The Art of Genre Classification

Genre classification is crucial for how media companies organise, market, and distribute content, as well as conduct audience measurement. However, the process is inherently challenging due to the ever-evolving nature of content and audience preferences. MetaBroadcast’s editorial team possesses extensive knowledge of genre classification, influencing the development of the Atlas Genre Tree, which simplifies genre classification and ensures a consistent understanding of genre definitions.

We recently updated the genre tree, adding and removing sub-genres to reflect cultural and societal shifts. This update prompted a discussion about reclassifying existing content records. However, before we share the details of that debate, let’s define the term genre. A genre is a category or classification of creative works with similar characteristics, themes, and stylistic elements. It helps to organise and identify content based on shared traits, making it easier for creators, marketers, and audiences to understand and communicate about different types of media.

Common genres include the following: 

• Action: Focuses on physical feats, intense sequences, and often features conflict or combat.
• Comedy: Centers on humor, aiming to entertain and amuse the audience.
• Drama: Explores realistic characters and emotional themes, often dealing with intense personal or social issues.
• Horror: Designed to evoke fear and suspense, often involving supernatural elements or psychological terror.
• Science Fiction (Sci-Fi): Involves futuristic concepts and advanced technology and often explores the impact of science on society.
• Fantasy: Includes magical elements, mythical creatures, and imaginative worlds that differ from reality.
• Romance: Focuses on love and relationships, often with an emotional or sentimental tone.
• Thriller: Creates excitement and suspense, often involving crime, danger, or a high-stakes situation.
• Documentary: Non-fiction genre that documents actual events, people, or issues for educational or informative purposes.

Most programmes and films blend several genres (we showcase this in our genre debate below) but are assigned a definitive primary genre.  Key aspects to consider when classifying genres include:

• Themes and Subjects: Genres are often defined by the central themes, topics, or subjects they explore. For example, science fiction often deals with futuristic technology and space exploration, while romance focuses on love and relationships.
• Tone and Mood: The work’s tone (e.g., lighthearted, dark, suspenseful) and mood (e.g., eerie, uplifting) often contribute to its genre classification. For instance, horror is characterised by a suspenseful, frightening tone.
• Narrative Structure: The way stories are told can also define genres. For example, a crime drama might involve a detective unraveling clues, while a comedy typically focuses on humor and lighter storylines.
• Setting: A work’s physical or temporal setting can influence its genre. For example, the Western genre is often set in the American frontier, while fantasy may involve fictional worlds with magical elements.
• Character Types: Certain genres are associated with specific character archetypes. For example, action genres often feature heroes and villains, while drama focuses on complex, realistic characters.

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Now, on to the debate: With a reboot in the works, the team debated the classification of the popular TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

While the show is mainly a drama with frequent comic relief, most episodes blend different genres, including horror, action, romance, melodrama, fantasy, supernatural, comedy, and, in one episode, musical comedy. Settings ranged from Buffy’s house to high school and the Gates of Hell (beneath the high school library, of course!). With this range, agreeing upon one primary subgenre for the sake of consistent classification for our customers, the editorial team defended their positions. 

The discussion centered around the series’s intention, plot lines, character development, setting, action, and dialogue. With its primary character, Buffy, representing a classic hero and saviour archetype (despite having the superficial characteristics of a typical victim), plots with mythological structures, and supernatural characters such as vampires and demons, several team members argued strongly for classifying Buffy as a fantasy.  

On the other hand, the show explores adolescent struggles and themes related to the teenage experience. Character development through romantic or friendship relationships and personal growth align with the teen drama genre. While supernatural elements are central to the plot, they often serve as metaphors for real-life issues teens face, grounding the series in the teen drama genre.

Ultimately, the team agreed (somewhat begrudgingly for some) to classify Buffy as a fantasy. The discussion highlighted the team’s insight and thought process regarding genre classification, all of which are captured in the genre tree. 

In summary, a genre is a way to classify creative works based on shared characteristics, making it easier to understand, market, and consume various forms of media. Genres are essential because they provide a structured framework for understanding audience preferences and organising content effectively. 

Does your metadata reflect consistent genre classification? Genres are an essential element of meaningful metadata management. Interested in learning more? Contact us at hello@metabroadcast.com.