Unit 3: Film Genres and Storytelling

DURATION: 2 hours

After completing this unit, teachers will be able to:

Identify a variety of film genres and the codes and conventions associated with them (use of film techniques, subject matter, theme, characters, conventional plots, situations and settings)
Identify particular technical and symbolic codes used to convey meaning in film
Develop a storyboard for a film scene that includes the codes and conventions of a particular genre
Identify the codes and conventions used in a film genre popular in another country

Develop a list of film genres that you enjoy. Identify the key elements that define each genre. Watch a scene from one of these films. Note the following: storyline, setting, types of characters, music, lighting, special effects, editing and camera work. What are the messages and values conveyed through the use of these elements in the film? Explain how the meaning of the scene can be altered by changing various elements (e.g. the setting, soundtrack, etc.)
In groups, create a storyboard for a scene from a film genre of choice. Explain the ways in which the ‘language’ of the genre is captured in each scene
Show teachers a clip from a popular film from a foreign country. Compare and contrast the film ‘languages’ used in those with a film produced in their own country. Discuss the effect of the various techniques used. What is communicated through these techniques? Who do you think is the target audience for each film?
Using the Internet or the local library, locate two posters of the same film that will be shown in different countries and consider the following questions:
- What impression of the film is conveyed through the posters?
- What technical and symbolic codes are being used? To what effect?
- Can you identify the target audience for each film based on the posters?
- What information about each film is conveyed through the posters?

ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

TOPICS for FURTHER CONSIDERATION

Media & Information Literacy For Teachers