Target Audience Research

Why is audience research an important part of production planning?

What is audience research?
Audience research is carried out to find out specific information audience segments. The information can include things about their attitudes, knowledge, interests/hobbies, behaviors, thoughts on different topics etc. Audience research can be carried out to gain specific feedback to ensure a production is successful. Audience research is primary research. There are many different categories that audiences fit into. For example, profession, age, gender, demographics, religion etc.

Why do people choose the music that they do?
People will choose the type of music that they listen to based on various different things. The way people were raised with the types of music they were exposed to can decide what music they like. People listen to music that parallels their emotions at the time. For example, people who are suffering from relationship problems are more likely to listen to music of a more depressing or negative nature. People who are in a more happy mood are likely to listen to music that will express their happy emotions.

Do music videos make a difference to a songs success?
I believe that music videos can make songs more successful in the long term as people will watch the music video that goes with the song which can help them remember the song easier. An example of where music videos have really benefited the overall success of the song would be in Nirvana's Smells like Teen Spirit video. The setting of a gym where all the students are shown as being rebellious and moshing to the song with the band is really recognisable and also makes people remember what song it was by the video. Also, another example of how music videos have made a difference to a songs success would be with Michael Jackson's Thriller. Everyone knows what happens in the video to this song. The video added a new aspect to just listening to the music, it developed a story that relates to the lyrics very well.

What attracts and puts people off videos?
People can be attracted to different music videos for different reasons. The overall look of a video can attract some people to it as it may look appealing. If someone has heard the song before they may want to check out the music video of that particular song. If someone is put off by a music video it could mean that the video did not satisfy the viewer. This could be because the video did not link to what the song was about or if the production value of the video was poor they could be put off watching it as it would appear to be cheap to them.

What will people expect to see in my music video?
For my music video, people can expect to see a video that is performance and narrative based, combing the band with a story-line attached. The video will be dark in nature with a grunge vibe, reflecting the genre of music that it is associated with.

Why is audience research an important part of production planning?
Audience research is an important part of production planning because it helps us find out what the taste of the audience really is. There are two different types of data that can be received from conducting audience research - qualitative and quantitative. However, these all depend on the research method that was used. There are different types of methods to collect information such as questionnaires, vox pops and videos.These are all effective at conducting the research and collecting it to be reviewed.

Survey Monkey answers

What is your age?
Under 18 - 77.78%
18 - 24 - 22.22%
25 - 34
45 - 44
45 - 54
55 - 64
65 - 74
75 or older

What is your gender?
Female - 11.11%
Male - 88.89%

What genre of music do you like listening to?
Pop - 44.44%
Rock - 77.78%
Metal/hardcore - 33.33%
Indie/alternative - 33.33%
R&B/Soul
Electronic - 22.22%
Other - 22.22%

What types of music videos do you enjoy watching?
Performance - 11.11%
Narrative
Performance + Narrative - 66.67%
Concept - 22.22%

Have you ever heard of Black Foxxes before?
Yes - 22.22%
No - 77.78%

Which of these locations would be good for a music video about an angsty teen?
Forest - 55.56%
Theme Park - 33.33%
Beach - 11.11%
Bar/Restaurant

Do you think that a Black Foxxes music video should be serious or not?
Yes - 55.56%
No - 11.11%
Don't mind - 33.33%

Do you think that music videos are vital for the success of an album or EP?
Yes - 44.44%
No - 44.44%
Not sure - 11.11%

How often do you watch music videos?
Often - 22.22%
Sometimes - 66.67%
Never - 11.11%