Planning: Thriller Demographics

Demographics

A Demographic is a characteristic within a population (Gender, Race, Age and Nationality); it is often presented as a percentage. This year the two main demographics we will be looking at are age and gender, these will help us in identifying what aspects of the film we will need to adapt to the largest viewing demographic. However, when looking at demographics we must be weary when interpreting the graphs as we have to look at what percentage of each viewer actually take up the general population in relation to how many people watch which determines the true number of people viewing. 

Thriller Age Demographics

Looking at the age demographic the largest percentage of people who view thriller movies are age 50+(26%). 50+(36%) occupy a third of the general population, however under a third of the population of thriller movie viewers actually watch thriller movies.18-24 year olds are the next largest percentage of viewers at 23% and are 12% of the general population,therefore they are the largest viewers. Taking into consideration age, those of the 50+ age generally have more of a disposable income and with many of them having their children leaving home or becoming more independent - requiring less and less of their help,they need something to do,which thriller films offer them. In addition most thriller films have an 18 certificate, making the younger viewers limited, but with the majority of viewers being 18-24, who are beginning to live alone and go on dates.

Even though, people who are 50+ take up a large majority of the thriller movie viewings, this doesn't result in thriller movies having many older actors, or their storyline following the typical life of someone 50+. Rather thriller movies follow the trend of american teen life which appeals to 18-24 year olds as they can identify with characters as the would either be experiencing or finished experiencing similar lifestyle at that specific time of their life. that results in high consideration of what type of music, styles, and cars used. These adaptations can be seen in various media non-exclusive to thrillers.

Thriller Gender Demographics

According to the box office records of the thriller gender demographics, 58% of people who watch thriller movies are female - this makes the majority. As demographics are used to adapt media text to the largest demographic, there are 8% more females than makes, but this doesn't mean everything in thriller movies would be tailored to them. When looking a demographics we must not just look at the majority but by how much they are a majority, as we still have to have to tailor the movie to appeal the other demographics. Hence, thriller movies not only casting female and basing the storyline being based on stereotypical female themes such as shopping and boys. Rather, because females are the larger demographic by a small percentage the casts also include attractive women to attract the male audience.