Stephen Neale’s theory is that not all genres are the same, e.g comedy, they all have differences. Genres draw on an identical repertoire of elements. The main tensions in genre are between repetition and sameness vs variation and change.

One of his concepts is repetition and difference.

Mainly suggesting that genre is presented through Stephen Neale’s theory which is this topic has many similarities and differences. There are various types of genres such as a hybrid genre, which is genres that are mixed together such as a film comedy and a comedy musical. They both have elements of comedy to fit the criteria that the audience are expecting but there are noticeable differences within the two products which sets them apart for the audience. Stephen Neale portrays that the main tensions are between repetition and sameness versus variation and change.

Level of verisimilitude = to a certain extent where the media product can reference the real world

Narrative similarities = The recognition of defined story structures

Media texts should be recognizable and use familiar codes and conventions. Steve Neale is a key genre theorist who argues that genre-based categories are not fixed commodities. Factors used to diagnose the genre of a product include levels of verisimilitude, narrative similarities, character-driven motifs, iconography, and audience targeting. Familiarity in media is essential to sell something too left field.

Steve Neale – similarities and differences/predictability and innovation

Levels of verisimilitude – to what extent real world is referenced in products.

Narrative similarities – identification of defined story structures or formulaic narrative devices.

Character driven motifs – lead characters might have defined attributes or narrative arcs.

Iconography – mise en scene expectations + camera or editing styles

Audience targeting – genres crafted to appeal to audiences.

Repetition and audience pleasure – audiences are appealed to with the use of repeated motifs, themes, or stylistic devices.

Genre subversion – all genres are subject to evolve or change common expectations based on audience needs, contextual influences or economic influences.

Genre hybridity – A combination or intertwining of several genres.

Auteur effects – The input and influence specific individuals have on media products.

Steve Neale:

Suggests threes a corpus containing repertoires (conventions) of different elements o f which you can choose which ones are used.

Genres draw on repertoires from elements and the main tensions are between repetition and sameness versus variation and change.

Products must maintain some element of familiarity through the repetition of genre conventions but also must provoke excitement through difference, for example hybrid genres.

Steve Neale – similarities and differences/predictability and innovation

Levels of verisimilitude – to what extent real world is referenced in products.

Narrative similarities – identification of defined story structures or formulaic narrative devices.

Character driven motifs – lead characters might have defined attributes or narrative arcs.

Iconography – mise en scene expectations + camera or editing styles

Audience targeting – genres crafted to appeal to audiences.

Repetition and audience pleasure – audiences are appealed to with the use of repeated motifs, themes, or stylistic devices.

Genre subversion – all genres are subject to evolve or change common expectations based on audience needs, contextual influences or economic influences.

Genre hybridity – A combination or intertwining of several genres.

Auteur effects – The input and influence specific individuals have on media products.

NEA Adverts Similarities and Differences

Similarities – Links to websites and social media accounts, Where/when to play/watch/listen, logos of companies involved, age ratings, non-photorealistic images for video games.

Differences – Enigma codes used to keep focus less on the people present in pictures but instead what is in front of them (sky, drum kit, punchbag).

Goal for media texts should be something recognisable and familiar (utilise familiar codes and conventions) 

Subgenres are used too as for example all rock music does not sound the same so it makes sense to split it into more specific ideas e.g. alternative rock, prog rock etc

Steve Neale : key genre theorist 

. Genre based around tension of similarity and difference

. Predictability and innovation 

Familiarity in media is essential because selling something too left field won’t pick up as much interest – this is why more experimental films will use more film poster like posters, as in fitting in with the competition.

Without deliberate intent to create a creative/innovative unique take on a media text, the exam board may perceive this as “false” to the typical media product. This sort of “innovation” in the texts needs to be included in statement of intents.

More steve neale stuff

. Steve argues that genre-based categories are not fixed commodities. 

. Genres change and subdivide; fuse and die

. There are no fixed lists of ingredients that determine genre.

Repetition and Difference 

Factors used to diagnosed the genre of a product:

. Levels of verisimilitude : degree to which a product references real world

. Narrative similarities : defined story structures or formulaic narrative devices

. Character-driven motifs : audiences expect some genres to deliver explicit character-driven motifs. Lead characters might have defined attributes or follow genre-driven narrative arcs.

. Iconography : refers to mise en scene expectations as well as camera and editing styles.

. Audience targeting : Neale also highlights the way that genres are crafted to create appeal for specific audience segments.

Similarities	Differences
My magazine shall use typical and common features : Price	Focus more on vibrant colour
Date of issue	Not taking itself too seriously
Title/Artist in big stand out lettering
Image of interviewee on the cover
Simple A4 dimensions

Audience targeting- Steve Neale claims that genres are created to appeal to specific audiences

Genre subversion- all genres are subject to a continuous evolution

Genre hybridity- deliberate inclusion or intertwining of conventions across a number of genres

Iconography- Mise en scene expectations, camera and editing styles

~Character driven motifs- lead characters may have defined attributes to follow genre-driven narrative arcs. All characters are defined by genres

NEA similarities and differences

Similarities	Differences
Barcodes	Style of product
Links to online website	Size
Age ratings	Font
Name of games being advertised	Main focus of Image
Target audience

title (shes not all that)

(gossip girl)

(the beginning of the end..)