Further target audience research

To gain a broader insight into what my target audience of horror film lovers like. I looked on an online forum to see the type of responses given by those who had viewed the film Paranormal Activity 4:

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/who-is-robbie-how-paranormal-activity-4-adds-to-a-franchise-thats-already-fun-for-puzzle-lovers-ccamp.php

I gained most valuable research from the comments to the discussion at the bottom. Some commenters wrote:

"Despite the lack of good scares, I did love the movie. I liked all the characters and thought the acting was great."

This, to me, showed that although it is evident viewers like to be scared, the acting and characters likability is also very important. As my four main characters are girls, I shall try and ensure that they are all as likable as possible and as the target audience is mostly females, I will try to ensure that girls get the impression of wanting to be friends with these girls or wanting to be these girls as oppose to being irritated or forming a dislike to them.

"In my opinion, 1 and 3 were the scariest. 1 was scary because of Katie's possession and all the scary stuff going on. 3 was scary because it focused more on the demon "Toby" and the ending was pretty freaky"

This shows me that a possession of a character is what can make a horror film scary, I know this form personal viewing experience too. I have had many thoughts about making on of my main characters becomes possessed as this is something that I'm still undecided on. I will be sure to conduct more research on this area.

"Ppl say PA4 isn't scary. But scary isn't the only thing. It's the story. Focus on the story. For something to be truly terrifying you aren't going to be walking around screaming constantly with creepy music playing and things jumping out saying Aahh!" 

This comment also backed up the point that, although most viewers love to be terrified, fear isnt the only element, and a good story line is vital. I will be sure to attract my potential target audience through an attractive story line throughout the trailer.