Audience Theories.

Uses and Gratifications.

In 1974 two theorists, Bulmer and Katz developed a theory: Uses and Gratifications.
This theory suggests that audiences use media texts for various reasons:

• Diversion (escapism) -To escape from everyday life.
• Personal identity: Create their own identity from characters/celebrities in media texts, and learning behaviour and values.
• Personal Relationships: Use the media text for emotional and other interaction.
• Surveillance: To gain information and knowledge.
• Entertainment: As a means of relaxation, enjoyment and emotional release.

We will consider these theories when we are considering our target audience.

Hypodermic Needle Theory.
This theory is: according to the theory, the media is like a syringe which injects ideas, attitudes, and beliefs into the audience, who as a powerless mass have little choice but to be influenced.

The two-step flow.
This theory is an improvement on the hypodermic needle theory, suggesting that the information doesn't flown directly from text to audience but is interpreted.

Active V Passive.
Active: This makes you think about the film afterwards.
Passive: This doesn't affect the audience, and therefore they don't think about it afterwards.

I intend to think about these theories when producing out thriller.