What is a Target Audience?
Target audiences are essential to determine a films overall success. Film makers, producers and distributors must be aware of their films target audience in order to make content suitable for potential consumers, as well as to know how to successfully market their product.
There are two different forms of target audience;
Primary target Audience: primary target audiences are typically identified through demographic variables such as age, race and gender.
Secondary Target Audience: a secondary target audience is often defined as film makers creating their products based on groups that are not defined demographically.
Horror Thriller Film Target Audiences
Horror films are typically aimed towards both males and females in the 15 to 25 years age group. Films of this genre are generally targeted towards younger audiences because they are most interested in the thrill from an adrenaline rush caused by fear created when viewing the product. The horror/thriller genre appeals to both genders because film makers focus on allowing their audience to explore and and experiment with fears and emotions, rather than focusing on conforming to gender preference stereotypes. Although males are more likely to enjoy the gory and violent aspects of the film, women will often be more entertained by suspenseful scenes. Therefore horror films are not usually targeted towards a specific gender.
Most existing horror/thriller films are given negative reviews by older audiences, but are reviewed positively by teenagers. This is due to film makers focusing more on creating footage which will appeal to teenagers and young adults, usually using a younger cast to play character roles. However, older generations
British Board of Film Classification
Although film makers may create their films with one specific target audience age group in mind, the British Board of Film Classification may rate their films differently according to specific guidelines. Due to horror thriller films being generally aimed towards the 15 to 25 years age group, the two standard BBFC classifications for most horror films are 15 and 18.
This allows film makers to include scenes containing strong language and violence, as well as scenes of strong threat and horror. Depending on the classification
Chosen Target Audience for my Film Trailer
I have decided to conform to having a target audience found in real products of this genre and will consequently create my film trailer for a male and female target audience of ages between 15 to 25. Therefore, the film age classification that I aim to base my trailer on will be the BBFC's 15 rating.
Thursday, 20 October 2016
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
Research - BBFC Age Classification
What is the British Board of Film Classification?
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom. Film classification allows consumers to access information they may potentially need about a particular film or video before they decide whether or not to view it, as well as safeguarding children from unsuitable and even harmful content they may be subjected to.
Cinema release suitable for persons aged 12 and over.
Video release suitable for persons aged 12 and over. Works classified at this category (as well as the 12A category) may upset children under the age of 12 or contain content which many parents would find unsuitable for them. For example, the BBFC states that use of strong language can be passed at this rating, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency and any special contextual justification. Sexual behaviour may be discreetly and briefly portrayed at this classification, and moderate violence/dangerous behaviour is allowed but will not dwell on detail. Anti-social behaviour should not be endorsed during the film although infrequent sight of drug misuse is permitted. Horror films can also be classified at this category if the overall tone is not too disturbing and if horror sequences are not too frequent or sustained throughout.
No particular theme is prohibited at this rating, provided the treatment of the portrayal of the theme is appropriate for viewers aged 15 and upwards. Strong violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking are all permitted at this rating.
No theme whatsoever is prohibited at 18, although it is possible for some themes tackled to be potentially offensive even to some adult viewers. Very strong violence and frequent (very) strong language is permitted at this classification, as well as strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances) and discriminatory language and behaviour.
Adult works for licensed premises only. This categorisation is legally-restricted and primarily consists of explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom. Film classification allows consumers to access information they may potentially need about a particular film or video before they decide whether or not to view it, as well as safeguarding children from unsuitable and even harmful content they may be subjected to.
Films assessed by the British Board of Film Classification are determined by the seven following classifications:
The 'U' symbol stands for Universal, and therefore states that content within universally classified films are suitable for viewing for audiences aged four and above. It is impossible to know what may or may not upset one particular child, hence why the 'U' classification is not including those younger than four whom this would typically apply for.
A Universal rated film allows very infrequent use of of mild bad language as to not offend young viewers. Films or videos within this classification tend to raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, negative imitable behaviour, strong/severe language, nudity, threat, sex or violence.
PG stands for Parental Guidance and therefore means that a film is suitable for general viewing although some scenes may be unsuitable for young children below the age of around 8. Parents should consider whether the content of a film may upset younger or more sensitive children and would therefore decide whether or not their child would need supervision when watching.
A PG rated film would not contain any inappropriate themes in terms of for a child. However, PG works are permitted to explore more challenging issues such as bullying, bereavement or racism.
Cinema release suitable for persons aged 12 and over.
Video release suitable for persons aged 12 and over. Works classified at this category (as well as the 12A category) may upset children under the age of 12 or contain content which many parents would find unsuitable for them. For example, the BBFC states that use of strong language can be passed at this rating, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency and any special contextual justification. Sexual behaviour may be discreetly and briefly portrayed at this classification, and moderate violence/dangerous behaviour is allowed but will not dwell on detail. Anti-social behaviour should not be endorsed during the film although infrequent sight of drug misuse is permitted. Horror films can also be classified at this category if the overall tone is not too disturbing and if horror sequences are not too frequent or sustained throughout.
No particular theme is prohibited at this rating, provided the treatment of the portrayal of the theme is appropriate for viewers aged 15 and upwards. Strong violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking are all permitted at this rating.
No theme whatsoever is prohibited at 18, although it is possible for some themes tackled to be potentially offensive even to some adult viewers. Very strong violence and frequent (very) strong language is permitted at this classification, as well as strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances) and discriminatory language and behaviour.
Adult works for licensed premises only. This categorisation is legally-restricted and primarily consists of explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
Research - What is a Film Trailer?
What is a trailer?
Film trailers are an essential part of advertising campaigns to promote upcoming films. The Motion Picture Association of America currently restricts trailers to last no longer than 2 minutes 30 seconds in length.
As part of the marketing stage of a film, the primary purpose of a trailer is to generate hype and excitement towards the release of a feature film. Film trailers are a large part of the deciding factor as to whether or not an audience will choose to watch the film on its release. Unlike teaser trailers, main theatrical trailers will typically last for around two and a half minutes, providing a greater insight into the film's plot and will contain some character development. A film trailer is essential for potential consumers to decide whether or not they want to watch the film when it is released.
The history of trailers
Trailers were first introduced to American cinemas in November 1913. Appearing after feature film screenings in cinemas, the term 'trailer' originates from the fact that these advertisements were shown 'trailing' after the main feature. However, distributors soon found this marketing practice to be ineffective; trailers tended to be ignored by potential consumers due to audiences leaving immediately after the production had ended. Nevertheless, these advertisements are still referred to as 'trailers' today, despite being shown before cinematically before the film begins.
Over time, film makers have become more aware of what excites audiences and what attracts them to particular films. Therefore the quality of film trailers have improved dramatically over the years. Up until the late 1950's film trailers were produced by the National Screen Service and consisted mostly of a variety of key scenes with a voiceover commentary or text which amplified the narrative with an underscore typically taken from music studio libraries, rather than the complex visual montage of footage we see today.
Structural content of a film trailer
Although every film trailer varies in terms of content (and therefore its structure), a film trailer will typically have a narrative structure which follows Todorov's theory. Most trailers are broken down into four parts:
Conventions of a film trailer
There are many codes and conventions typical of film trailers, including the use of billing blocks and character introductions. I have created a separate post detailing the common conventions found in film trailers linked here. Sound conventions found in film trailers are also detailed in a separate blog post which can be found here.
Film trailers are an essential part of advertising campaigns to promote upcoming films. The Motion Picture Association of America currently restricts trailers to last no longer than 2 minutes 30 seconds in length.
As part of the marketing stage of a film, the primary purpose of a trailer is to generate hype and excitement towards the release of a feature film. Film trailers are a large part of the deciding factor as to whether or not an audience will choose to watch the film on its release. Unlike teaser trailers, main theatrical trailers will typically last for around two and a half minutes, providing a greater insight into the film's plot and will contain some character development. A film trailer is essential for potential consumers to decide whether or not they want to watch the film when it is released.
The history of trailers
Trailers were first introduced to American cinemas in November 1913. Appearing after feature film screenings in cinemas, the term 'trailer' originates from the fact that these advertisements were shown 'trailing' after the main feature. However, distributors soon found this marketing practice to be ineffective; trailers tended to be ignored by potential consumers due to audiences leaving immediately after the production had ended. Nevertheless, these advertisements are still referred to as 'trailers' today, despite being shown before cinematically before the film begins.
Over time, film makers have become more aware of what excites audiences and what attracts them to particular films. Therefore the quality of film trailers have improved dramatically over the years. Up until the late 1950's film trailers were produced by the National Screen Service and consisted mostly of a variety of key scenes with a voiceover commentary or text which amplified the narrative with an underscore typically taken from music studio libraries, rather than the complex visual montage of footage we see today.
Structural content of a film trailer
Although every film trailer varies in terms of content (and therefore its structure), a film trailer will typically have a narrative structure which follows Todorov's theory. Most trailers are broken down into four parts:
- Equilibrium - the first part of the trailer will display a happy atmosphere; the majority of the characters will be presented as content and everything is as it should be.
- Disequilibrium - a disruption of the contentedness due to an incident or problem which has occurred.
- Realisation - recognition that the disorder has occurred; this typically causes chaos within the narrative.
- Restoration - the final part of the trailer will present the main characters attempting to restore the equilibrium and may hint at how they achieve this through the narrative.
Conventions of a film trailer
There are many codes and conventions typical of film trailers, including the use of billing blocks and character introductions. I have created a separate post detailing the common conventions found in film trailers linked here. Sound conventions found in film trailers are also detailed in a separate blog post which can be found here.
Tuesday, 4 October 2016
Research - What is a Teaser Trailer?
What is a teaser trailer?
As previously mentioned, teaser trailers are essential for causing hype around a particular film. By creating teaser trailers for their films, distributors are able to reach a wider (and often international) audience months before the initial release of the films main trailer, and will consequently build hype towards the films release. Unlike theatrical trailers, teasers typically have a running time of less than a minute. Although noticeably different from a theatrical trailer in terms of the duration time, a teaser trailer will introduce the audience to the main character(s) as well as to the basic plot of the film. On the other hand film trailers often provide the audience with a greater insight into the plot and will develop the characters further.
Teaser trailers are often released long in advance of the film, so as to 'tease' the audience.
The history of teaser trailers
The teaser trailer for the 1978 Superman film by Richard Donner is one of the earliest examples of a teaser used to promote a feature film. The purpose of this campaign was to reinvigorate interest in its release due to the film being a year behind schedule. However, in more recent years teaser trailers have acted as initial starting points of a film's marketing campaign, followed shortly after by its feature trailer.
As previously mentioned, teaser trailers are essential for causing hype around a particular film. By creating teaser trailers for their films, distributors are able to reach a wider (and often international) audience months before the initial release of the films main trailer, and will consequently build hype towards the films release. Unlike theatrical trailers, teasers typically have a running time of less than a minute. Although noticeably different from a theatrical trailer in terms of the duration time, a teaser trailer will introduce the audience to the main character(s) as well as to the basic plot of the film. On the other hand film trailers often provide the audience with a greater insight into the plot and will develop the characters further.
Teaser trailers are often released long in advance of the film, so as to 'tease' the audience.
The history of teaser trailers
The teaser trailer for the 1978 Superman film by Richard Donner is one of the earliest examples of a teaser used to promote a feature film. The purpose of this campaign was to reinvigorate interest in its release due to the film being a year behind schedule. However, in more recent years teaser trailers have acted as initial starting points of a film's marketing campaign, followed shortly after by its feature trailer.
Implications and impact of teaser trailers
As mentioned, the main objective of a teaser trailer is to increase hype around a films release. Film companies can attract a wide audience months in advance of the distribution of the product, causing potential audiences to become interested in watching the film before much information is even disclosed about it. Although teaser trailers can be a good marketing strategy for conglomerate film companies, many independent film makers are unable to create teasers due to low marketing budgets. They often lack in the capital to invest in creating teaser trailers and are therefore unable to raise as much profit as conglomerates are able to achieve.
Advancements in digital technology have allowed film trailers (and teasers) to be more effective in their promotional purposes. Where teaser and theatrical trailers were usually shown before a feature film at the cinema, they can now be seen through advertisements before YouTube videos as well as on DVD's and Blu-ray disks. This is known as push-marketing, although we can commonly access teasers online simply through pull-marketing, where we can source the teaser trailers ourselves on YouTube. Teaser trailers can therefore be exhibited and distributed in various ways. These technological advancements allow conglomerate film companies to reach a wide international tent-pole audience due to the fact that they can promote their films across the internet, through television and at the cinema, although this is generally because they have large enough budgets to do so. On the other hand, independent film companies can struggle to get their film's noticed by a wider audience, and hence can only reach a specific, local audience.
Monday, 3 October 2016
Planning - Choosing an Idea
After receiving feedback based on my three pitches, I have decided to combine aspects of my first idea and second idea for my final film trailer. This will allow me to create a successful horror/thriller film trailer.
Aspects included from Idea 1:
Aspects included from Idea 1:
- One aspect that I will use based on my first initial idea will be the continuous chase scene used throughout in which I will cut to flashbacks of the events that took place beforehand (building up to the chase scene). The chase scene will build suspense within the audience as well as conform to horror/ thriller trailer conventions.
- Non diegetic sound of the protagonist breathing heavily will be used over all footage in the trailer, implying that she is panicking. This could work well with a soundtrack where the music's volume and intensity rises, building up tension and suspense within the audience.
Aspects included from Idea 2:
- The protagonists character will be a young female. This is a typical convention used in horror/thriller films as women are stereotypically seen as the victim.
- The girl will have been stalked by the antagonist, and then chased. The antagonist stealing the girls identity would be an effective narrative as this would be unexpected by the audience, and would intrigue them to want to find out why this has happened.
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