Activity 3.2: Three TV drama genres and three film genres along with their conventions. 

​

Teen Drama: 

• Setting: high school/college environments, bedrooms, and sports fields. 

• Iconography: books, clothes, food, drinks, phones, computers, etc. 

• Narrative: taking place in high school filled with numerous teenagers learning to navigate school, love life, friendship, and personal growth. 

• Characters: teenage boys and girls, teachers, and parents. 

 

Medical Drama: 

• Setting: hospital, clinic, and doctor's office. 

• Iconography: surgical tables, medical charts, IV bags, operating lights, scrubs, masks, etc. 

• Narrative: a general overview of medical professionals' ability to balance their excessive work and personal life. As well as everyday patient dilemmas and interactions, most common in such fields. 

• Characters: doctors, nurses, patients, and staff. 

​

Legal Drama: 

• Setting: courtrooms, law firms, and backrooms. 

• Iconography: prisoner clothing, suits, lawbooks, courtroom tables, gavel, projects. 

• Narrative: series consisting of legal drama often explores themes of justice, morality, and personal conflicts upon the films' characters. 

• Characters: attorneys, lawyers, judges, prosecutors, witnesses, public defenders, etc. 

​

Sitcoms: 

• Setting: usually family homes, schools, or workplaces. 

• Iconography: living room couches, beds, desks, computer, backpacks, food, TV, etc. 

• Narrative: comedic situations in which show the characters' personality and quirks. Interactions between characters reflect dynamics and relevant themes for the audience. 

• Characters: generally, a protagonist, their friends and/or family of all different personalities, adding to the plot. 

 

Fantasy: 

• Setting: fictional, medieval, and modern worlds with magic/unique elements. 

• Iconography: wands, swords, mythical creatures, advanced technology, artifacts, maps, etc. 

• Narrative: the protagonist undergoes a transformation through the adventure/ journey they are tasked with as well as the challenges they face along the way. 

• Characters: in these types of films there is usually a hero, a villain, supporting characters and friendly creatures they meet along the way. 

​

Horror: 

• Settings: forest/woods, haunted and/or abandoned houses, and cemeteries. 

• Iconography: blood, chainsaws, masks, knifes, dolls, etc. 

• Narrative: characters encounter supernatural activity, in which they must face their fears. 

• Characters: a protagonist, an antagonist, victims, side characters. 

​​

Activity 3.3: Name the pictures genres and their conventions. 

​

Figure 3.2a genre is horror. To add, producers use low lighting to create an unsettling environment for the audience's anticipation. The antagonist having no face maintains the films' mysterious and eerie storyline. However, to cater to the audiences familiarly, the film ties in emotion and uses elements more likely to make the audience engage with each scene. 

 

Figure 3.2b genre is science fiction film. Furthermore, directors use special effects and futuristic elements to create an immersive environment. These advancements alone drive and build upon the narrative. The audience is able to engage by continuously being intrigued by the unknown and the rest to come throughout the film. 

​

​