Megan Edwards: A2 Media : Conventions of a Teen Drama

I am still yet to decide on my target audience but if it was to be teenagers (12 – 18 years of age) I would use the following conventions:

Plots/characters

Looks at situations in teenage life, e.g. love
There is often an underdog (unpopular character), or someone who is new to the school
In some way there is usually a love interest involved
Many of the characters are exaggerated from real life – this gives a comical edge which allows different situations to be approached in a light hearted way

Example from Mean Girls:

Unpopular/new girl

Popular girls

Love interest

Narrative

Often the main character does the narrative
Helps audience understand the characters’ feelings/know what they’re thinking (usually unpopular characters are too scared to say what they think/feel) – audience gains empathy for the character to know what they are feeling

Music

Gets across the feelings of the characters, e.g. upbeat = good mood
Sets tone for each part of the film – audience know when they should feel happy or sad

Mise en scene

Setting

High schools: shows different groups within high school
Characters house: popular girl has big house (distinguish the type of character they are)

Costume

Lighting

Camera work

Megan Edwards: A2 Media