Conventions

     There are some common conventions I plan to embrace and challenge surrounding the characters as well as theme and genre. Dramatic films are focused on serious subjects and possible real-life situations. The conflict or situation within my film is common and very possible, without being able to intervene. A baseball is hit by the main characters close friend and is unseen and hits the main character causing him to collapse around his friends. Other conventions of dramas are to evoke emotion within the audience, and I hope to achieve this by showing a lot of character development in the beginning so that the audience can relate to the character and sees the character as a very nice, caring, and loving person. This also sets up a common convention of the characters must go on a “journey” which would in the case of this story, be the recovery of the main character.

     Many teenager character conventions revolve around cliques and groups such as distinguishing the jocks, the nerds, stoners, cheerleaders, etc. Or the themes regarding “teen issues” like peer pressure, being an outcast, or depression are common in teen-focused films. I plan to stay away from conformities of these conventions, my story doesn’t have a need for distinguished groups like nerds or jocks, they are just a group of friends having fun playing baseball like they always do so anyone can relate to them. I also want to focus on more serious issues than the petty “teen issues” often found. The conflict is the sudden injury to the main character, and the whole story of the film being the focus on his recovery delves into deeper concepts such as more serious personal struggles or familiar issues that arise from the stress and struggles. The characters in similar types of films such as “The Goonies”, represents teens as very close in a bond and friendship which is a mood I hope to convey. 

The Goonies Kids Photo: Rothman, Michael. “'The Goonies' Turns 30: Where Are They Now?” ABC News, ABC News Network, 7 June 2015, abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/goonies-turns-30-now/story?id=31534000.