Audience types

Mainstream - This is a large audience that watch or listen to one thing. It is calculated by ratings or box office. Mainstream films will often have room for sequel or merchandise. Audiences are usually drawn to films that are blockbusters. Most mainstream films will be American and main genres will be romance, action and fantasy.

An example of a mainstream film is Titanic, which was the highest grossing film of all time until last year when it was over taken by Avatar. Both were written and directed by James Cameron

Titanic trailer

Cult - A small but loyal following audience of a particular media text.

Cult Film makers will usually have small budget and films will not get major cinema release but will be in specialized cinemas. This means audiences will have to research cult films to find out where its showing as they wouldn't be widely advertised.

An example is 'Cass' which is a British cult film. The incredible true story of how an orphaned Jamaican baby, adopted by an elderly white couple and brought up in an all white area of London, became one of the most feared and respected men in Britain.

Subversive - This is an audience that watch controversial media texts that could offend

Alternative - Opposite of mainstream. Audience enjoy media texts that are similar to similar to mainstream media texts, but differ in various ways. E.g spoof films are alternative because they are mainstream film but different - comedic.

e.g Scary movie