The general target audience of a film in the horror genre.

1. By Isaac Randall

2. Different films have different target audiences, however to
make a film sell successfully the film makers must be aware
of the target audience and must aim to make a film that
would please them.
 Primary Target - The primary target is mostly identified
through demographic variables such as age, gender and level
of education.
 Secondary Target -The secondary target audiences can be of
two types. On one hand, it can be a larger group than the
primary target. However, on the other hand it could mean
aiming the film at an audience with a specific interest in one
aspect of the film and these groups are usually not defined
demographically.

3. Producers need to aim the film at the target audience well in
order to:
 Get a good response to their film
 Have a good income
 Attract the correct audience to watch the film

4. The usual age for the target audience of a horror film is 15-
25. The most common reason for this is that young adults
and teenagers enjoy thrills. These thrills are more likely to
excite a younger audience rather than an older one.
Many young audiences are not put off by graphic images also,
but are actually drawn towards them. For example, The
Human Centipede (2009) is well known and viewed
specifically because of the graphic images and themes it
contains. However, many older audiences will be put off by
the use of such graphic violence.

5. Horror films are generally aimed more at males than females.
This is because stereotypically males enjoy the violence more
than females. The thrill seeking attitude is also associated
with males more so than females.
Also young males are stereotypically seen as immature,
meaning that they are more susceptible to the blood, guts
and gore in the horror films.
However, many young females enjoy horror films just as
much as males although most commonly horror films are not
be aimed at their gender.

6. Horror films are generally aimed at the middle class. This is
due to the fact that they can acquire a good thrill at a
reasonably low cost.
The upper class may be less likely to watch horror films as
they can acquire thrills if they need to do so in other ways,
whereas for a member of the working class it may be a way of
escaping their more less exciting lives.

7. Generally the target interests of a horror film are blood and
intense violence. Also, targeted at individuals that have an
interest in the supernatural and the unexplained. They may
also be aimed at individuals that enjoy a sense of mystery and
illusion, as many horror films withhold information from the
audience.
Horror films may also be targeted at groups of people. For
example horror films are aimed at groups of teenagers, as it
is almost a social event to watch a horror film and be scarred
together. Groups of teenagers are also attracted to these
films as it gives a group something to talk and think about.

8. Paranormal Activity is aimed primarily at a younger audience
of around 15-25. The main characters are of a younger age
and this makes the film feel more realistic to that age group
as teens can relate to the experiences easier, making the film
scarier in the process.
However, the film series carry on one story throughout,
meaning that older fans of the first films will be drawn in as
they may have an
interest or curiosity
about the story aspect
of the film.

9. The Blair Witch Project has a target audience that is aimed at
young adults also aged around 15-25. The film is appealing to
this age group as, once again, the characters are of around the
same age, meaning that the audience can relate better to the
experiences seen on screen.
However, it will also appeal to an audience interested in sci-fi
and government conspiracy
theories as the film is based
around a restricted government
zone. The film will also appeal
to audiences that have a liking
towards low budget small
independent films and those
interested in the supernatural.