Film Genre for the Screenwriter [Paperback]

Film Genre for the Screenwriteris a practical study of how classic film genre components can be used in the construction of a screenplay. Based on Jule Selbos popular course, this accessible guide includes an examination of the historical origins of specific film genres, how and why these genres are received and appreciated by film-going audiences, and how the student and professional screenwriter alike can use the knowledge of film genre components in the ideation and execution of a screenplay.

Explaining the defining elements, characteristics and tropes of genres from romantic comedy to slasher horror, and using examples from classic films like Casablanca alongside recent blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter, Selbo offers a compelling and readable analysis of film genre in its written form. The book alsooffers case studies, talking points and exercises to make its content approachable and applicable to readers and writers across the creative field.

Introduction  1. Film Genre vs. Genre Film  2. Creating the Mental Space  3. Overview of Film Genres  4. The Uber Genres: Comedy and Drama  5. Romance and Romantic Comedy and Buddy  6. Speculative Genres  7. Horror  8. Science Fiction  9. Fantasy  10. Western  11. Thriller  12. Action and Adventure  13. Disaster and War  14. Coming of Age and Fish Out of Water  15. Balancing of Film Genres  16. Film Genre: A Practical Tool in the Screenwriter's Toolbox

The author identifies 30 genres and further subdivides many by character types or setting treatment. Beyond these delineations, she discusses the endless permutations and combinations of genre, each discussion amply accessorized with film titles--from many nations and across the history of the medium--for further inforló[