Audience Theory

Mainstream or niche?

Some science fiction films are mainstream- they appeal to a very wide range of people (e.g. Hollywood movies so they can make more money).

Some science fiction films are more niche- they appeal only to a small specific group of people (e.g. more independent and low-budget films as they're under less pressure and can take more risks).

Demographics

Demographics is one way of dividing up the audience into certain groups. Each group is assumed to have similar ideas and interests. Marketers use this idea of demographic groups to target advertising and promotion. It's based on factual information. Demographics include;

• Gender
• Age/stage
• Occupation
• Region/location
• Ethnicity
• Class

Psychographics

Psychographics is less about facts such as age, and more about attitudes and values. The audience can be divided up into categories like;

• Survivors- who like security and routine
• Social climbers- who like material wealth and status symbols
• Care givers- who believe in 'caring and sharing'
• Explorers- who are interested in personal growth and social change

Audience profile of a typical sci-fi fan

They would typically be a white caucasian educated male living in an English speaking country, in their late teens or early adult years. They would be middle class, and typically a student. They would be a social climber, interested in the special effects and new technologies that sci-fi films include. They would also be an explorer, excited to see what new ideas a sic-fi film can  create.

Uses & Gratifications Theory (U&G)

This is a media studies theory that tries to explain why people choose and use certain media products. The theory says that we use them to satisfy certain needs. 

• Entertainment and diversion- taking you away from your own problems and your own world for a while- escapism, to give you excitement in your life, to stop you being bored.
• Surveillance and information- finding out about new things and places, scientific possibilities and problems, helping you to get knowledge about science, the world and what is happening.
• Personal identity- comparing yourself to people in films, wondering how you would act in the same situation, thinking about how you would feel about various issues and conflicts.
• Personal companionship- getting accustomed to the characters as if they are friends; getting involved in the plot and wanting to find out what happens to people; discussing films and their issues with other people, having something to talk about with other people.