Portfolio Project Genre #2

Coming-of-Age!

Coming-of-Age is a genre that focuses on a character growing up and learning something important. It portrays real-life situations. I chose to research this genre because it's relatable and easy to film with typical settings like school.

Typical Target Audience: 
Most Coming-of-Age films are made for teens and young adults from ages 12-25. The audience is split between males and females because the themes are enjoyable for both. People enjoy watching this genre because its personal, and the characters go through relatable things. 

 
Content Conventions: 
Coming-of-Age films usually follow a character who is dealing with a personal problem. They have a teen protagonist, personal problem, friendships changing or ending, family tension, and a turning point for the character. 

 
Technique Conventions: 

 

Typical camera shots:  
- Close-ups to show emotion

- Medium shots during conversations

- Natural lighting to make scenes realistic

- Wide shots of everyday location (bedrooms, hallways, parks)
 
Editing: 
- Slower pacing to match the emotional moments

- Cross-cutting between characters to show relationships

- Flashbacks or memory-style shots in some films

Sound: 
- Soft background music

- Indie or acoustic songs

- Silent scenes to increase the tension or awkwardness
 
Mise-en-scene: 
- Everyday clothing

- Realistic settings (schools, homes, cars)

- Personal items to show their personality (posters, journals, photos)
 
Institutional Conventions: 
 
Narrative Image: Coming-of-Age posters usually include the main character alone or with a friend, a simple background, soft colors, and soft lighting. 

 
Marketing: Studios market these films by highlighting the emotional moments, character relationships, relatable situations, and popular songs from the soundtrack. 
 
Distribution: These films usually premiere at festivals, but they also do well on streaming platforms since audiences enjoy watching story-based films at home. 
 
Here's a few examples with the movies The Edge of Seventeen and Call Me By Your Name:

The Edge of Seventeen | Official Trailer | Own it Now on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ & DVD

STX Entertainment. (2016). The Edge of Seventeen – Official Trailer [Video]. YouTube.

Sony Pictures Classics. (2017). Call Me By Your Name [Movie poster].

 
Examples of Films: 
 
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): 
This is a very popular Coming-of-Age movie. It follows Charlie, who's a shy freshman dealing with trauma, friendship, and finding his place in high school. The movie uses soft lighting, close-ups, and emotional music to portray his feelings. 

Chbosky, S. (Director). (2012). The Perks of Being a Wallflower [Film still]. Summit Entertainment. 
 
Lady Bird (2017): 
This movie focuses on a teenage girl who is trying to figure out who she is. She has to juggle fights with her mom, school, and friendships. The film uses natural lighting, everyday settings, and realistic dialogue to make everything feel authentic. 

Gerwig, G. (Director). (2017). Lady Bird [Film still]. A24. 

  
Reflection: 
I chose Coming-of-Age as one of my genres to research because it's very realistic and personal. I like how it focuses on the small moments because for my project I would be able to mimic it. If I use this genre, it'll be hard to make the script well but I'm excited try out the other techniques like lighting to convey the character's feelings. All in all, that's why I chose to research Coming-of-Age.