R+P Post 5: How we plan to attract/address our target audience

Our film intends to reach as large a target audience as possible, therefore meaning we must attract as many different audiences as possible. In order to do so, it is necessary to create and highlight several unique selling points of our production. This is to advertise that the film would satisfy the uses and gratification that different groups want from film; whether its for diversion, personal identity or even personal relationships.

Firstly, we will film our opening in a real school, on a corridor that will immediately connote to the audience the sixth-form school setting and atmosphere. The large majority of our primary audience (aged: 15-24) will have or will be experiencing modern school life in the UK; or at least will understand the scenario. Consequently, this setting will address our audience and will make them automatically relate to our film and therefore relate to our main character. Furthermore, if the audience can relate, they will become increasingly interested in the opening and therefore will be more likely to watch the whole film.

An example of the clear difference between cliques

In addition, we plan to dress our characters as typical british stereotypes, however, in order for them to be distinctive from one another we will exaggerate the different styles so that they will quickly and effectively represent their respective cliques (whether they are a chav, an athlete or a geek). By doing this, the audience will feel a sense of affinity with both our main characters and those in the different cliques depending on the audiences interests.

Thirdly, the theme of a teenager trying to fit in at school is a universally recognised and relatable storyline that has been used as a stem formula for many of successful films. For example, Mean Girls, She's the Man, Perks of Being a Wallflower and 21 Jump Street. By using this set-up and conforming to Todorov's narrative theory (of equilibrium, disruption and then a new equilibrium that is set by the end of the film) we will be able to create a recognizable, easily watching and enjoyable film which will be familiar to the audience; despite having a lot of unique selling point.
Lastly, the fact the it has been set in a British school, with british accents and the diverse british culture will automatically attract a large British audience, due to the americanized nature of most other school teenage films; such as Mean Girls and Superbad.