Audience and Institutions: The Woman In Black

Who do you think the primary and secondary target audience is for The Woman in Black?
The primary audience for The Woman In Black is generally for people who enjoy horror genre films in general. Especially those who enjoy horror films that include include ghosts and spirits. The secondary audience will be Daniel Radcliffe fans, particularly as he plays the main character in the film. This id down to individual likes and dislikes as to whether they enjoy watching films with Daniel Radcliffe in. The secondary audience is important because it entices people to watch the film for more reasons, other than the main plot/genre of the film that attracts its main audience. 

How was The Woman In Black Marketed?
The Woman n Black was cleverly marketed to ensure that they would maximise their sales and promotions. The teaser trailer was the initial buzz that enticed the audience about the film and prepares them for the main campaign. When the main campaign is released, there are multiple ways the film is advertised. For example, adverts, trailers, posters, newspaper articles, scial networking (ads on Twitter, Facebook etc), radio as well as merchandise. By using vast amounts of advertising, it broadens the appeal of the film to people of all ages (suitable to watch it). The younger audience (teenagers) will see majority of their marketing on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, which they stereotypically use daily. Whereas adults will more commonly see the adverts on TV, on the radio and in the newspaper as they are less likely to use online sites and tend to use these media services more. Daniel Radcliffe helped to promote the film immensely, by doing interviews on Youtube, Daniel attracted his audience by interacting with his fans. The min image on posters being Daniel Radcliffe’s face would catch the audiences attention, especially those who are his fans.

Do you think the marketing for the film was appropriate? Why?
I think the marketing was done particularly well for The Woman In Black. As it was spread out over a number of months which, in effect broadened their audience. By having a range of marketing methods, it generalised to a variety of ages. I think that they used having Daniel Radcliffe as their main character to their advantage, as it opened up a wider audience base and enticed watchers. By putting his face on posters everywhere, it made sure that many people would see it, regardless of age (other than restriction), wealth or class.

What kind of release did The Woman In Black have? How much did it cost to make and what was the industry impact of The Woman In Black?
The Woman In Black was shown in 2,856 cinemas in the US and 412 screens in the UK, making it one of the most watched films of 2012, having a vast impact on the industry. The opening weekend for the film cost £3,153,020 in the UK.

Why do you think the film was so successful?
I think the film was so successful because of Daniel Radcliffes fans, from him being Harry Potter, which had a huge impact on their secondary audience, broadening it vastly. Another reason I think the film was so successful is because of the initial buzz and campaigning before the release. The use of the teaser trailers, competitions and other methods, hugely broadened the popularity of the film. A combination of these reason is why I think the film still remains a huge success.