Genre Terms and Definitions Genre The term used for the classification of media texts into groups with similar characteristics. In other terms type or category. e.g.
Generic hybrid A mixture or combination of more than one genre e.g.
Iconography Those particular signs that we associate with particular genres, such as physical attributes and dress of the actors, the settings and the ‘tools of the trade’ (guns, cars, etc.)
Intertextuality The way in which texts refer to other media texts that producers assume audiences will recognise. e.g.
Mode of Address The way in which a particular text will addressits audience. e.g.
Parody A form of intertextuality which aims to mock an original in a critical way e.g.
Pastiche A stylistic mask. A work made in the styles of other artists.
e.g.
Homage Where a director has deliberately created a scene, or even a whole film, in which the intertextual elements combine to pay a respectful tribute to an earlier tradition or piece of work. e.g.
Codes Rules or conventions by which signs are put together to create meanings e.g.
Conventions What is given for read or taken for granted/expected in a generic piece of work. e.g.
Bricolage The way in which signs or artefacts are borrowed from different styles or genres to create something new. e.g.