Entry Two : Conventions and stereotypes of teen films

There are many conventions of teen films; they can be technical or stereotypical. From a technical view, some techniques that are used in teen films could be to do with the mise-en-scene. For example the main locations used are usually “clean and high achieving” high schools. Other locations would usually be the bedroom of the character, shopping centre or parks. The casting of teen films is usually different to what they appear to be. By this I mean that they cast are actually older than their character but made to look younger. This is done so that the cast do not have any of the signs or growing up, like having bad spots or the boy’s voice breaking. From a stereotypical point of view, there are 5 main stereotypes,

• The pretty girl/bitch
• Jock,
• Nerd,
• The best friend of the main character and
• The parents

The Jock

The pretty blonde

The Nerd

From a technical view point, the camera will normally move quite slowly, and during the editing process use slow cuts and fades/dissolves.

Other very sucessful teen films that have made us wanted to film in this genre are :

• 10 things i hate about you
• Angus thongs and perfect snogging
• High school musical
• Mean girls
• Super bad
• St trinains