Story Categories in Narration: Delving into Their Influence on Plot Development
Genres in Scriptwriting: A Necessary Evolution for Storytelling
Genre ain't just a label, folks; it shapes the very essence of your storytelling experience. Whether it's a soulful romance, a gut-wrenching crime drama, or a heart-pounding sci-fi adventure, the genre you choose sets the tone, mood, and soars your audience's emotional journey.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Staple
Genre has been a cornerstone of storytelling since the 18th century, finding its stride in the early days of cinema. Early filmmakers employed genre classifications to sort their films, though these boundaries were often blurred—take The Great Train Robbery (1903), which evolved from a chase, railroad, and crime film to a classic Western in modern times.
By the 1950s, film theorists like André Bazin delved deep into genre analysis, with Westerns serving as a sought-after subject. The industrial approach of Hollywood in the 1920s to 1950s leaned on genre films due to their reliable formulas and iconic elements, giving birth to popular genres such as the James Bond films with their signature thrills, glamour, and villains.
The Power of Genre in Your Script
Genre lays the foundation for your story, offering a predefined set of conventions that your audience recognizes and connects with. These shared codes make it easier for writers to create engaging narratives by providing familiar patterns, characters, and settings.
Yet, genre is not confined to conventions. It evolves over time as innovative writers challenge the mold, shaping it into something fresh and exciting. For example, a script initially rooted in one genre might evolve into another, just like Emiko Jean's transition of her novel from young adult to adult thriller by adding new character perspectives.
The Art of Genre-Hopping
By embracing multiple genres, writers expand their storytelling toolkit, experimenting with various emotional tones, techniques, and audience appeals. Blending genres not only keeps your audience on their toes but also offers opportunities to explore themes and ideas in innovative, captivating ways.
Take "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," a film that brilliantly intertwines the romance, sci-fi, and drama genres. Or "Get Out," which uses horror to comment on racism, challenging the audience's expectations with a shocking fusion of genres.
In Conclusion
Genre in scriptwriting isn't something to be afraid of but a playground rich with possibilities. It's an ever-evolving, dynamic tool that offers tried-and-true structures while allowing room for bursts of originality.
Whether you're a budding writer crafting your first script or a seasoned veterans seeking to push the boundaries of your storytelling, embracing genre offers endless creative potential. So, grab your pen (or keyboard), find your inspiration, and dive into the genre-bending wonders that make scriptwriting such a tantalizing challenge.
Want to learn more about scriptwriting and the craft of storytelling? Check out our guide "The Ultimate Guide to Screenwriting" for a deep dive into the art of crafting captivating cinematic tales.
The Author
- Sherice Griffiths Sherice Griffiths is a comedy Writer-Director and proud blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, recently winning the BAFTA Rocliffe new writing competition and placing as a finalist for the Tri-Force UKTV writers slam and the semi-finals for the US Screencraft comedy competition.
Embracing genre in screenwriting not only provides a foundation for storytelling but also unlocks a vast pool of creative possibilities. With the endless evolution of genres, education-and-self-development resources such as "The Ultimate Guide to Screenwriting" can empower writers to challenge conventions, blend genres, and push the boundaries of their storytelling. Furthermore, a flourishing understanding of genre can help in crafting lifestyles and entertainment that resonate deeply with audiences, all while leveraging technology to elevate the art of screenwriting.
