In order to gain a better understand of what the audience want when it comes to the comedy genre, we devised a questionnaire to ask various age groups. It consisted of several questions about favourite comedy films and why, what is expected when going to see a comedy and comments about mise. These are the findings and results that I felt were important:
What is your favourite comedy film?
Most of the films chosen in response to this question were recent, modern comedies such as Superbad (2007) or Role Models (2008). These mainstream films suggest that this and the widespread humour of kids is what an audience looks for when going to see a comedy. However, the older generations chose classic films from Charlie Chaplin (1900s) and Carry On films (1950s - 70s) suggesting that the comedy they grew up with and their parents is the comedy they prefer, relating to the gratification of integration and social interaction of the time.
Why?
The obvious response was that their chosen film made them laugh, however, it's through the selection of films from each age category that shows how humour has changed. For example, Charlie Chaplin and slapstick in silent film has progressed into the present, stereotyping and ironic comedy seen in Superbad. The characters and plot also was key. Without a well-rounded plot and entertaining characters the films would not be as engaging or enjoyable.
Who do you expect to see in a comedy (e.g. age, personality, appearance)?
Many responded with young adults or teenagers to this question probably due to the increasing amount of films about the struggles of adolescents and peer pressure. Many stereotypes of 'jocks', 'nerds' and 'popular' kids were listed and may represent audience gratification of personal identity or social interaction, specifically in young audiences. Adults, however, who listed modern film, such as Date Movie (2006), may just watch for entertainment or to laugh and reflect on their younger years.
What sort of props do you expect to see?
Objects such as drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and cars were frequent in response to this question and are common in modern comedies as they seem to follow themes about adolescents and teenage struggles. Even in responses from the older generation, travel objects such as cars came up continuously and this may suggest that though comedy has changed, elements have passed down through the generations.
These results suggest that present comedy revolves around young life, almost taking a black comedy approach and creating humour in topics that tend to be a serious issue throughout teenage life. Not only for social integration in the younger generations but for the older generations, it means they can relate and think back to when they were younger and watch for pure entertainment. Comedy film tends to be taken as it is through the hypodermic needle theory and is designed to be enjoyed, not deciphered. With these findings, I hope to produce creative ideas that are sure to entertain our mass, mainstream, target audience.
