11.) - Sub-genres conventions of Teen Drama Films Macro

Sub Genre conventions - Macro

Semantic is the way we look at a film or Micro

Syntactic is the story within the film that it tells this is called Macro

The macro aspects of a film include who produced it, audiences for the film, cast, plot lines, character and general idea about the order or way in which the story is told. Teen film share common plots, storylines and characters.

The main plot of teen films is seen to be the concept of coming of age in some ways. How this concept is told will depend on the sub genre but is likely to focus on any aspects or the following as a way to represent coming of age

Youthfulness of central characters

Conflict within relationships

Conflict with an older generation

Management of adolescence by families. Schools, law etc

Romance

Sexuality and sexually active

The two sub genres of teen films which are high school and youth drama will have different ways of representing the coming of age theme, the ways in which the story unfolds through the narrative and the characters or social groups we see.

Youth dramas

1.     Focus on social dilemmas faces by the main, often male character

2.     Popular with teen audiences, seem to be a more authentic representation of youth that high school dramas

3.     The characters are often rebellious and of in conflict with others

4.     Focuses on the difficulties of adolescent experience

5.     Youth as difficult or a problem

High school drama

1.     Focuses on the socialization of teens and young adults by institutions such as school, college and home

2.     They often but not always celebrate the idea if being young or youth as fun

3.     Often girl centered but might focus on a male lead

4.     They tend to focus on changes, makeovers and or conflict within different groups at school.