Understanding the importance of Genre for Your Short Film

6:30pm 6 June

Following on from their May Lab in which the BFI Film Academy team explored how to develop and structure your idea into a short film script, the second session in their two-part series about screenwriting focussed on the importance of genre for short films.

1hr 15mins

Genre remains one of the key elements that decide a film’s fate, from story development and financing through to distribution. Yet on the short film circuit this vital aspect of storytelling is often left as an after-thought and secondary to the filmmaker’s vision.

This Lab masterclass covered the origins of how genre became a key element in the industry, and why it remains so. Short films and their makers who have gone on to spectacular success by understanding and harnessing the potential of genre in their short film work were referenced. They also looked at the strategies for understanding and using genre principles in developing your own projects.

This event was part of the Storytelling strand of BFI Film Academy Labs 2022/23. BFI Film Academy Labs are monthly practical sessions for 16-25 year olds, led by industry professionals, with a focus on explaining the specifics of working in film and television, and developing your skills to become the best screen creative you can be!