Audience of 'Mix Tape' - A2 Jack

Audience of 'Mix Tape'

The short film begins with a range of close up and big close up shots at mid angle, high angle and very high angle of a few cassette tape props along with various other props and decor. This in itself creates the representation of the film being targeted towards an older demographic and spectators who would appreciate the use of this vintage/retro prop as much as possible. As there is a recurring theme of cassettes as an underlay of the film, this definitely supports this point.

Alongside this 1960-70s creation is the diegetic sound of the music, the music is of a rather older nature than popular modern music, generating the theory that the film is again aimed towards a demographic that would recognise and appreciate this genre of music. The genre, coming from around the 70s decade, all being very pop/indie of it's time.

The slow motion medium close up, mid shot and extreme long shots at mid angle also give the impression of film techniques that may have been popular in the 70s.

One major factor of this short film is the use of costume, hair and make-up, which becomes evidently promoted through the meeting of the protagonist and the woman shown as Lily's Mum. The juxtaposition of the protagonist's costume with the woman's costume creates a sense of identity in them both and creates the realisation of the film actually being set in modern day. This is supported through the dialogue as diegetic on screen sound of "some of my Dad's old music". The young boy's costume, hair and make up all suggest that he is living in the 70s decade, wearing a checkered shirt with hair typical of a boy in the 70's (simplistic), similar to his make-up (little to none). In contrast, the woman's costume consists of a simplistic black cardigan and orange t-shirt which could very much be seen as more modern day than the young boy's indie style. The female's hair and make up is again, simplistic but not bland, as though she takes pride in her appearance, once more, relating her to a more modern character. This grouping in itself leaves question over who the demographic may actually be, as it is set in modern day and being produced in modern day.

Use of editing techniques such as shot reverse shot and 180 degree rule assist the cut transitions used. Difference in power and status can be seen between the protagonist and the female as they are both shown through close up shots, the boy is shown at high angle and the woman at low angle. Whether this technique has been used as a point of view shot or to create the sense of a higher status in the woman is the question. I imagine the technique has been used for both, showing a higher status in the female as she is more current and savvy of the modern times and chooses to follow the generic style in her costume, hair and make up.

Shot reverse shot MCU at LA

Shot reverse shot MCU at HA

Shot reverse shot CU at HA

Shot reverse shot CU at LA

The consistent high-key naturalistic lighting and colouring shows that both have been kept uncomplicated. With the mid shot at mid angle showing the protagonist reading what looks like an old magazine or newspaper prop, the spectator does manage to see the setting and decor behind as well as props. This shows just how much of a 70s fan the young boy is and the vintage music that reappears from time to time throughout the film reminds us (the spectator) of that.

As the close up at birds eye view angle of the young girl follows a cut transition the spectator can assume this is Lily. Her costume, hair and make up along with her room setting, props and decor are extremely similar to that of the the protagonists but more suited to a female.

As the cross cutting editing technique begins we understand how alike the pair are and the final medium long shot at mid angle with a vertically split composition demonstrates that. The final shot is very clever in the fact that it manipulates space in the distance of their rooms.

Conclusively, I would assume that the target demographic for this short film would be adults between the age of 30-50 who have a love for indie music and also indie films. Though, younger spectators may also be the target audience of the film, if they enjoy indie music or the 70's decade. Looking at the viewing platform, which is Youtube, one could assume that the target demographic is younger adults, though I still imagine the target audience to be anyone for a love of the 70s.