FADE IN:
I thought I knew about film genre until I started to read about it!
My notes have been cribbed from the ’ScriptWriter’ magazine I picked up at the screenwriting masterclass in London. I need to be certain I’m on the right path so, I’m going to compare the notes with my screenwriting bible: Syd Field’s, Screenplay asap. Indeed I might visit Mr Field’s blog and ask for his thoughts on the subject…
However, for now, my notes on genre look like this:
• I need to study film genre in detail
• Don’t let narrative wander from genre to genre
• A fundamental: Work with genre to create a successful film
• Pick a genre and stick to it
• Use, “Whose story is it?” to check truthfulness of genre
• Synopsis will reveal truthfulness of genre
• Outline will indicate truthfulness of genre
• Films have 2 narrative stories. EG: Personal drama and romance. Thrillers and romance – so must use the right combinations
• Use, “What is it really about?” to uncover the THEME
• Theme: The key emotional connection between the screenplay and its audience.
• This is the emotion of the film or, more truthfully, it is the emotion of the audience into which the film taps
• So, focus on the ‘central emotion’ as that’s what makes films powerful – the theme is the same in each scene
PS. Notes taken from ScriptWriter, January 2007. (A good magazine to invest in) and check out www.scriptwritermagazine.com for details.
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