Post 6: How did you attract/address your audience?

After editing the opening sequence to our film we played it to a variety of audience, including our target audience as well as those older and younger. In class we played our project and then recorded the feedback and posted it to our blogs. To avoid any bias comments we also took the project home and played to a selection of 10 different viewers and compared the results through a questionnaire.

Whilst making the film production we had to be aware of the BBFC guide lines. The BBFC is a legal scheme used to classify films for selective viewers. After consideration as to what rating our film would suit we came to the conclusion that a “12” or “12A” would be appropriate. The guidelines state that strong language such as f*** or s*** have to be uncommon where as moderate language such a ‘bitch’ or ‘twat’ are allowed, but obviously to an extent. It is likely that the remainder of the film would include words like ‘bitch’ as the project is based around events that take place at a school. Characters are aged 16-17 years old and light swearing, including words indicated above would be common and hardly surprising. Even though this may be a stereotypical statement, it is best to avoid the case of claiming the wrong certificate.

During the opening sequence moderate language isn’t used, but there is reference to a sexual nature as it is clear that the relationship between “Freddy” and “Charlotte” will progress. The “12” or “12A” certificate also mentions that dangerous behaviour (for example suicide or self-harming) may be present, but should not dwell on in detail. Weapons should not be exposed in certified “12” or “12A” productions and the use of drugs must be infrequent and not glamorised.

With our opening sequence we addressed our appropriate audiences by using characters from the same stereotype. All the characters that appeared to be in the film were students from our school. After much deliberation as a group over whom we should choose, we eventually made a decision. The actors selected ion the remaining bunch stood out to be well suited for the roles given. When in the process of deciding what actors would work well together we looked at the relationships they appeared to have with each other and whether they would suit the roles of the characters designed. The characters selected convientley had a strong relationship and all were close friends. After happily choosing the actors and summarising a personal profile of the characters they had to act like we decided to make a few amendments to the specific characters and the scenes presented to them in the begining. We changed some of the dialogue chosen for the boys and cut out the final scene for the girls. After making this decision we recognized it would benefit us as a group more and allow more suspense for the audience as to what will happen to them next! The location we used was at our school, this focused on the plot of the film well as the events that take place were the happenings of students. It was not only easier for filming, but also allowed us to change any filming if needs be, which thankfully we didn’t need to! The topics the film focuses are stereotypically events that all teenagers are going through, so by using actors from that age category they can relate to the issues raised.