Genre and Convention

What is a teen film.

A Teen film is a film where the genre is targeted at teenagers and young adults. The plot is based on special interests of teenagers, such as: First love, coming of age, conflict with parents, alienaion ect. Also common sub genres include, sexuality, fighting, drugs and sports. These are included because most teen films adults tend to watch with there children because its on TV. Also ensure a wider range of target audience so its not just for one specific type of person.
For Example in Greece themes such as, music, romance, dancing and school life is included in the film. In the film the teenagers tend to "hang out" In old car parks, on the street or in a party, because this is generally where  teenagers chill out so when teenagers see this happening in a film they find it amusing and they can relate to it. 

Moreover on a typically british working class film would be. My brother the devil, this is about different ethnic minorities (Turkish, Asian, Black) and there themes are, gangs, drugs & money, sexuality and London life for a working class person. The locations where this film in mostly being shot is, in the blocks on a London estate, and a local shop where people "hang out". So there both teen films but have been represented and have come across in different ways due to where it is based. As Greece is based in America and My brother the devil is based in London. 

Conventions in teen films depend on the context of the film, however they can include, proms, alcohol, illegal substances, high school, parties and all night raves, losing one's virginity, relationships, social groups and cliques.

Common characters in a teen film would include. The jock/Cheerleader, School diva, Geek/Nerd, The rebel, The outcast, The new girl/boy, The loner, Class hottie, Class clown...American teen films often leave out or skim over characters who are minorities, gay/lesbian, or working class teens. Apart from the characters there are many other codes and conventions of teen film. These films are often set in or around high schools as this allows for many different social cliques to be shown. This is different in hybrid teen films, but for the classic romantic comedy teen film this is almost always the case.