How effective is the combination of your product and ancillary texts?

When making a new film it is the distributors job to get the film noticed and anticipated by as many audience members as possible. 500 films are released a year which means that marketing is key to getting the right audiences. Horror is a harder genre to market due to the avid horror-haters (the selection of the public that do not like horror as a genre will rarely ever see a horror film) - this is why it is important for the distributor to pick out distinguishing features of the movie that could persuade them to view it. The sub-genre of a horror film will be vividly emphasised so that more of an audience will build it. Audience research is a vital part of distributing a film, for instance, finding out on what basis someone who dislikes horror would go and see one will give distributors and marketers an idea on what aspects of their film to push into the eyes of audience, encouraging these people as well as their obvious genuine film and horror fans. Research allows gaps in the industry to become visible which will then give their film a U.S.P.

Promoting horror films will be slightly different to more mainstream films given that the target audiences are different. Family and comedy films will often have links with high street stores and big chain restaurants such as McDonald's whereas horror films and fans are more focused on the experience, and so the links will be different and more suited to these needs.

Researching all aspects of advertising and distribution is important as it will allow ideas on ancillary texts to grow. Posters will be seen by everyone whether they like the film being advertised or not whereas trailers, if shown on TV, can be turned off if they don't interest the viewer. Posters are important and effective as they don't give much away which can work in the film's favour as it doesn't rule out any potential viewers. Magazine covers are also important as it allows the film to be promoted by those featured in it. The Woman In Black did this very well as Daniel Radcliffe promoted the film extensively, meaning that his fan base and ex-Harry Potter fans were aware of his new film, and so would have most likely gone to see it. Using characters to promote the film gives it a sense of realism which appeals to audiences as one of the needs they use media and entertainment to satisfy is 'escapism'.

My magazine, poster and trailer have a unified identity which is beneficial due to the way the film becomes recognisable on any platform or medium. Many films do this by colour, logo or character and it is an effective way of promoting a film and securing a large target audience.