Audience Research

A teenage/young adult audience is most commonly drawn to the thriller genre, as most thrillers contain many elements of action, suspense and a climax that are always popular in films. There are many different types of thriller films that would appeal to different audiences, for example 'Gladiator' would appeal to a more mature audience as is filled with many aspects of historical content and films such as the 'Bourne" trilogy and "Mission Impossible" would have the younger generation holding onto their seats due to the suspense and thrills the film has to offer. Also I believe thrillers such as urban/crime thrillers, or urban drama thriller would be popular in the younger audiences as it would be something they could relate to, even just living in a city where a film is set would let the audience relate to the film.

The BBFC guidelines state that:

18+ Certification

LANGUAGE: There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (e.g. 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

IMITABLE TECHNIQUES: Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

DRUGS: Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse


12+ Certification

Films certified 12 often have mild restrictions to strong language (eg 'fuck') therefore such words have a tendency to be used infrequently and racist remarks are a great cause for concern. These films are very strict on the violence presented in them. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, and any misuse of drugs must be limited and should not be promoted or instructional.


15+ Certification

In such films any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, use of illegal drugs or any other activity likely to encourage bad behaviour are permitted however they have to be exceptionally justified by the content of the film.
I am aiming to target an audience of young adults at the ages of 15+. In such films we often see an interpretation of youth today, therefore allowing the aimed audience to relate to the film. These films represent teenage life and therefore attracting them to be interested in the film.

My production will instigate briefly issues of language, drugs and street life and in urban London. I did not want to class my production as neither a 12 or 18, as some issues are too harsh for a certified 12 film and I did not class it as an 18 because I believe that a 15 audience will be able to respond with issues raised in a positive manner in an attempt to raise awareness. Also the fact that the opening sequence would be based in London would give the youth something to relate to creating appeal. The theme and content will be urban; youth crime related that some of the audience would be able to directly relate to in their behaviour and its urban theme. I believe my production will be classified suitable for audiences above the age of 15 as there will be no explicit detail of the theme and the content will be appropriate for the thriller genre.