One way of identifying whether a film is aimed towards a mainstream audience or a niche audience is by looking at what company funds and distribute the film.
The mainstream institutions tend to have a much more flashy and whizzy logos, and include some kind of jingle, animation/motion or both. This is because the company wants to excite their audience and maintain a certain reputation or status.
2 great examples of famous mainstream institution logos are Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Both logos have:
- A recognisable jingle that is distinct and associated with that institution
- Very flashy effects, such as the shimmering gold and powerful glow
- A fade-to-black finish and a fade-to-image begining, easing the audience in and out
On the other hand, companies who target niche audiences tend to have a more simplistic logo that may or may not include motion/animation. This is because the company is not as famous and glamourous as the more reputable film institutions, and usually have a smaller budget.
2 great examples of smaller film institutions that target niche audiences are Warp Films and Film 4.
Neither logos have:
- A recognisable jingle that is distinct and associated with that institution
- Flashy special effects or motion animation
Another huge difference between mainstream films and niche films is whether it is funded by a big American company or an independent UK based company, as American film institutions tend to be more famous and leading as opposed to UK film institutions which are more local. Whether a film goes with an American production company or a UK production company can have a massive impact on, or even decide, whether a film is mainstream or niche.
For this reason, we have decided that our film would be a mainstream film. This is because we aim to target the general population and attract a larger audience.
