Audience Research

Audience is an important aspect to consider when considering aspects for a film. Knowing the target audience means that it is successful within its genre, as it is interesting and easily understood by them. If the film is targeted at the wrong audience, it would make it unsuccessful as the content would be inappropriate and possibly uninteresting to them. The audience for short films is very specific due to the content and style that they deal with.  Due to the fact short films aren’t often sold, or classified, there are no customer reviews or BBFC classifications, the research on audience interests will have to be conducted by a questionnaire.

A stereotypical audience for them would often be of higher education, often to University level. The manner in which short films convey their content through metaphors and strong creative imagery would require a large degree of interest in content similar to it, like literature. Due to the education level of a typical audience member and the importance of imagery and visuals for the moral message the audience members would typically be middle to upper class, to represent the well educated creative society. Gender is an important category to consider, unlike films of stereotypical gender genres such as Romantic Comedy and Action, the morals and content of a short film can be deemed suitable for both genders.  After analysing and viewing a variety of comments on video sharing sites such as YouTube the mainstream television shows and films mentioned convey the theme’s ad content that that the typical audience are interested in.

From comments they have shown an interest in shows such as “Sherlock”, “Doctor Who” and “Silent Witness”.  These shows convey the passion for imagery and unique content, due to the strange cases that are solved in the majority of the productions. “Sherlock” and “Silent Witness” also show the interest in programmes that require thought and concentration, an aspect that is heavily involved in short films.  Films that they may also have an interest in are supernatural and have content that is unique and carries a moral message to the audience such as “Donnie Darko” and ”The Secret Window” they are also films that have certificates and content that are suitable for the age category stated above.