Our Audience Research

As you can see in the post below, I have looked up about film classifications. As a group we have come together and decided to choose a 15. Melissa looked at doing a couple of questionnaires (one for handing out to random people in the public, and one that will be going out on facebook), This will give us a general idea of what our target audience should be. If you look at Kieron's blog, he is looking at different types of effects models to help us get an idea of what category our audience falls into. Have a look at their blogs from the links on the left hand side of my page.

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Film Classifications

       'Universal'. This means that it is suitable for all. There is no reference to drugs unless it is eductational to young children. Horror scenes should be mild, brief and very unlikely to cause the child anxiety. Basically, any nudity, violence and inappropriate behaviour will be either very mild, or have none at all.

      'Parental Guidance'. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. This classification is a step up from 'Universal' so all drug references, nudity, violence etc. may be prolonged. However, they must still be mild.

    Suitable for 12 years and over. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. When a film is given this classification, it generally signifies a more maturer film. Imitable violence can be introduced e.g. hanging, suicide and self harming) but it must not dwell on detail. Moderate language is also allowed but it must not be infrequent. Although this film is more mature, scenes must still be suitable for young teenagers.

  Suitable for 15 years and over. No one younger than 15 may watch a 15 film in a cinema, neither can they rent a 15 film. Drugs may be shown in the film but they must not be encouraged. As for horror, it can be shown but must not be sadistic or sexualised. Any nudity or threat must still be subtle but it may be seen in a 15 film. However, it would not dwell on detail. Language would reach it's limit with a 15 including the word c**t (I don't like swearing so I won't write it correctly - I'm sensible.) however, repeating the language over and over again wouldn't be appropriate.




  Suitable for 18 years and over. At this age the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998 understood that at this age, 18 year old's were old enough to make their own decisions in what they would watch at their own risk. Every element of an 18 film would be at it's highest. Sex, nudity and violence etc. would be very explicit: making these rated films unsuitable for anyone under this age. 


OUR CONCLUSION;


We have decided to go with the certificate of 15. This is because although there is no real sex, nudity, drugs or violence in our O.T.S, there would be later on in the film. This is something that we have all really thought about. We may use some language in our opening title sequence too but we want to think and develop on that later. 


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The two step flow

As a group or by ourselves we are answering different questions and doing different tasks to help us figure out our audience. I am answering a question on the two step flow.
This theory shows the idea that whatever our experience of the media, we will be likely to discuss it with others and if we respect their opinion, the chances are that we will be more likely affected by it. (The theory calls these people opinion leaders.)

MY QUESTION;

Think about honestly - are your opinions about television, films or groups ever influenced by other people?
Going a stage further - do you think a friend's ideas about a media text could ever effect your behaviour in any way? This is what some people have suggested happened in the James Bulger case - that one of the two children talked about a film he had seen and influenced the other's behaviour. How could you present these findings on your blog?

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