9. WTF is genre, anyway

Homework

 

Task 1

Resurrect your creativity in your dead time

You’re feeling pretty darn great with yourself right now, the lessons have been enlightening, and you’re flying through this homework like a crazy person. We’re going to ask a little more of you this time, which involves some studying: some real homework!

• We know you’re hella busy! Work, college, kids, social life, needy pets! We recommend you come up with a nifty little schedule made up of short pieces to watch in your genre. On the bus? Dead time, my friend! Even if it’s a 10-minute journey, you can squeeze in a little short film. Make a schedule to fill all the little pockets of dead time in your life. Does your partner hog the bathroom for half an hour every night? That’s an episode of TV right there!
• Compile a list of TV shows and shorts to watch on your favorite online streaming service whenever and wherever you can. Note all the tropes and conventions you find.
• Can’t get your head around the concept of tropes? Bookmark this baby as the in-depth essential resource. (Warning: don’t get lost down the rabbit hole!)

Task 2

Genre genius – make Tarantino blush

• Make a genre document or add to your Evernote mindmap, making sure to include things like its history, pioneers, etc.
• Become an EXPERT of that genre – know it like the back of your hand.

Extra credit

Does your movie title work with the genre of movie you are writing? Why so or why not? If it doesn’t fit into your genre then maybe start rethinking your title.