Audience expectations

Definition

Audience expectations refer to the assumptions and anticipations that viewers bring with them when engaging with a film or media text, shaped by previous experiences, genre conventions, and cultural contexts. These expectations can significantly influence how an audience interprets and responds to a narrative, character development, and visual style. Understanding audience expectations is crucial for filmmakers and media creators as they strive to either meet or subvert these anticipations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Audience expectations are heavily influenced by genre, as different genres come with specific tropes that audiences have come to recognize and anticipate.
2. Filmmakers often play with audience expectations by using subversion techniques, either fulfilling them in unexpected ways or deliberately challenging them to create surprise and engagement.
3. Cultural background and societal norms also shape audience expectations, as different cultures may interpret themes and narratives differently based on their values and beliefs.
4. Marketing strategies can also set audience expectations before they even see a film, shaping how viewers approach the material based on trailers, posters, and promotional materials.
5. Understanding audience expectations can help creators design narratives that resonate more deeply with their viewers, leading to a more impactful viewing experience.

Review Questions

• How do genre conventions influence audience expectations when watching a film?
  • Genre conventions play a crucial role in shaping audience expectations because they provide a framework for what viewers anticipate in terms of plot structure, character archetypes, and thematic elements. For example, in a horror film, audiences expect certain elements like suspenseful music and jump scares. When filmmakers adhere to these conventions, it can lead to a sense of familiarity that makes the viewing experience satisfying. Conversely, when filmmakers deviate from these conventions in unexpected ways, it can create surprise or confusion for the audience.
• Discuss how intertextuality can impact audience expectations in film narratives.
  • Intertextuality refers to the way films reference or relate to other texts, which can significantly shape audience expectations. When viewers recognize familiar tropes or allusions from previous films or cultural references, it creates a set of anticipations about how the narrative will unfold. For instance, a film that heavily references classic noir films might lead the audience to expect certain stylistic choices or plot twists characteristic of that genre. This connection allows filmmakers to craft richer narratives that resonate with audiences who appreciate those intertextual links.
• Evaluate how understanding audience expectations can influence a filmmaker's creative decisions when developing a narrative.
  • Understanding audience expectations is vital for filmmakers as it directly influences their creative decisions in narrative development. By knowing what audiences anticipate from a specific genre or storytelling approach, filmmakers can choose to either align with those expectations for conventional satisfaction or challenge them for innovative storytelling. This awareness allows creators to craft stories that resonate with their target audience while also taking risks that can lead to unique viewing experiences. Ultimately, successfully navigating audience expectations can enhance emotional engagement and lead to more memorable films.

Related terms

Genre conventions: The typical characteristics and elements associated with specific genres, which help set audience expectations regarding themes, plots, and character types.

Intertextuality:

The relationship between texts and how they reference or echo one another, influencing audience expectations based on familiar tropes or narratives.

Suspension of disbelief: The psychological phenomenon where an audience accepts the fictional reality of a narrative, allowing them to engage with the story despite knowing it isn't real.