The constructive use of film genre for the screenwriter: mental space of film genre first exploration

Abstract

This article aims to examine components of film genre that may be of practical use to the screenwriter in the creative ideation process as well as in the construction of a screenplay. The varying uses of the term genre has led to a misunderstanding of its efficacious place in the screenwriter's toolbox and it is my intent to forge beyond genre studies of historical, marketing, iconographic and thematic perspectives and focus on the implications of film genre in the development of a screenplay. To achieve this objective, film genre will be explored in relation to the philosophical constructs proposed by Gilles Fauconnier and George Lakoff, specifically the idea of mental space as it relates to the building of a film narrative into an idealized cognitive model that appeals to and attracts a specific audience.

Between Reality and Fantasy: The Narrative Strategies of the Horror Genre in Productions by Laika Studios (2009-2015)

“…The appreciation of any aspect of a genre implies the study not only of the genre's conventions but also of how they interact with the elements of other genres with which they are combined, with the story that is told, and with the concepts that are conveyed in the story to fulfil the emotional expectations created by what is presented on the screen. In this sense, the idea of mental space -a concept adopted by Selbo (2010) as the creative foundation of the genre-can be very helpful.…”

“…Therefore, this study aims to explore the narrative strategies used to communicate the horror genre in the studio's scripts, to examine the extent to which they contribute to developing a unique character in aesthetic and dramatic terms within mainstream animation film and to determine the role that they fulfil within the framework of their thematic proposals. This approach applies the knowledge categories proposed by Selbo (2010) for the creation of a mental space for the horror genre.…”

Introduction: Scriptwriting as a research practice: expanding the field

“…Interestingly, many of these people are based in Australia. Combined, these scholars have authored works including: reflections on the screenwriting practice doctorate (Baker 2011, Batty 2013, Jacey 2010b, Taylor 2014; discussions of the creative processes involved in script development (Millard 2010, Nash 2013; and critical examinations of screenwriting craft (Batty 2011, Jacey 2010a, Nash 2014, Selbo 2010, 2011.…”