Target Audience Research Questionnaire

1. How old are you?

11-12 13-14 15-16

17-18

19+

The above question will allow us to gain our first insight into the
respondent. The range of available choices not only allow us to easily
distribute the questionnaire within school (where the above ages are
present); however will further allow us to tailor our film towards the
desired target audience those aged approximately 16+. By evaluating
the difference in responses between age groups, we will be aware of what
is required to engage our specific target audience.
2. What is your gender?
Male
Female
Other
Id rather not say
Our film is aimed towards all genders, however we have identified the
primary target audience gender to be men, as a result of the protagonist
and associated themes. It is therefore important for us to not only
recognise the interests of all genders, however also to understand the
specific interests of men.
3. On average, how often do you watch thriller films per month?
Never
1-2 times
3-4 times
5+ times
The above question will allow us to establish the respondents familiarity
with or interest in the thriller genre. Our film includes themes of universal
interest outside of the thriller genre, thus appealing not only to avid thriller
fans. As a result of this, it is important for us to categorise what thriller
fans enjoy, and what non-thriller fans would enjoy, enabling us to tailor the
conventions of thriller in order to suit audience interest.
4. Is there anything you particularly like to see in thriller movies (if
you watch them)?
This is an open question, allowing the respondent to provide a more in
depth answer. From this, we will be able to gain an understanding of why
people watch and enjoy thriller movies, and which techniques, themes or
ideas are successful in gaining audience appeal within the genre. As a
result, we will be able to include these elements within our production,
allowing us to gain an in depth understanding of why certain thriller films
are successful amongst audience.
5. Is there anything you dislike to see in thriller films (if you watch
them)?
This question acts in the same manner as the previous, its intention being
to fully understand audience appeal within the thriller genre. By
discovering any elements of thriller movies which audiences actively
dislike, we will ensure to not include them within our production thus
maximising the appeal of our movie. Furthermore, directing this question

towards audiences allows us to understand their preferences and tailor our

film towards this, as opposed to our own interests of preferences.
6. Do you prefer thriller films with a simple or complex storyline?
Simple
Complex
This question will help us when structuring our narrative. The story, as we
have planned, is of a complex nature. The above question will give us
further insight into audience opinion on the matter, suggesting whether or
not we should simplify the narrative in nature or presentation.
7. How long (on average) after a film starts does it take you to
decide whether you want to continue watching?
1-5 minutes
6-10 minutes 11-15 minutes
16-20 minutes
21+ minutes
This question allows us to test audience engagement, and gain an
understanding of how quickly we must entirely engage and convince
viewers to continue watching. With this information, we will be able to
appropriately pace or opening sequence in order to maximise audience
interest and commitment.
8. What makes a character in a film stand out to you? What makes
them interesting?
In order to fully engage our audience, we must create characters of
interest. Amongst other techniques, this can be through identification or
complexity; however understanding what it is that provokes engagement
with characters will allow us to do so effectively. Without this, an audience
will likely lose interest in and not care about the film, therefore making the
opinion of audiences within this question vital (hence why it had been left
open, allowing them to fully express their views).
9. If you have one, what is your favourite thriller film and why?
From this, we will be able to gain an understanding of why other films
within the genre have been successful. This will further enable us to
incorporate such elements into our own production, using Steve Neales
idea of repetition of difference taking aspects of success, and tailoring
them to be unique to our film.
10.What type of themes do you like to see in a thriller film, if any? Please
place the themes in order 1-6 (1 being most desirable 6 being least
desirable)
Murder/Death
Psychological
Crime
Action
Mystery
Drama
By identifying the most popular sub-genre, we will be able to see the
extent to which audiences are interested in our genre. This will enable us
to connote to our chosen themes in an effective manner, which will gain
audience appeal.