Audience Research

In my group’s audience research, I was in charge of the film reviews. Hannah was in charge of the questionnaire and Maisie was in charge of the focus group. As I was in charge of the film reviews I decided to look at a variety of horror films from the distributer that I chose for my film, Lionsgate. From looking at these film reviews I can see what people of my target audience would like and not like to see, giving me the best chance to make a film opening that my audience would enjoy.

SAW

-Many of the reviews discussed the film to be ‘too gory’ and ‘too violent’. However, the main gist of the reviews was that if you are an avid horror fan, you will most probably enjoy the film due to its shocking twists and tense opening. This shows me that my opening needs to be tense, to draw the audience in. Many of the film watchers also mentioned how the film can be seen as ‘unrealistic due to the ceaseless violence and excessive gore’.

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

-The overall consensus of reviews on My Bloody Valentine was negative. This was mainly due to the ‘lame and predictable’ storyline and the ‘easy plot to anticipate’. It was said to be ‘everything bad about slasher flicks’. However, some people did say that the visuals hooked them in ‘with the twists, turns and shocks’. They also praised the blood and gore part of the film. In my opinion these reviews show me that Lionsgate horror fans prefer traditional slasher/horror films instead of turning them into ‘flicks’ or comedies. Therefore in my opening I will not attempt to use any comedy and keep it as close to a traditional horror film that I can. 

THE DEVIL'S REJECTS

-From looking at these reviews I have learnt that most people who liked this film liked the development of the characters and the story line. They believe the film succeeded brilliantly at being 'sick, ruthless and grabbing you by the throat'. The audience also mentioned how the story line was unpredictable, which made the film exceed their expectations. Some reviews mentioned how the 'fast pace opening' instantly engaged them and they was 'hooked from the start'. However, some over film-goers said that there was a pointless amount of gore being used, and that characters where just being set up for a 'violent, miserable death'. The over main negative point was that they did not enjoy the 'attempted comedy'. Once again, I now know not to use any attempted comedy and to make sure my opening is fast pace and interesting.

From my audience research I have found out that my audience like traditional horror films. This shows me that I need to keep to the identifying traits of horror that I have previously researched. I have also learnt that my opening needs to be fast pace, so that the audience is immediately intrigued.