Hey there again! For my second genre I decided to do mystery because it is an interesting genre and for the sub genre it will be thriller mystery because my film idea, I'm brainstorming has a concept of adolescent problem solving with suspense.
Definition: Mystery is a genre of literature whose stories focus on a puzzling crime, situation, or circumstance that needs to be solved.
1. Typical target audience of the genre: Mystery short films ranges from 15-40 (mature audience) this is due to the scenarios and strong language also because they need to have a fear aspect to them to appeal to a mature audience so the bottom of the age range is 15 as that's normally the age rating and 50 is the top of the age range because anyone over that age may not engage with the mystery or may find it strange or confusing, obviously these aren't set in stone because short films can appeal to anyone.
2. Genre conventions with content: It is something pursued by the characters in a story, it can be something tangible like a treasure or an encoded message, or it can be something intangible like some secret knowledge. Whatever the case is, this is an object of desire of either the protagonists or other characters. A plot twist is an unexpected occurrence or turn of events in a story that completely changes the direction or outcome of the plot from the direction the audience expected it to go. Every good mystery story need suspense, this could be shown in many ways. For example, through clues, a tense atmosphere, disorienting setting etc. Clues, red herrings (false leads), and suspects Themes of trust, deception, fear, and truth are good examples of what is usually in mystery.
3. Genre conventions with techniques: In mystery thrillers, they use a wide variety of techniques to keep you engaged with the production. Like, dark lighting or low light sets this tense mood, you know, makes everything feel mysterious right away. It seems like close-ups on faces or objects help spot clues or see emotions better. That music in the background builds up the tension so much. Then there are those sudden silences that make the scene hit harder, more intense somehow. Flashbacks come in to show stuff from the past that was hidden, which adds to the surprise. Pacing switches around a lot, from slow quiet parts to fast action ones. Keeps the viewers on edge, I think. Sometimes it feels a bit repetitive with the slow builds, but it works to stay engaged. Not sure if every thriller does it exactly the same, though.
4. Institutional conventions – narrative image, marketing, etc.: They are mystery thrillers sold in a particular manner. These films and television programs are produced by major corporations like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon. They use colors and shadows on the posters to create feelings of fear and excitement in viewers. The people shown in the posters typically have a serious expression. The plot of these films and television series is not revealed in the trailers. All they want is to grab your interest and excite you. Phrases like "Everyone has a secret" are used to convince you to watch the film or television program. Surprises and secrets are central to mystery thrillers. Many mystery thrillers are produced by large companies like Netflix and Amazon.
Two film/tv productions that represent the genre:
In Adolescence: you feel the tension right away. Dark lighting, close-ups, and that edge-of-your-seat music work together to crank up the pressure, making every secret feel heavier. The story moves slow, almost dragging you along, then suddenly throws you into intense moments or flashes back to things you didn’t see coming. These tricks keep you guessing, always wondering what’s really going on, and the suspense never lets up.
In The Residence: dim lights and dramatic camera angles set a mysterious, serious mood. The quiet background music adds to the tension, pulling your focus to the characters’ reactions and those little clues you don’t want to miss. When things heat up, the show speeds through investigation scenes, but it also knows when to slow down and let emotions breathe. Flashbacks pop in at just the right moments. All of it keeps you guessing—and watching—right up to the final reveal.
Sources:
Literary Terms. (n.d.). Mystery: Definition and examples.
https://literaryterms.net/mystery/
Capellini, A. (n.d.). Genre conventions: Exploring a genre, murder mysteries. AS Media Studies Blog. Genre Conventions: Exploring A Genre, Murder Mysteries – AS Media Studies Blog || Alexia Capellini
Elsey, F. (n.d.). Target audience of mystery genre. Prezi. https://prezi.com/p/target-audience-of-mystery-genre/
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