain modern elements and tend to mirror current society.
Some examples of the Neo-Noir film subgenre...
CHINATOWN
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL
SIN CITY
Crime-Thriller film subgenre: utilizes suspense elements of the thriller film, yet with a plot revolving
around crime. These films often center themselves on a murderer, robbery, manhunt, or serial killer.
Their storyline usually focuses on both the protagonist and the criminal antagonist. To build tension
and suspense, this subgenre relies on both action and psychological aspects.
Some examples of the Crime-Thriller film subgenre...
THE FUGITIVE
JAGGED EDGE
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Murder Mystery film subgenre: Usually told in the point of view of the master detective.
Caper film subgenre: Usually told in the point of view of the master criminal.
Detective film subgenre: Told in the point of view of the detective or cop.
Gangster film subgenre: Told from the gangster's point of view.
Thriller or Revenge Tale film subgenre: Usually told from a victim's point of view.
Courtroom film subgenre: Usually told from the lawyer's point of view.
Newspaper film subgenre: Told from the reporter's point of view.
Espionage film subgenre: Told from the spy's point of view.
Prison Drama film subgenre: Told from an inmate's point of view.
The Social-Drama film genre...
Identifies society's problems... Problems like poverty, the disadvantaged, educational system,
communicable diseases, and antisocial rebellion. Once identified, their storylines push toward
demonstration of a cure.
Domestic Drama film subgenre: Problems that stem from within the family.
Woman's Film film subgenre: Focuses on the dilemmas of the modern woman, like career versus
motherhood, lover versus children.
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Political Drama film subgenre: Focuses on political corruption.
Eco-Drama film subgenre: Focuses on saving the environment.
Medical Drama film subgenre: Focuses on physical illness.
Psycho-Drama film subgenre: Focuses on mental illness.
The Action film genre...
These films focus on physical action in their storytelling. The action is usually continuous and includes
physical stunts, chases, fights, battles, and races. These films usually center around a protagonist going
up against incredible odds in order to achieve his or her goal.
Some examples of the Action film genre...
DIE HARD
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
Subgenres of the Action film genre...
Action-Comedy film subgenre: combines action with humor and relies on its characters for that humor.
Action in these films are little less intense than in traditional action films.
Some examples of the Action-Comedy film subgenre...
RUSH HOUR
HOT FUZZ
BEVERLY HILLS COP
Disaster Film film subgenre: These films are based around plots that include seemingly unavoidable
and impending disasters that can either be natural or man-made and usually rely a special effects.
Some examples of the Disaster Film film subgenre...
THE TOWERING INFERNO
AIRPORT
TWISTER
Action-War film subgenre: While these movies certainly contain and rely on action for much of their
storytelling, they can also explore war as a subject.
Some examples of the Action-War Film film subgenre...
APOCALYPSE NOW
PLATOON
THE GREAT ESCAPE
The Adventure film genre...
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These films have a protagonist who's usually either on a conquest or exploration... If they're on a
conquest, it's to find someone or some treasure but even so... The film centers around the protagonist's
pursuit of the unknown. Films of this genre almost always utilize exotic locations and settings while
playing on historical myths. They often incorporate intricate, suspenseful obstacles that the protagonist
must conquer in order to achieve his or her goal.
Some examples of the Adventure film genre...
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
NATIONAL TREASURE
PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN
Subgenres of the Adventure film genre include...
Swashbuckler film subgenre: films characterized by lavish sets and costumes... They often include
pirates and their ships, castles, period weapons, and dramatic battles. These films usually center around
a handsome, charming protagonist and a damsel in distress.
Some examples of the Swashbuckler film subgenre include...
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
ROBIN HOOD
MASK OF ZORRO
The Historical Drama film genre...
This genre covers just about any kind of story there is. The Historical Drama film examines true
events during a specific time in history or group of people. Having said that, most Historical Dramas
are only loosely based on these two elements and tend to focus more on the glorified societies and
people in whatever period the story is about.
Some examples of the Historical Drama film genre include...
ROB ROY
THE MISSION
300
The Biography film genre...
This genre places its focus on a person but shouldn't simply chronicle a person's life. The screenwriter
of the Biography film must approach the person's historical facts from a perspective of telling a story.
Once a story is mapped out, this person would now be the protagonist of his or her life.
Some examples of the Biography film genre include...
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET
12 YEARS A SLAVE
BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID
The Docudrama film genre...
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This genre of film revolves more around a protagonist's recent events instead of past. The
Docudrama attempts to adhere to known historical facts, yet allowing degrees of artistic and dramatic
license when it comes to smaller details especially when there is missing information in the actual
historical record. Dialogue may and should include words and speech as documented in historical facts
about the person's life. Having said that, a good Docudrama should never abuse its artistic and
dramatic license.
Some examples of the Docudrama film genre include...
THE INSIDER
CINDERELLA MAN
ZODIAC
The Mockumentary film genre...
Films within this genre have the look and feel of an all out documentary but is purely fiction. The idea
is to satirize hypocritical institutions and thinking.
Some examples of the Mocumentary film genre include...
THIS IS SPINAL TAP
WAITING FOR GUFFMAN
I'M STILL HERE
The Musical film genre...
A descendant of the opera, this genre creates a real world where the characters in the story sing and
dance. A lot of Musicals are love stories at their foundation but just about any genre could work as a
musical.
Some examples of the Musical film genre include...
ALL THAT JAZZ
EVITA
WEST SIDE STORY
The Science Fiction film genre...
Most Science Fiction films tend to be technological dystopias embedded in tyranny and chaos.
However, just about any genre could be turned into science fiction.
Some examples of the Science Fiction film genre include...
BLADE RUNNER
INCEPTION
LOOPER
The Sports film genre...
Character arcs are almost always the name of the game in this genre... The protagonist learns, changes,
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matures.
Some examples of the Sports film genre include...
BULL DURHAM
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
THE GAME PLAN
The Fantasy film genre...
This genre film plays with time, space, and the physical. It bends and blends the laws of nature with the
supernatural.
Some examples of the Fantasy film genre include...
THE WIZARD OF OZ
TIME BANDITS
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE
The Animation film genre...
Films in this genre lend themselves to the law of universal metamorphism i.e., anything goes. A lot of
Animation films lean toward Action or Farce. There are no rules.
Some examples of the Animation film genre include...
BUGS BUNNY
THE SWORD AND THE STONE
THE YELLOW SUBMARINE
The Art film genre...
This has become a traditional film genre and contains two subgenres... Both forms carry their own
conventions of structure. The Art film often embraces other genres of film.
Minimalism film subgenre: no traditional story elements.
Antistructure film subgenre: no traditional story structure.
Some examples of the Art film genre include...
ERASERHEAD
DEAD MAN
SEX, LIES
AND VIDEOTAPE
Now that you understand the genre of the story you want to tell, you just have to write it! We have help
for you from the writer/producer of HBO's Band of Brothers, Erik Bork.,,
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Writing the Ten Best Story Types on Demand Webinar
by Erik Bork
At a Glance:
This webinar will explore the 10 types of stories (or "genres") from Blake Snyder's Save the Cat
books
You learn how successful movies consistently fit into one of these genres
Come up with clear, compelling loglines - and work with these genres to transform the premise
development process
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