Assignment 13- Mass vs Niche audience

Mass and niche audiences:A mass audience is a means of public communication reaching a large audience.

A niche audience is the type of audience that the film specifically directed towards.

Most horror films are niche audiences because they are always directed to the type of audience that likes to be scared and gory images.

Zombie virus niche audience

Type Explanation

Age The niche age of these three films was 15-24. They targeted this age because young people like the thrill and are not as put off with violence than older people. This therefore shows why the film targeted younger people as it is more suited them rather than an older generation who may not appreciate it.

Gender The niche gender of these films was male. This is because they are associated to enjoy the thrill of this genre and the action it involves. These are characteristics related with masculinity.

Class The niche class was C2. This therefore indicates that this is mainly a middle class population who are associated with enjoying thrills at a cheap price. They are also stereotyped to like these types of film, which would not typically suit a wealthier population as they are mainly linked to finding films with more story based structures as more entertaining rather than action based ones.

Group This film will probably be a first date type of film. His is because it can generate an easy conversation and is easy to relate to. Furthermore, these films are also suited to a group of male adults because they have similar interests and can relate and identify with the themes.

Paranormal niche audience

Type ExplanationAge The niche audience of these films was 15-24. 69% of the

audience for The Conjuring were in this age category. This therefore shows that the targeted audience was mainly a youth audience. This is simply because they enjoy the thrill, tension and excitement created by this subgenre which an older/ younger audience would not appreciate.

Gender Majority of the audiences of these films were female. This is because, stereotypically, women enjoy this type of horror more than men do because they do not typically find these films entertaining due to the intense tension created which is associated more with females.

Class The class of the audience was mainly C1, similar to the zombie virus. So this is the niche audience because it is a form of intense entertainment which creates much excitement. This, combined with the cheap prices demonstrates why the audience of these three films were mainly of the working class.

Group This would have also been similar to the zombie virus. This is because these films would be categorised as a movie that would be considered for a first date as it creates a conversation. However, these films would have seen more female groups attending rather than male groups because it suits their taste.

Slasher niche audience

Type Explanation

Age The niche age was again 15-24. This is because they will accept the gory violence/ action that will be included in these films and are more entertained by this thrill.

Gender The audience of these films was mainly male. This is simply because men are usually connected to enjoying these gory films more than females which explains why 67% of the audience for saw were male.

Class C2 and DE were the main class of the audience of these films. This is because this demographic will have relatively low income therefore these films provide a cheap form of entertainment. Moreover, it is fast paced therefore provides instant enjoyment.

Group The groups that would of seen this would have mainly been groups of men who can identify the themes and creates discussion. It is unlikely for these types of films to be attended by couples as its gory nature will most possibly put off many people. Therefore it is a film that a group of friends will go and see together.