Evaluation - Question Four

Who would be the audience for your media product?

Video

Target audience is important to consider when creating a media product because you need to understand who you are creating the product for in order for it to be percieved most effectively. For example, a thriller film should not be advertised for young children as it would be too frightening for them.
The BBFC rates a film either a U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 or 18. My group chose to rate our film a 15 as anyone under the age of 15 may find the content of our sequence unsettling or disturbing. The media product we created features violence and frightening scenes that could be too scary for a younger audience.This is because the sequence includes strong violence and discrimitary behaviour as the narrative is based on an aggressive serial killer and his victims are all female and similar in appearance. However, our sequence has no references to drugs or sex and the violence is not very strong or sadistic. Also the infliction of pain  is not dwelled on. Because of these reasons, the film should not be rated higher than a 15 because it is not too disturbing for that age group but it should not be shown to those under that age.
Having an idea of the age of your audience helps you to create content that will be successful for that audience in particular.The rating of  a film allows potential viewers to decide whether or not they will watch the film or allow their children to. My sequence appeals to my target audience because the victim may be similar to them in terms of age and innocence. Also the narrative may appeal to them because it is suspenseful and shocking.
We planned to use certain micro-elements in our sequence in order for it to appeal to our target audience and keep them interested. There was sound throughout our entire sequence, meaning although there were parts of it that were quieter than others, it was never silent. This was successful in creating different effects and atmospheres for the audience. We used underlying childlike music to create a creepy and disturbed atmosphere surrounding the media product and a loud sudden bang when the antagonist turned round to shock and frighten the viewer.
We tried to use as many cinematography techniques as possible. These include low angle shots which make the antagonist appear threatening to the audience and high angle shots which make the victim appear vulnerable and weak. Close-ups are also used to focus on iconography or an action etc. For example, when the victim is untying her hands or when objects in the house are introduced,
The most successful editing technique we used would be the reaction shot of the antagonist. He is circling pictures on his wall when he hears the door slam as his victim escapes. The slamming of the door causes him to hastily turn around and face the camera in a sudden movement. This could make the audience jump as it is a sudden and slightly unexpected movement.
We considered all elements of mise-en-scene in order to make our sequence as effective as possible. In terms of costume and makeup, we dressed the victim in white and antagonist in black which highlighted her innocence and vulnerability and his dark and evilness. However he was wearing a white mask which signified his innocence during childhood. We used setting and iconography also. The sequence was located in a dark and abandoned setting which created suspense and elements of danger and panic because it made it less likely that the victim would escape or find help. An example of iconography featured would be the photographs that were stuck on a wall in the antagonists house. They were of his previous victims which were all crossed out but one, which was being circled. This told the narrative to the audience so they understood that he was a serial killer, those were his previous victim and the last circled picture was his next victim.
The body language of the antagonist was kept strong and bold throughout to portray him as confident and strong while his facial expressions were hidden behind his mask. This made him appear emotionless and unsympathetic which further portrays him as a psychopath. It also makes the audience wonder what he looks like and what he is thinking. On the other hand, the victims body language and facial expressions appear desperate, weak and overall frightened.
The lighting and colours were used to create various effects. The low-key lighting creates a sharp contrast between the light and dark areas. This creates shadows which portray mystery and danger as well as framing the facial expressions of the victim and therefore emphasising on her fear. The dark tones of the lighting create a mysterious, somber and dramatic mood. Further connotations are created by the colours of the clothes. The black and white of the contrasting characters costumes portray good and evil and life and death. The red that is seen on the antagonist shoes is also effective as it suggests blood and danger which foreshadows what will happen to the victim, suggesting she is going to be killed.