Media Studies A2 Genre Study
This document was uploaded by user and they confirmed that they have the permission to share it. If you are author or own the copyright of this book, please report to us by using this DMCA report form. Report DMCA
Overview
Download & View Media Studies A2 Genre Study as PDF for free.
More details
- Words: 537
- Pages: 11
Media Studies A2 Genre Study
SESSION 2 What is the audience for the Horror genre?
How can we define the horror audience?
Predominantly male until 1990, according to SARA BRAGG (1995).
Audience is split into CHASER or CHASED, which polarises the audience (LAURA MULVEY – 1975).
According to CAROL CLOVER (1992), male and female audiences view the material bisexually; they identify with the victim.
What audience does horror have according to national statistics?
Male and female, but with a higher proportion of males expressing a keen interest.
Most fit into the age range of 16-28 years.
Prefer the experience of a horror film being seen socially and in groups, rather than in isolation.
Who chooses a horror film? Enjoy watching pain being inflicted on others
Want to see EXPLICIT scenes of violence, rather than IMPLICIT
Identify with the killer
Appreciate the violence and its staging Adapted from “Men, Women & Chainsaws” by CAROL CLOVER (1992)
Who chooses a horror film? Dislike watching pain inflicted on others
Identify with the victim Enjoy the adrenaline rush, and being scared
Want to see IMPLICIT scenes rather than EXPLICIT violence
Find the innovation of the genre appealing, but dislike repetition of themes Adapted from “Men, Women & Chainsaws” by CAROL CLOVER (1992)
Why is the horror audience appealing to filmmakers & institutions?
Large group viewings mean large financial gains. The 16-28 age group spend the most on popcorn, merchandise, etc. The audience for horror traditionally is very loyal. Institutions like DARK CASTLE and HAMMER prove that Horror is enough to have financial stability. The most popular genre titles tend to be low budget efforts.
Why did horror disappear in the mid to late 1980s?
The genre was blamed for rising violence within society. The “Video Nasties” scandal stigmatised the audience. As a result, Horror films went largely straight to video. Cinema audiences dropped worldwide; the Horror genre had largely become repetitive and stagnant.
Convention, codes and audience PART ONE View this first clip, and consider: Is
it conventional?
Why
or why not?
What
type of audience do you think this would appeal to? Why?
Why are the most successful horror films usually low budget?
It avoids the constraints of large institutions. It gives the filmmaker the control to avoid conventions. It permits greater artistic license.
Conventions, codes and audiences PART TWO
View this second clip, and consider:
What is different about this, compared to the first clip?
What type of audience do you think this film would appeal to?
Why do you think this?
Audience, codes & conventions exercise In pairs, create a synopsis (overview) for a short 30 minute horror film. You must try to consider the time constraints imposed, as a short film will not allow you to be too complex with your theme. In your synopsis, you must address the following:
The main genre target audience (16-28). The genre conventions you have studied so far (you may wish to subvert them!). Identify a clear plot, and how the piece will progress. Explain the characters, and their part in the narrative.
SESSION 2 What is the audience for the Horror genre?
How can we define the horror audience?
Predominantly male until 1990, according to SARA BRAGG (1995).
Audience is split into CHASER or CHASED, which polarises the audience (LAURA MULVEY – 1975).
According to CAROL CLOVER (1992), male and female audiences view the material bisexually; they identify with the victim.
What audience does horror have according to national statistics?
Male and female, but with a higher proportion of males expressing a keen interest.
Most fit into the age range of 16-28 years.
Prefer the experience of a horror film being seen socially and in groups, rather than in isolation.
Who chooses a horror film? Enjoy watching pain being inflicted on others
Want to see EXPLICIT scenes of violence, rather than IMPLICIT
Identify with the killer
Appreciate the violence and its staging Adapted from “Men, Women & Chainsaws” by CAROL CLOVER (1992)
Who chooses a horror film? Dislike watching pain inflicted on others
Identify with the victim Enjoy the adrenaline rush, and being scared
Want to see IMPLICIT scenes rather than EXPLICIT violence
Find the innovation of the genre appealing, but dislike repetition of themes Adapted from “Men, Women & Chainsaws” by CAROL CLOVER (1992)
Why is the horror audience appealing to filmmakers & institutions?
Large group viewings mean large financial gains. The 16-28 age group spend the most on popcorn, merchandise, etc. The audience for horror traditionally is very loyal. Institutions like DARK CASTLE and HAMMER prove that Horror is enough to have financial stability. The most popular genre titles tend to be low budget efforts.
Why did horror disappear in the mid to late 1980s?
The genre was blamed for rising violence within society. The “Video Nasties” scandal stigmatised the audience. As a result, Horror films went largely straight to video. Cinema audiences dropped worldwide; the Horror genre had largely become repetitive and stagnant.
Convention, codes and audience PART ONE View this first clip, and consider: Is
it conventional?
Why
or why not?
What
type of audience do you think this would appeal to? Why?
Why are the most successful horror films usually low budget?
It avoids the constraints of large institutions. It gives the filmmaker the control to avoid conventions. It permits greater artistic license.
Conventions, codes and audiences PART TWO
View this second clip, and consider:
What is different about this, compared to the first clip?
What type of audience do you think this film would appeal to?
Why do you think this?
Audience, codes & conventions exercise In pairs, create a synopsis (overview) for a short 30 minute horror film. You must try to consider the time constraints imposed, as a short film will not allow you to be too complex with your theme. In your synopsis, you must address the following:
The main genre target audience (16-28). The genre conventions you have studied so far (you may wish to subvert them!). Identify a clear plot, and how the piece will progress. Explain the characters, and their part in the narrative.
Related Documents
Media Studies A2 Genre Study
June 2020 10
Media Studies A2 Genre Study
June 2020 9
Media Studies A2 Genre Study
June 2020 19
Media Studies A2 Genre Study
June 2020 11
Media Studies A2 Genre Study
June 2020 12