Uses And Gratifications Theory

The Uses and Gratifications Theory is about what the audience 'get' from a piece of media. Whether this be escapism through reading a fiction novel or a sense of social interaction (something to discuss with peers) by watching the news.

Our opening sequence should fulfil the majority of the four theories about the uses of the media by audiences.

Information

Although it is unlikely those outside the local area will learn much about the surroundings,

the sequence, and more importantly the completed piece should inform the audience about a realistic, twisted and corrupt side to the notion of spirits.

Personal Identity

The characters acting in the piece are aged a lot older then the target audience. The idea of this is to appeal to a wider (older) target audience whilst still communicating a sense of aspiration to the younger viewers. Allowing identification with the characters and there situation will provide some level of individuality compared to films of a similar genre.

Integration and Social Interaction

This category becomes extremely difficult to comment on pre-distribution level. The film might provide a discussion platform if it was well critically received. It doesn't offer any type of companionship towards the audience however a connection with the central character does enforce the idea's of the plot.

Entertainment

The audience should definitely enjoy the piece. Most pieces of media are designed so that either the audience enjoy the experience or hate it so much that they end up enjoying it. Our sequence is likely to enthral the audience and they should enjoy watching and creating ideas about the situation.

The Uses and Gratifications Theory is great for discussing and determining if an audience is likely to accept and enjoy the piece of media that you create. It seems that the audience will enjoy Auberry Manor and this means that the sequence will be successful.