Jocelyn's Media Studies Blog: January 2026

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Research - Color Theory

What is color theory in film?

Color theory in film is the purposeful use of color palettes, combinations, and contrasts to tell a story and get a reaction from the audience. The basic principles of color theory in film are: hue, saturation, contrast, and harmony. Hue is the color itself, saturation is the intensity of the color, contrast is light and dark, and harmony is how colors work together. Color theory in film shows how these principles combine to get a emotional and psychological impact that supports the plot of the film.

Color theory in film turns color into more than just for aesthetics but into a tool for storytelling. To execute color theory correctly, film makers have to understand the meanings behind colors and how to use them to their advantage. Film makers need to know how to use warm colors like red and orange to represent passion, energy, or danger and how to use cool colors like blue and green can represent calm, sadness, or nature. They also need to know how to use complementary colors to create tension and represent relationships between characters and how to use analogous colors (colors next to each other on the color wheel) to create harmony in the scene.

Cinematography

Cinematography color theory is how directors and film makers use color to focus the audience's attention and create mood and support the plot of the film. Color theory cinematography is the purposeful use of lighting and color to get the desired effect that supports the story. Cinematographers apply color theory in many stages of production. In pre-production, they make color palettes that match the themes within the story and emotional arcs. While filming, they use colored lighting and practical elements that establish their color scheme. Postproduction, cinematographers fine tune the final look to change the mood and visual impact of the footage.

Examples

Wes Anderson's color theory shows how to use pastel colors with symmetrical compositions to create a whimsical, "dollhouse-like" world that feels nostalgic and perfect. Anderson's films always have a specific color palette that becomes a signature for him. Anderson uses color to set up the tone of the film and reinforce the essence he created in his fictional worlds.

Vittorio Storaro's color theory comes from a more psychological approach using specific cues that carry a symbolic meaning in the film. Storaro's films give emotional meaning to colors. Red meaning passion and life force, blue meaning spirituality and contemplation, and green meaning nature and growth. He uses color to create visual stories on a subconscious level.

For my film opening, I think it would be best to incorporate complementary colors in the scenes with the 2 main characters to further represent the relationship and the deep friendship they have. I think overall, throughout the whole film opening, analogous and warm colors should be used to create harmony in the scenes and give a joyful and warm feeling to the film opening.

Sources:

https://ltx.studio/glossary/color-theory#:~:text=Color%20theory%20in%20film%20is,create%20harmony%20within%20a%20scene.

Wes Anderson example

Vittorio Storaro example

Research - Opening Sequence Analyses

Juno (2007) Analysis

The film opens to a black screen, and a drawing animation of the word "Autumn" is shown. The black screen then fades out into a long shot that shows a large house with a girl standing looking at a chair. The "autumn" animation is "erased" and there is a straight up to a closer long shot of the girl drinking from a jug still looking at the chair. There is another straight cut to a close up of the girl and a voice over, from the girl the audience is seeing, begins. Stating, "it started with a chair," cueing non-diegetic music and a flashback.

   Using a straight cut, a two shot is used showing legs, in standard focus, and underwear falling to the floor with a shirtless man sitting in the chair the girl was looking at earlier. A push in camera movement is used when the legs in the foreground begin to walk toward the man sitting in the chair. There is a straight cut revealing the girl from the beginning, whose legs were shown earlier in the scene. She moves closer to the camera, resulting in a close-up shot. A straight cut is used to show an extreme close up of the girl's lips as she leans close to whisper in the man's ear, moving behind his head, only allowing the audience to see his lips and her ear that he is whispering in. The scene straight cuts to a close up and over the shoulder shot from behind the man as she leans in closer to him.

   The flashback ends with the sound of a dog barking, cueing the flashback to end. There is an over the shoulder shot from behind the dog looking at the girl as she snaps back to reality and stops thinking about the flashback. There is a cut reverse cut from the girl and the dog we now know is "Banana" as she tells him to stop barking. A voice over begins again from the girl and cuts to an over the shoulder shot of the girl looking at the chair. There is a straight cut to a close of the girl drinking from the jug of "Sunny D". Non-diegetic music starts up again cueing a cut to the girl walking down the sidewalk using a panning camera movement that turns into a trucking movement once she is in the center of the frame. As the girl walks past a tree, the scene turns into an animation style, the same as the "Autumn" animation shown at the beginning of the opening. This starts opening credits and title cards featuring animations of the girl and her surroundings.

   The film emphasizing the chair before the voiceover said, "it started with a chair.", subtly tells the audience that the chair is important to the plot/ to the girl staring at the chair. The flashback scene is filled with close ups and orange and yellow lighting. The combination of closeups and orange and yellow lighting give the scene a very intimate and memory-like feeling to the audience. The bluntness of the girl telling Banana to "shut his freaking gob" gives the audience insight to the girl as a character and her personality. The voice over being from the girl lets the audience know that she is the main protagonist of the maybe and leads the audience to assume that the girl is Juno. The animation sequence of the opening credits and title card gives the film a lighthearted and playful feeling.

The Perks of a Wallflower (2012) Analysis

I could not find a 2-minute video clip showing the opening sequence of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, so I will just use the 10-minute video and stop at 2 minutes. Unlike Juno, where the opening credits are shown later on in the film's opening, The Perks of Being a Wallflower shows the opening credits immediately at the start of the film. The film opens up with the opening credits in front of a black screen with the sound of a typewriter in the background, tying in with the font of the opening credits that looks like it was typed on a typewriter. Non-diegetic acoustic music begins with the display of the title card.

   There is a fade into a shot of what looks to be inside a tunnel or under a bridge with yellow and green lights, while also showing the road, with more opening credits displayed on the screen. This shot causes the audience to assume that the camera is attached to a car or vehicle of some kind. There is a straight cut to the camera showing only directly under the bridge instead of showing the rear POV of the vehicle where you can see the street along with the underside of the tunnel/bridge. There is another straight cut only displaying the side of the tunnel with the yellow lights flying by in a blur, showing the audience that the vehicle the camera is attached to is going very fast.

   There is a panning camera movement to the opposite side of the tunnel and slightly down. This movement tells a lot to the audience because it causes the audience to wonder if that movement is from the POV of a person or if the movement was just a creative decision. There is a straight cut to a POV shot of the rear end of the car looking back at the exit of the tunnel. With another straight cut, the shot now changes to looking up at the underside of a large bridge with streetlights passing by. Another straight cut shows a POV shot of the rear end of the car and then a pan up movement to fade into black as the non-diegetic music fades out. The reoccurring cuts of the inside of the tunnel and the surroundings lets the audience subtly know that that tunnel and that area will be a part of an important moment in the film.

   There is a fade into a panning movement, and a pull-out movement shows the reflection of a boy, that seems to be writing something, in the window he is sitting in front of. A voice over begins from the boy we see where he is reading a letter he is currently writing to his friend. There is a pull-out movement to reveal more of the boy and his surroundings. The audience can now see that he is sitting at a desk in his room. The voiceover reveals the timid and awkward way the boy speaks, giving the reader insight into his personality and his character. The rest of the boy's surroundings are dimly lit, and there is a bright overhead light above him. This adds emphasis to him and lets the audience know he is the voice in the voiceover and the main protagonist of the film.

I think that going the Juno route by having some more character centric scenes with the opening credits would be more fitting for the path we are looking to take with the film opening. I want our film opening to be lighthearted and bright like Juno and not serious and dark like The Perks of Being a Wallflower. In the next post, I will be doing research on color theory in film. See you in the next post!

Sources:

Juno video

The Perks of Being a Wallflower video

Research -Title Cards / Moodboard

Me and my group have decided the title of our film opening will be "Beautiful Life", trying to capture the feeling of girlhood and freedom girls feel by being a girl or being feminine. We have figured out the logistics of what we are going to film and what the plot of the film opening will be. We also discussed the color of our title card will be but have not settled on anything. I wanted to do research about title sequences and the title card of a coming-of-age teen movie.

Title Sequences

A title sequence is a montage in film that presents the title of the movie, key production members, cast members, while using visuals and sound. The title sequence and opening credits are not the same. A title sequence is specifically designed to set the mood of the movie and often show narrative context. Opening credits are the list of cast and crew that helped make the film. Title sequences are typically short and usually appear in the exposition or beginning of the movie. The title sequence may include aspects that give the audience clues about the narrative of the movie. Sound is an important convention in film openings. Sound is typically included with non-diegetic music that sets up a specific mood for the scene. We are not allowed to use copy-righted music, so I am not sure how we will include sound into our film's opening. A voice over from a character in the film is also used in title sequences, so that is also an option to consider.

Font/Color

As I said before, me and my group were discussing the name and color of film opening. We did not, however, talk about what font we would like in our title card and opening credits. We talked about using a baby or pastel yellow, similar to the first 2 swatches of yellow in the picture below. I think it really captures the feeling we are going for for this film opening.

My group and I did not discuss what font we would like our title card to be yet. I was thinking of using a cursive font for the title card to give the movie a "girly" and feminine feeling since our film opening will be centered around girlhood. A font similar to the one below is what I had in mind, just in pastel yellow color.

I was also considering using a more childish font to capture the feeling of child-like and innocent girlhood the film opening is about. A font similar to the one below is exactly what I was thinking. I think the pastel yellow would be perfect with the childish font and the stars.

For the opening credits, I am unsure if they should be the same font as the title card. If we decide on the first title card option, I think this font would compliment it nicely.

I am caught between two options for the second more childish title card font. I think both of these give off the same feeling I am going for but I am unsure of which one fits better. I will have to talk about it with my group and hear their thoughts before making a decision.

Moodboard

This mood board I made, I think, perfectly captures the aesthetic of the film opening. I found images that showed friend duos from the 2000s, since that is the setting the film opening will be set in. I also tried to find images that represented freedom, joy, and adventure. Me and my group decided that the plot of the film opening will be a friend carpooling to school with another friend and deciding once they get to school, they want to be impulsive and rebel by ditching school and going on an adventure.

In my next post, I will be analysing 2 film openings of coming of age teen movies. See you in the next post!

Sources:

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/four-types-of-title-sequences/44538667#5

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/opening-film-sequences-coming-of-age-genre/33295617#3

Yellow Swatch examples

Font examples

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Research - 2000s fashion

I am unsure of what era of the 2000s I want the film opening to be set in, so I will be doing research on the early, mid, and late 2000s.

Early 2000s (2000-2004)

2000 was about the future and technology. This was reflected in fashion with futuristic and space-inspired designs, metallic fabrics, and neon colors. The major influences of the time were Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, magazines, and MTV. The clothes matched their lifestyle, and the music people listened to. Movies that inspired people were Legally Blonde, Coyote Ugly, American Pie, 10 things I hate about you, She's All That, and Mean Girls.

The color palette of the early 2000s was filled with shiny black tones and reflective metallics. Most of the looks of the early 2000s were worn for going out clubbing, though some other trends were worn daily. Popular outfits women wore included handkerchief tops, leather skirts, shiny pants, and sparkly shoes. Casual/leisure wear was a big trend during this time. Denim was a staple fashion piece for both men and women, going from just pants to shirts, jackets, and hats. Casual style for women included crop tops, hoodies, low-rise flared jeans, cargo pants, jean skirts, off-the-shoulder tops, and ribbed sweaters. Platform sandals, Uggs, or sneakers were worn with those causal outfits.

Mid 2000s (2005)

During this time, fashion trends began to take inspiration from 60s bohemian looks with yoga pants, low-rise jeans, cowl-neck shirts, peasant tops, capri pants, cropped jackets, and dresses over jeans. Accessories worn with these pieces are chunky belts, aviator glasses, jelly bracelets, and ties (worn around the neck or as belts), ballet flats, and platform boots. This decade was defined by iconic items like Von Dutch trucker hats, Juicy Couture tracksuits, and Louis Vuitton bags.

Wearing shorts with heels was common in 2005. Bubble hems, a rounded effect on the hems of skirts and dresses, were popular to wear to parties; some even wore the style to prom. Oversized sunglasses were a large fashion accessory in 2005. Rhinestones and glitter were commonly seen on shirts and pants, seen on Mariah Carey in the picture below. Long and layered beaded necklaces were another popular accessory in 2005. The punk style (dark and swept bangs, dark nail colors, graphic tees, and hoodies) was popular in the 2000s' emo-punk bands, seen on Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy.

Late 2000s (2006-2009)

Most fashion trends from the mid 2000s continued in the late 2000s, though some were left behind. Crop tops turned into camisoles; miniskirts became babydoll skirts, and sweater dresses became a trend. The 80s and 90s trends were revived in neon colors, animal prints, geometric shapes, light denim leggings, and ripped acid washed jeans. These were worn with "gladiator" sandals, ballet flats, and headbands

The rise of emo and rock influenced fashion. Skinny jeans, band tees, and studded belts defined emo and scene subculture as bands like Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance influenced music and style. Brands like Rock & Republic made leather and studs popular and seen as a symbol of strength in fashion. American Eagle made skinny jeans popular with their selection of good quality jeans with affordable prices.

Sources:

https://www.centralcasting.com/resources/articles/quick-guide-to-2000s-fashion/

Beyonce picture

https://thepinklookbook.com/y2k-fashion-trends-explained-what-we-really-wore-in-the-2000s/

Paris Hilton and Britany Spears pictures

Handkerchief top picture

Christina Aguilera picture

Tracksuit picture

Sienna Miller picture

Mariah Carey and Pete Wentz picture

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/2005-fashion-throwback_l_680165e5e4b0f92ccce18c2c

Hillary Duff and Lindsay Lohan picture

https://www.dutchlabelshop.com/en_us/blog/2000s-fashion-trends/#:~:text=Skinny%20Jeans%20and%20the%20Rise,tastes%20but%20style%20choices%20too.

https://www.thedaonline.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-look-back-at-the-fashion-trends-of-2009-and-the-celebrities-who-influenced-the/article_e6273244-09fe-5603-bfbf-fbf5f98f6061.html

Rock and Republic picture

American Eagle skinny jeans picture

Animal print and bright color outfit pictures

My Chemical Romance picture

Fall Out Boy picture

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Research - Technical Conventions for Teen Coming of Age Genre

To start filming the film opening, I have to understand the technological conventions of the teen coming of age genre. Here is the information I found:

Sound

Voiceovers are commonly used in coming-of-age teen films. The voice in the voiceover usually belongs to the main character/protagonist but can be any other character in the film. The soundtrack of a coming-of-age teen film features songs that are meant to convey a specific feeling to the audience and reflect the emotions or personalities of the characters. Dance/Pop music is included in scenes where the characters are happy and convey their carefree attitude about life. This is done to portray a euphoric feeling to the audience that the characters are feeling. Indie/Acoustic music is used during scenes where the characters are sad, wanting to add a deeper feeling to the feeling. Rock/Alternative music is often used to represent rebellion and excitement. Music included in the background of the scene is non-diegetic, but diegetic sounds are commonly used in scenes to immerse the audience in the setting. Diegetic sounds in coming-of-age teen movies are usually cars, radios, school bells, phones ringing, announcements, and talking/conversations in the school hallway. In the clip included below, the main character (Cher) gives an internal monologue/ voiceover that reflects her thoughts about her friend dating a guy in high school.

Cinematography

Coming of age teen films strive to make emotions the crucial point of the film because "coming of age" is a very personal, psychological, and moral growing experience. Close up shots are used to give the audience a clear view of the emotions on the character's face; they are specifically used to convey the growth and development of the character/characters and show the audience exactly what the character is feeling. Close ups of the main characters are one of the first shots shown in coming-of-age teen films. Push in camera movements are used to show the emotion of reply or reaction to something the character is seeing or heard. Two shots are used in coming-of-age teen movies, especially in films with themes involving relationships and virginity. The two shots show the audience the suggestion of the relationship between two characters and can also show the intimacy between the two characters. The screen grab below is from the film "Submarine", made in 2010, showing Oliver and Jordana kissing, showing the start of their romance and the intimacy between them.

Editing

Rhythm and pacing are used to hold the audience's attention and take their focus away from the editing of the film. Film makers' goal is to truly immerse the audience into the film and the acting and have them not noticed the editing. The film "Lady Bird" uses slow, reflective editing to show the main character's emotional journey. Cut away transitions are often used in coming-of-age teen films when the characters are in a scene with a big group of people. With cut aways, close-ups show the people and important objects in the scene. The video below is from the movie "The Breakfast Club", made in 1985. The context of the scene is John telling the rest of the group about his family life and does it through a demonstration. In the beginning of this clip, cut aways and close ups are used to show the reaction of the characters to John's "performance" and their emotions when they ask him questions and Andrew say that he doesn't believe John. A close up is also used to show John's cigarette burns, an important "object" or feature, from his father.

Mise en scene

   The fashion of a character in a coming-of-age teen movie says a lot to the audience about their development throughout the film. For example, in the film "Mean Girls", made in 2004, Cady (the protagonist) wears loose fitting and neutral color clothing. Later in the film, when she gets a makeover from "The Plastics", she becomes more feminine and stylish as she spends more time with “The Plastics.” By the end of the movie, when the main conflict of the movie is resolved, she is back to her casual style but with a hint of the girly and trendy she had previously. The change in her style subtly shows the reader Cady's progression as a character and how she changes as a person; this is common in other films. This is seen through the "makeover" trope in the coming teen movies. The makeover signifies the character gaining confidence and growing more as a character.

   Blocking is a tool used in performance that establishes power dynamics and relationships between characters. The positioning of characters/actors can communicate dominance, submission, intimacy, or isolation without dialogue. The shifting of these positions throughout the movies can reflect the changes within the relationships between the characters. This is seen in The Godfather (1972) when Michael ascends the new head of the family. Blocking can also be used to display intimacy or distance between characters. The distance between the characters mirrors their intimacy. This is shown in the movie "Lost in Translation", made in 2003. The blocking in the movie highlights the emotional distance they feel in their lives despite the connection they feel with each other. When the blocking shifts to them being closer together, it shows the audience the growing relationship and intimacy between them.

   The acting in a coming-of-age teen movie is essential to making the audience understand that the characters are teenagers, giving the movie a sense of authenticity. A way that film makers do this is casting child actors to play the role or getting an actor that conveys the emotions of a teenager convincingly. One film that casts child actors to play children is "Good Boys", made in 2019. The characters have a touch of innocence in their performance that produces scenes memorable to the audience. Films focused on growing up have a certain awkwardly sweet feeling. The difference in adults trying to portray teenagers is that their acting is based on an intense version of how a teenager would act. Actors in coming-of-age teen movies are meant to look effortless and organic while conveying the body language, subtle or dynamic gestures, of a teen/tween.

Next post, I will be doing research on the fashion and makeup of the time period I want the film opening to be set in. See you in the next post!

Sources:

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/codes-and-conventions-of-the-teen-genre/25141491#2

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/camera-anglesmovements-and-editing/15524449

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/film-rhythm-editing-guide-77147/

https://www.fastatucla.com/fast-at-ucla/the-genius-of-costume-design#:~:text=Mary%20Jane%20Fort's%20genius%20in,changes%20as%20the%20story%20progresses.

https://www.cosmopolitan.in/life/features/story/best-movie-makeovers-all-time-thatll-inspire-your-transformation-665332-2022-02-22

https://jigreelstudios.com/how-blocking-can-alter-the-audiences-perspective/#:~:text=2.%20Establishing%20Power%20Dynamics%20and%20Relationships%20Blocking,or%20alienation%20without%20the%20need%20for%20dialogue.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jun/24/teenagers-in-films-coming-of-age-good-boys-stand-by-me-boyhood#:~:text=Film%20has%20a%20sometimes,Photograph:%20Sony

https://www.davidgenik.com/blog/good-acting-vs-bad-acting-examples-and-how-to-stay-authentic#:~:text=A%20hallmark%20of%20good%20acting,must%20appear%20effortless%20and%20organic.

https://www.bohotheatre.com/blog/unlocking-the-craft-exploring-the-depths-of-acting-skills/#:~:text=Beyond%20verbal%20communication%2C%20acting%20encompasses%20the%20language,a%20window%20into%20the%20character's%20inner%20world.

Mean Girls screen grab

The Godfather screen grab

Good Boys screen grab

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Research - Film Opening Research for Film Opening

Me and my group have not decided what genre we want our film opening to be, but I wanted to do research on film openings in general before deciding which genre we wanted to do. Here is the information I have found:

The opening of a film is crucial for setting the tone and scene for the rest of the movie. The opening sequence is meant to introduce the characters and themes of the movie. They are meant to grab the audience's attention, provide context to the film, and hint at the central conflict of the movie. There are 3 ways to start an open sequence of a movie: flashback, flashforward, and in medias res (in the middle of things).

A flashback is scenes from the past that interrupt the chronological sequence of events. This provides background information, deepened character development, or explains motivations and relationships. Flashbacks are used to reveal crucial information to the audience that impacts the current storyline. A flashforward is the opposite of a flashback; it jumps forward in time in the storyline. It shows events that will happen in the storyline, creating suspense for the audience, foreshadowing events, or providing insight to the eventual outcomes of the characters or plot. In Medias Res is a Latin phrase "meaning in the middle of things". In Medias Res, the story starts from the middle of the action and not from the beginning. Starting the movie in the middle of action creates immediate urgency and draws interest. With this technique, background information is revealed through flashbacks, dialogue, or exposition.

The conventions of a film openings are they are usually around 2 to 5 minutes (my film opening will be 2 minutes long), introduce the key characters (protagonists, antagonists, sidekick, etc.), introduce plot or beginning of the storyline, and establishes scene. Film openings also include key credits (producing company, actors, and director), equilibrium (balanced energy; no major climatic events have occurred yet), a key event to the story occurs, and non-diegetic sounds (music/soundtrack) are present. The key credits are included in a title sequence, along with the film's title. The establishment of the scene is usually done with an establishing shot to show the setting of the movie.

Different genres need specific opening scenes to pander to the storyline of the film. Fantasy films often have voice overs with a prologue montage for world-building, also for any kind of movie that relies on the POV of the main character or if the main character has a particular voice. Cold opens are commonly found in horror movies, crime thrillers, and action movies. A cold open is a scene that happens before the credits that immediately drops the audience into a story or action to grab their attention. A cold open is used in horror, crime thrillers, and action movies to grab the audience's attention and establish the genre of the film; it can also be used to introduce an antagonistic force or the villain of the movie.

The video below is the first 2 minutes of the movie "Fight Club" made in 1999. This movie begins with a focus being on a gun in someone's mouth with narration as a voice over, indicating that this man is the main character. The voice over reveals more of the story to the audience and gives slight insight to the characters. The cold open of the movie grabs the audience's attention immediately and leaves them with many questions that can only be answered through a flashback. The narrator speaks directly to the audience as if he is telling a story.

Me and my group decided on doing the teen coming of age genre for the film opening. See you in the next post!

Sources:

https://medium.com/@nadnadders/research-analyzing-opening-sequences-e6d8327bfebf

https://artsfirst.org/film-opening/#:~:text=A%20film%20opening%20scene%20is,starting%20from%20the%20very%20beginning.

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/conventions-of-film-openings-9663052/9663052

https://pariwashkamran.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/codes-and-conventions-of-film-opening-sequence.pdf

https://www.storybreakdown.com/writing-great-opening-scenes/#:~:text=Types%20of%20Opening%20Scenes%20*%20Prologue%20(32%25),Cold%20open%20(11%25)%20*%20Flash%20forward%20(8%25)

Fight Club Opening

Friday, January 16, 2026

Research - Genre and Subgenre Research for Film Opening

Me and my group decided on 2 subgenres from each genre (Teen, Romance, and Horror) to research to decide which subgenre we want our film opening to be. Here is the information I have found:

Teen, Coming of Age

The coming-of-age teen movie subgenre is focused on a teen protagonist that transitions from childhood to adulthood. These movies are often whimsical and lighthearted. They, though depending on the other genres it is in, are set at times that are influential in a child's life like first relationship, middle school/high school graduation, and moving away. Characters realize their future and demonstrate mental, emotional, and personal maturity. Coming of age teen movies often have more dialogue and stillness in scenes than other movies where there are dramatic actions and events. These films also address issues in society (poverty, racial discrimination, gender inequality, etc.) and problems teens face (mental health, social pressure, academic stress, etc.). This subgenre often has themes like identity crises, teenage fun, self-discovery, a "misfit" character, and first love.

Teen, Comedy

The teen comedy subgenre features character archetypes like the "Mean Girls/Popular Girls", "The Jock/ The Jock who would rather do other things", "The Stoner", and "The Loser that wants to be popular" who is usually one of the main characters. Common protagonists are a "nerd" that is about to go on a journey of personal-development, a rude or selfish person that will get a redemption arc, an outsider/a group of outsiders that will gain a new status in the world, or a lonely person that is about connect or reconnect with a person. A types of comedy that can be found in teen comedy movies are banter/witty dialogue, slapstick (exaggerated and physical comedy), missing the point/ a character not misunderstanding something another character said, hypocritical humour/ saying one thing and immediately doing the opposite, cross talk/ two characters thinking they are talking about the same thing but they aren't, and ironic echo/ repeating a line from earlier in the scene to make a character's actions comedic. Teen comedy movies have the same themes (trying to fit in, experiencing first love, issues with parents, rebellion, and feeling isolated or different than your peers) and conventions (puberty, parties, high school, underage drinking/illegal substances, social groups/cliques, peer pressure, and popular culture) of a teen movie, but with the conventions and humor techniques of a comedy movie.

Romance, Comedy

Romantic comedies are focused and depend on the development of a romantic relationship while including comedic elements. Tropes often used in romantic comedies are "the meet-cute", enemies to lovers, fake relationship/dating, opposites attract, the grand gesture, the best friend of one of the main characters that is supposed to be the comedic relief, an ex of one of the love interests that shows up randomly, concerned parents of the love interest/s, the makeover sequence, workplace romance/ coworkers as love interests, second-chance romance/characters that missed an opportunity for romance and are now getting a second chance, the love triangle, and the happy ending. Themes commonly found in romantic comedies are ideals that love conquers all; a romantic union/reunion between love interests is destined/fate, and "true love" always wins. Romantic comedies usually make scenes funny through awkward situations, physical comedy, witty dialogue, and situational irony; these scenes are used to reveal character personalities and give the audience more information about them. Romantic comedies often use sound (diegetic and non-diegetic) that is upbeat and happy before the conflict of the movie develops; the music reflects the mood in the scene at the time. Props are also used to reflect a character's personality or reveal a minor storyline of theirs.

Romance, Fantasy

The romance fantasy subgenre includes movies that are set in a fictional or magical universe with romantic elements. The fantasy elements in films in the romance fantasy subgenre often include a battle of good vs. evil, fantastical creatures, action, rebellion against society/social hierarchy, sacrifice. The romantic elements of romance fantasy are a central love story, that can include a variety of tropes, as the main plot and an emotionally satisfying ending for the audience. Romance fantasy films can feature any romance trope they wish, but there are some that are common and have become popular. These are enemies to lovers (as seen in Stardust (2007) with Tristan and Yvaine), forbidden love (seen in Avatar with the Na'vi and the humans), and true love's kiss (seen in Enchanted (2007)). The end of romance fantasy films is either Happily Ever After or Happy For Now if the producers are planning a sequel.

Horror, Supernatural

The horror supernatural subgenre, more often than not, features themes of ghosts, spirits, possession, demons, religious traditions, and evil/evil personified. Horror supernatural movies frequently have tense scenes with with fast music and piano or soft music to set the scene for the audience. Common settings in the horror supernatural subgenre are a suburban house/area and a isolated area (cabins, abandoned buildings, asylums, etc.). Films in this genre occasionally use hand held camera movement to give the scene a "realistic feel", scaring the audience more with the realization that the characters in the movie are ordinary people making them question their own safety. The horror supernatural subgenre uses the invasion of one's home, especially a new home, by supernatural forces as a storyline because the supernatural forces is an unwanted intrusion and it is difficult to uproot themselves or their family essentially they are stuck in their haunted house. Other common themes in supernatural horror are making the supernatural forces as a metaphor for deeper fears and internal issues and turning familiar, everyday elements into something scary. For example, Hereditary discussed themes of grief and loss while incorporating demonic cults and supernatural occurrences. There is also The Shining with the Overlook Hotel appearing as a normal, grand hotel but reveals the hotel's evil nature.

Horror, Thriller

The horror thriller subgenre build suspense and anxiety in their audience through horror elements. Technical elements can really impact the audience and make them feel the intended effect the film makers were going for. Common technical techniques are canted angles to confuse or disorient, long tracking shots to build tension, shallow focus to focus on subjet and blur background to make audience panic when they see something move in the background, and POV shots to reveal something a character is seeing. Horror thriller films usually stick to the same character archetypes as common horror films (hero/protagonist, antagonist/villain, careless teenagers that die first, creepy children, and authority figures like police). They also stick to the popular themes of horror movies such as good vs. evil, revenge, supernatural, and insanity. The thriller aspects of a horror thriller are the protagonist can either be after a truth/ has a specific goal or is trying to get away/escape from something and the tension being based on if the protagonist will get caught/ when they get caught.