2. ERIN BLAKE
Played by Amara
16 years old
Shy, Clever, Prefers the indoors
The main character in the film, is represented
as a teenage girl, with personal struggles that
affect her aspects of her life – Social,
educational, family life etc.
This teenage character created is quite quiet
and prefers to be in the background of things.
This type of character is reflected in other teen
drama films, such as The Perks of Being a
Wallflower. We decided to continue with the
normal conventions because we thought that
the way the characters personal struggles were
reflected through their actions in social
situations could be related to other films of the
same genre and would therefore appeal to a
wider audience.
It would appeal to a wider audience because
the character represented is familiar and
portrays realistic characteristics that people can
relate to in everyday life.
3. ISLA HALL
Played by Phoebe
16 years old
Outgoing, loyal, popular
Another character in the film opening, is
another teenage girl but her personality
contrasts to the main character Erin Blake.
The character of Isla contrasts to the
character of Erin in personalities. This
contrast between characters highlights the
personal struggles that Erin is dealing with.
Using the influence of the film Perks of a
Wallflower again, we decided to use the
idea of different personalities to bring out
the difference in people and the main plot
of the story. The personalities help shape
the narrative and atmosphere of the plot.
4. AMBER HOCART
Played by Lucy
17 years old
Daydreamer, giggly, friendly
The third character in the friendship is
again a teenager girl, who’s
personality again contrasts with both
of the other characters.
The personality of Amber provides a
make shift safe haven for the
audience. Her personality creates an
escapism from the reality of the
storyline and the depressive
atmosphere that surrounds the
character Erin.
We decided to create a character with
this personality because it can add
comedic effect to the film and lighten
the atmosphere.
5. Construction of characters
We constructed the characters based off our research, e.g. Gone girl and
America Honey. Therefore we had different
personalities all mixed together to form strong social group. We tried to
represent our characters in a positive light because we wanted to reflect the
good aspects of teenage life like strong friendship.
We used the costumes of our characters to help highlight their personalities.
For both Erin and Isla the costumes were everyday clothes from shops such as
Topshop and Zara. The clothes were fashionable but not expensive or
expensive looking. Small costume parts were added, for example a hat on Isla,
to highlight the slight quirks and personality differences between the two girls.
For the character of Amber the costumes she wore were slightly quirky, for
example instead of typical jeans and a fashionable top she work skirts and
cardigans. She still looked pretty and a teenager but her fashion stands out
amongst the other girls.
6. Stereotypes
Definition:
A widely held but fixed and oversimplified
image or idea of a particular type of person
or thing.
Our film opening is based around teenage girls and their lives.
Examples of teenage stereotypes:
Moody
Disrespectful
Lazy
Rebellious
GIRLS:
Obsessed with their appearance
Dumb/Ditzy
Changes moods quickly – giggly/moody
Bad at sports/ Gaming
Conform to a ‘group’ (nerd, geek,hippy)
7. Challenging stereotypes
In our film opening we challenged the teenage and girl stereotypes by all three
characters wearing different types of clothing/make up and the setting was
mainly at a school but also at an arcade.
This challenges the stereotypes because whilst the girls all make an effort in their
appearance, all styles are different but do not conform them to a certain ‘group’ –
e.g. nerd/Goth.
The setting is also important. By being in a school, it highlights that the girls are
educated and make an effort to go to school and get an education.
Another setting shown is an arcade. In the arcade the girls play a basketball game
and a motorbike game. Whilst it doesn’t highlight the girls skill, it shows that they
are interested in sport and gaming which rejects the stereotype of girls are not
interested/good at sports and games.
8. Main character
Outfit – Tracksuit from
well known brand
(Ellesse). Simple
outfit but fashionable
and relevant.
Minimal make up –
natural look and natural
colour hair. Shows she
is confident with the way
she looks.
Calm, friendly
persona. She is
dealing with personal
struggles but her
persona does not
really refelect this.
She is shy but with
her friends her loyal
and hyper side comes
out.
