ABSTRACT

Film Genre for the Screenwriter is a practical study of how classic film genre components can be used in the construction of a screenplay. Based on Jule Selbo’s popular course, this accessible guide includes an examination of the historical origins of specific film genres, how and why these genres are received and appreciated by film-going audiences, and how the student and professional screenwriter alike can use the knowledge of film genre components in the ideation and execution of a screenplay.

Explaining the defining elements, characteristics and tropes of genres from romantic comedy to slasher horror, and using examples from classic films like Casablanca alongside recent blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter, Selbo offers a compelling and readable analysis of film genre in its written form. The book also offers case studies, talking points and exercises to make its content approachable and applicable to readers and writers across the creative field.

chapter |42 pages

Creating the Mental Space

chapter |18 pages

Overview of Film Genres

chapter |23 pages

The Uber Genres

Comedy and Drama

chapter |4 pages

Speculative Genres

chapter |23 pages

Horror

chapter |23 pages

Science Fiction

chapter |17 pages

Fantasy

chapter |16 pages

Western

chapter |26 pages

Thriller

chapter |30 pages

Action and Adventure

chapter |30 pages

Disaster and War

chapter |14 pages

Balancing Film Genres

chapter |4 pages

Conclusion

A Practical Tool in the Screenwriter's “Toolbox”