Component 3 Audience Research

Set Audience Research (30-49, Mainstream)

• MEDIA LANGUAGE→ How is media language used to target set audience?

Media language uses technical codes such as Editing, Mise-en-scene, Cinematography and Sound to target specific audiences. Through these technical codes the audience determine whether or not they like a media product (music video, film poster, website, magazine, newspaper, etc.) In terms of editing, a mainstream 30-49 year old audience would probably prefer a much more subtle editing style. Most would dislike flashing images and fast pace cutting from frame to frame. Instead, the editing for this sort of target audience would be minimal, although it could have a fast pace depending on the genre of the music, however it would not be as damaging to the eyes as some of the more modern music videos are. When it comes to products that are produced by conglomerates the production value is expected to be high by the mainstream target audience, therefore they might expect some special effects that look professional. In terms of cinematography a mainstream audience would not expect the camera work to be specifically creative for example there probably wouldn't be any canted angles but there could possibly be crane shots as a big production company has the money to use all sorts of equipment. Sound is also used to target the set audience. In terms of a mainstream audience, the sound/music would be more from the pop genre or because the audience are between 30 and 49 and they are mainstream the music could also be from the classic rock. Mise-en-scene is also important for a target audience. The costumes and locations/set design are a good way of targeting an audience. For this set audience the costumes are likely to be less revealing however because it's also a mainstream audience there are beautiful girls expected to be in the music video and would be shown voyeuristically.

• REPRESENTATION→ How is representation used to target set audience?

In terms of costume the artist, whether a man or woman, would probably be wearing something expensive and it would most likely be from a well established brand like Gucci or Prada. The colour of the costume would be quite vibrant to reflect the upbeat notion of the song and the more positive lyrics. In the music video there could perhaps be several intertextual references that would create nostalgia for the target set audience. This can be things like referencing other music videos from the times the target audience grew up on or iconic film scenes from that era that would remind the set audience of the good times they had when they were teenagers or young adults. The chosen locations would also show the representation of a music video. If it was filmed inside a home, while the chimney is lit on fire, it could represent warmth and affection between the characters presented, meaning the set audience would aspire to find this kind off love or simply appreciate the love they have around them. 

• INDUSTRY→ How does history of record/film/magazine/breakfast tv/radio program target audience?

Record labels would often release snippets of a single or even an album before it comes out to the public in order to create hype around it. Based off this the target audience can decide whether to purchase the single or album or not. Another big aspect that record labels do to target audiences is produce music videos that allow the audience to visually appreciate the artists work. The Film industry targets audiences by creating trailers that provide some general information on what the film will be about as also informs the target audience what genre the film is as well as create enigmas to intrigue the target audience. Magazines target audience by creating cover pages that include something that is trendy, whether its a band, an artist, an actor/actress, a model, clothes or make up. Radio programs targets audiences by advertising on TV on channels that are somewhat related to the theme of the radio program so it can attract a similar audience that would enjoy the content.

• AUDIENCE→ Primary research- (survey monkey, focus group, interview)

I'm planning to team up with my classmate and sign up to survey monkey in order to get as much data as possible that will help me figure out what to create for the set audience 30-49 mainstream. I will also try to ask around any one I know for answers that will help me create ideas for the music video.  I want to find out exactly what kind of music the set audience likes and the main features they enjoy in the music videos.