This week’s subject is genre hybridisation, which I find pretty intriguing and somewhat perplexing. Genre hybridisation refers to the incorporation of comedic elements into a core genre. This notion is highly confusing as it has the solid potential to be misconstrued as a parody. However, I quickly realised that when it comes to parody, the primary focus is on comedy. Nevertheless, comedy does not take centre stage this time. Instead, it is merely a subsidised element that will temporarily occur and assist the core genre.
Our objective for the sketch was to create a news centred around raising awareness about a pernicious waterborne illness. This uncertainty of this week’s concept has also hindered my team during the script construction, as the plot consistently teeters on the edge of parody. The error we committed was inadvertently incorporating an excessive number of exaggeration elements, resulting in a pronounced inclination towards humour throughout the comedy. Consequently, recognising this fact aided us in refining our thoughts and directing our attention towards the primary, specifically a news documentary. The basis for this sketch is derived from the news program “60 Minutes”. Furthermore, to elaborate further on this genre, we used all elements of authentic news: interviews with an expert and footage of water sinks, water pipelines, and empty canvases to depict the dire repercussions of the sickness without exaggeration or comedic intent. Consequently, the joke is finally presented towards the conclusion of the comedy, when the interviewer inquires about the number of individuals impacted by the illness, and the response is three since 1980.
By making this sketch, I gained insight into the challenges of employing comedy as a supplementary element to enhance the core genre and the exceptional skills of movie writers in accomplishing this objective successfully. Consequently, achieving this leads to a film that possesses more incredible intricacy in generating fluctuations of emotions for the viewers.
During the last three weeks of collaborative work, I have found that I am naturally drawn to relatable humour and editing techniques that provide a touch of drama and exaggeration. Collaborating with others has also allowed me to appreciate the significance of timing and delivery in comedy and the impact of working together to improve and elevate comic ideas. For my main project, I am keen on creating a parody that incorporates elements of incongruity. I am seeking like-minded partners who share the same vision.