Post Apocalyptic Research: Attracting the Target Audience

Films and other kinds of media all use different methods collectively in order to attract their target audiences into purchasing and viewing their product.

 

 

There are numerous ways in which this is done and these include:

 

 

The use of storyline

 

 

The way that the storylines are used within films and television are iconic tools in the way that producers attract their target audience. For example, if the target audience of a certain type of media is for younger viewers, the storyline will often be based around people of similar ages to the target audiences in question. If the target audience is for a more older age range, the storyline will sometimes be based around older people.

 

 

The target audience of the product would also change the way the storyline is used and played out in order to attract them. For example, a film for a younger target audience could include more colourful aspects; a hero to save the day and a happy ending. Whereas a film for an older target audience will include more violence, action and detail within storyline.

 

A scene from the film Django Unchained, a film for an older target audience, that shows a man having his arm savagely ripped from him by a dog.

 

The advertisement for the Disney film UP which shows connotations of happiness and colour with the target audience of children in mind.

 

Trailers

 

Film trailers are one of the main ways in which producers and the production and distribution companies attract their target audiences.

 

Trailers are short, often 2 - 3 minute, breakdowns of the films storyline that are shown on television during advertisement breaks and at the beginning of films in the cinemas. They are used in order to build suspense and hype around the full release of the film; show briefly what the film itself is about and to introduce any characters that are important to the storyline itself. This allows the target audiences to get a sort of "sneak peek" of the film in order to determine whether they are interested in viewing it or not.

 



 

 

This is the trailer for the film Shrek 2. It introduces the characters and gives an idea of the storyline that the film will offer. It also suggests to the viewer that it is a film that is aimed for family viewing.

 

 

 

The trailer for the 2014 film Ouija however, shows a completely different storyline. It shows a horror storyline that could be aimed at most viewers above the age of 18. It does this through the use of almost "Spooky" music and the dark scenes shown.

 

Characters

 



The way the characters are shown to the audience through the different aspects of themselves is a way in which the target audience can be attracted to a film. The way in which the characters are clothed can attract the target audience in the way that, if the characters are dressed in any way that is noticeable or relatable to the target audience, it may influence them to view the film more. For example, if the character is dressed stylishly and is in line with any current trends, it may influence a younger, more teenage, audience to view the film.

The way that the characters are presented from the outset is a factor that will attract the target audience. The way a character is portrayed within the opening of a film will cause the audience to lay judgement on that character throughout the film itself. For example, if a character is shown to be a type of hero or good person, this will attract most audiences as they will wish to view any future endeavours he or she may face.


This research has suggested to me ways in which I can attract my target audience and ways in which I would be able to attract them if I was to produce a full length film.