Genre and conventions

What is a teen film?

A teen film is a film genre that is targeted at teenagers and young adults, so this will be the typical audience of teen films. The plot of the movie is based on the typical interests of the targeted audience such as first love, coming of age, rebellion, conflicts with parents and other authority figures, friendships, etc.

Common Sub-genres and themes/topics?

There are many sub-genres and topics present in teen dramas that are aimed to relate to the lives of a teenager/young adult, these include: Drama, coming-of-age, romance, comedy, friendships, family relationships, musicals, thriller/horror, family, crime, reality, boys/girls, etc.

Themes of a teen film may include: nostalgia, sexuality/sex, coming-of-age, teenagers vs society (rules of society), cliques, rule breaking (rebellion), money,  career, music, drugs, alcohol, etc.

Locations and typical characters?

The typical characters and locations present in a teen film will be realistic in the sense that they easily relate to the lives of a teenager.

Location may include, hang out places and the day-to-day locations that a teenager may visit.

locations

Locations in-doors

• Bedroom, living rooms, kitchen
• Basketball courts and other sports facilities located in-doors
• Cafeteria, classroom, toilets/cubicles, locker-rooms/changing rooms
• Family member homes or friends homes
• local cafes/restaurants (usually fast food)
• cinemas

Locations outdoors 

• Gym, swimming pools, race tracks, football field
• Shopping malls, parks
• drive-in cinemas

Characters

Characters of a teen film are not always realistic, some may be stereotypically influenced however, made to easily relate to.

Stereotypical characters of a teen film

• The Jock/Cheerleader
• School Diva
• The Geek/Nerd
• The Rebel
• The Misfit, or The Outcast
• The Boy/Girl next door)
• The New Girl/Boy
• The Loner
• The Band Geek                                 
• Class Hottie
• Class Clown