Genre Research Activity





Genre: Science Fiction


Genre conventions- content: First of all, the setting of a Sci-Fi film usually takes place in an alternative world, usually being strange, different, or faraway. It can also take place in a different dimension or even the future. For example, in the 2010 movie, Avatar, the setting took place in a non-existent planet called “Pandora”. Another characteristic of the Sci-Fi genre includes the use of non-human characters, such as robots, aliens, or monsters. One example of this is Gamora from Guardians Of The Galaxy, who is part of the Zen-Whoberis alien species. Allegories—which are stories, poems, or pictures that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one—are used often in Sci-Fi films. They transport us to distant worlds only to get us thinking about the way that we live in this world. A good example of a Sci-Fi movie that uses allegories is Wall-E. Pixar's Wall-E is about a robot who still works and lives on an abandoned Earth. When the robot goes to space to meet the community of humans, humans were portrayed as lazy, overweight, and relied on technology to do all life tasks. This gives the idea that we shouldn’t let technology take over our lives. In addition, dystopian communities also fall under the category of Sci-Fi films. Movies like The Hunger Games, the Divergent series both portray communities that society considers negative in today’s world. One last characteristic includes advances in future technology. Avatar portrays this characteristic when scientists in the movie were able to transfer a human’s consciousness into the body of an alien.


Genre conventions- production techniques: The typical color palette for Sci-Fi movies is cool colors mixed with white and black and sometimes green.An example of this is The Matrix, which uses many green toned shades and colors to make the movie feel futuristic. Geometric and inorganic shapes are also used on sets and costumes. An example of this is the movie Black Panther, which uses these techniques in the production to create a more futuristic effect. More production techniques include: high shutter speeds, settings in outer space, close ups for dramatic effect, and CGI/ special effects to imitate impossible things in real life.


Institutional conventions- marketing: The typical target audience of Sci-Fi films are usually young kids to people in their 20’s. Young children are frequent customers in theme parks. Through this way, sci-fi films are able to market their films and create rides. Universal studios is famous for marketing their films through roller coasters, simulation rides, and stores full of merchandise. Another way sci-fi films market themselves is through comics or coloring books. For example, Star Wars was turned into a comic series following the success of the films. Through toys, t-shirts, mugs, etc., sci-fi films are able to gain audience attention by selling these things in children’s stores or young adult stores. Another way sci-fi films are marketed are when they are shown as a trailer in the previous of another sci-fi movie in the theatres. Lastly, the most recent type of marketing strategy is through social media and the internet. Most young people have some type of social media app. Through Youtube, movie trailers are shown as well as Instagram ads and others.


Film/magazine sample #1 - include analysis of how this sample embodies your genre: https://youtu.be/4lmrmx3cpWU


Film/magazine sample #2 - include analysis of how this sample embodies your genre: https://youtu.be/PHkxW_v0Ydk


List of 5-7 other film/magazine examples with the genre (with links or images of these examples):





Avatar


Interstellar






3. Avengers





4. Wall-E









5. The Matrix





6. The Hunger Games





7. Black Panther