Media products within the industry depend on the time of the films release. For example, movies prior to 2000 would generally be marketed with posters, tv adverts and slogans. Dario Argento’s ‘Deep Red’ (1975) was mainly marketed through obscene posters and slogans comparing the film to other well known horror movies at the time (The Exorcist, Psycho and Jaws). More recent movies such as the SAW Franchise, targets the audience again through obscene posters, memorabilia, websites, video games, figurines and boxsets. The Franchise is close to 7 movies, with the target audience flocking back to the cinema for the same events which shows how easy it is to attract an audience. However, more and more people are turning away from the franchise, especially fans of the horror genre of which many dislike the franchise. Media Merchandise usually depends on the type of movie released. For example, a horror movie would not release a lunchbox, as it’s completely contrasting the target audience. A movie such as Spongebob Squarepants would release lunchboxes as kids are attracted to these types of movies. Major film producers do not specialise in a specific genre, but rather the genres that are popular at the time. This includes Warner Bros. and Dimension Films. These companies will release a lot of comedy movies, if comedy is a popular attraction and hardly any horror movies if horror is not popular, vice versa. The primary audience for major film companies is everyone. The movies release all target different audiences. For example, The Simpsons which is released on 20th Century Fox is aimed towards children and adults and Dexter also released by Fox is targeted solely for adults. 20th Century Fox Owned by Rupert Murdoch Warner Brothers Jim Bonwik Paramount Owned by Viacom Columbia Pictures Owned by Sony Universal Founded in 1912 Walt Disney Childrens Movies Ways to attract target audiences are generally sucessfull. For example, the up and coming remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street is targeted towards teenagers and young adults, therefore a lot of online advertising is used on popular website sites as imdb. The film is also advertised on TV and in magazines, all of these types of media are consumed by the target audience.

Video Games Industry Video games have rapidly grown over the past 20 years, from shop arcade games to high definition multiplayer games. These games allow adults to go back to their childhood. Video games are consumed by any age from 3 years olds playing Disney games to older generations playing wii fit. Certain games release certain packages. For example, Modern Warfare 2 released a version with night vision at a price of £100+ (over double the price of the game alone). Alien Vs. Predator released a facehugger model. Merchandise is also released including Game Guides which are costly at around £15. Add-ons are also sold across the internet, which can cost from £5 +. Traditionally games existed in arcades where consumers would pay to play. Games consoles became increasingly popular after the release of the Nintendo 64, of which many games are now cult classics. In modern times, game consoles can handle high definition and blu ray, and are often called media systems due to the multi-task operations they can handle (internet, downloading, listening to music and watching films). Games are advertised similary to films such as on TV and the internet. Games are also advertised on the consoles ‘dashboard’ or home. Free trials are released online to download free, and on demo CD’s, usually released with gaming magazines. The internet contains screenshots, trailers and reviews to give the audience a primary view on and upcoming game. I think these techniques are successful, as the media used is easy to access and is used by nearly everyone daily. The use of advertising reaches the vast majority of the target audience. I feel that the internet has a positive impact on the gaming industry, as playing online is one of the biggest reasons for gaming nowadays. The internet also allows easy purchases instantly. However, piracy of games is becoming more and more popular, with older generations of consoles being able to download online for free. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Released map packs, add-ons, different game versions including night vision. Followed by 5 other Call of Duty Games (large fan base) Advertisements through the internet, websites, youtube, on the console, magazines and TV. Most profitable game ever. Grand Theft Auto IV Released add on games, priced the same as normal games Followed by other Grand Theft Auto series – a popular franchise Advertisements though the internet, websites, youtube, on the console, magazines and TV. Ranked as the best reviewed game ever. 97% for ps3, 96% for xbox 360.