Target Audience Research!

Horror films typically target young people ages 13-25. Young people are more interested in the violence, thrills, and gore in horror movies. This plays a big impact on every aspect of production, planning, and distribution.

First of all, the main characters in horror movies are young actors and actresses who can relate to the audience. Teenagers and young adults are perfect for the job because they are more intriguing to the young target audience. Furthermore, younger people are not as mature and can progress the plot by making bad choices within the film.

Secondly, the costume and makeup designs are impacted by the target audience. Movies try to attract young people by creating a trendy costume and makeup design. For example, a main character will wear mom jeans and layered graphic t-shirts because that is whats trending within the targeted generation. Audiences also love the makeup special effects and like to recreate the looks while promoting the film.

Furthermore, the target audience determines how they will distribute their film. In the horror movie industry, the films are always distributed digitally through online streaming. This strategy is the most effective way to reach the young target audience in this age of technology. Streaming services such as Vimeo and YouTube are ideal for my film because I am just starting off; however, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon are the best ways to distribute content later on. Besides online streaming, movies are typically distributed within movie theaters. It is a conventional way to view films and young people love to go to the movie theater with their friends as a pastime activity.

Overall, the target audience plays a huge impact on horror films. There are many strategies producers can use to efficiently target this audience as well. Especially with the growing popularity of trendy clothing and streaming services. 

Sources:

Randall Follow, Isaac. “Horror Film Target Audience.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 21 Oct. 2014, www.slideshare.net/isaac97media/horror-film-target-audience.

“Horror.” Horror | British Board of Film Classification, bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/issues-introduction/horror.

Thomspon Follow, Stacey. “Horror Film and How it Targets its Audience.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 21 Oct. 2014, www.slideshare.net/isaac97media/horror-film-target-audience.