Genre Theorists

Genre Theorists

John Fiske – genre as ‘convenience’ for producers and audiences

Describes genre as "attempts to put some order into the wide range of texts and meanings that circulate in our for the convenience of both producers and audiences. " 

Henry Jenkins – genre constantly ‘breaks rules’ e.g. evolving hybridization

John Hartley – genre is interpreted culturally

Daniel Chandler – genre is too restricting

He said that conventional definitions of genres tend to be based on the notion that they constitute particular conventions of content (such as themes or setting) and/or form (including structure and style) which are shared by the texts which are regarded as belonging to them.

Steve Neale – genre as repetition and difference

Argues that Hollywood's generic regime performs two inter-related functions: (1) to guarantee meanings and pleasures for audiences (2) to offset the considerable economic risk of industrial film production by providing cognitive, collateral against innovation and difference.

David Buckingham – genre in constant process of negotiation and change

Traditionally genres are regarded as fixed forms however David Buckingham argues that that their form and function are dynamic he said that "genre is not simply given by the culture, rather it is in a constant process of negotiation and change"

• Jason Mittell – industry uses genre commercially

Barry Keith Grant - on sub genres

Rick Altman – genre offers audiences a ‘set of pleasures’

Argues that genres are usually defined in terms of media language ( Semantic Elements) and codes for example in Western films ; guns, horses, landscapes and even stars like Clint Eastwood or John Wayne determine the genre of the film.