Target Audience

⭒ Target Audience ⭒

Target Audience for the Thriller Film Opening

In developing the Media Studies Portfolio Project, an important detail is determining the target audience in order to resonate with choices in the planning and production portions of the film opening. With the film's 1950s-inspired psychological thriller style, the most prominent audience consists of pre-existing advocates of the thriller genre, young adults, and fans of classic films who would experience a sense of nostalgia in viewing the opening. Understanding my audience aids in the creation of the overall final project, ensuring that everything from mise-en-scene to screenplay is correctly produced. 

Prominent Audience

The film’s genre—psychological thriller—naturally grabs the attention to those who enjoy suspense films as this target audience is pre-established, but my film combines suspense elements with the 50s styled mise-en-scene, expanding the target audience greatly. Psychological thrillers intend to maintain audience engagement by revolving around mystery, tension, and dramatic elements, which my film resonates with, by giving the audience insight to the conman’s deceptive nature while the protagonist is unaware.

Young adults, especially ages 15-25, serve a significant portion of the targeted audience. This demographic often gravitates toward films that maintain mysterious elements, thrillers resonate with these by 'discluding' certain elements, leading to questioning. The tense characteristic of the conman’s deception, combined with a suspenseful final revealing aligns with the targeted audience's interest in intricate detailing. Additionally, the film's mise-en-scene may appeal to younger audiences drawn to vintage aesthetics, especially with the recurrences of retro- inspired media on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Other Audience: Fans of Classic Cinema

Since the film is set in a 1950s-style diner and incorporates vintage elements, it will also attract audiences who appreciate classic Hollywood films, more commonly, those influenced by film noir and mid-century thrillers. Viewers who enjoy Alfred Hitchcock films, such as Vertigo (1958) and Psycho (1960), would be targeted as there is similar incorporated suspenseful elements and psychological depth of my project, similarly to these films. 

Stylistically, films that resonate with this mood board:

There is a heighteing audience for neo-noir and period-inspired thrillers, seen in the favor by audiences of films like L.A. Confidential (1997) and Carol (2015). These films use elements of modern filmmaking with nostalgic elements, similarly to my opening. By utilizing a modern approach to suspenseful storytelling while applying genuine visual elements of the 50s, the film can engage both older audiences who appreciate classic films and younger viewers who enjoy vintage-inspired media.

Defining the target audience of my film opening has aided in the planning and production process of my film opening. With the appeal to thriller enthusiasts, young adults, and fans of vintage filmmaking, the film will balance suspenseful storytelling with 50s elements, ensuring it resonates with its intended viewers. I will continue to alter the suspense and visuals to create a captivating film that resonates with the genuine feel of the 50s aesthetic. 

Olsson, D. (2019, November 18). Top 30 Best Neo-Noir Films, ranked for filmmakers – StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/best-neo-noir-films/