Critical Approaches - Predicting Target Audience

The Martian

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The Martian is an upcoming Sci Fi - Action Thriller which has been directed by Ridley Scott. The film is an adaption of the original novel "The Martian" by Andy Weir. The book was first brought out for free online, until Amazon approached Weir to turn the series of blog posts into a novel to sell online. Attached to this deal was the request to make the book into an audio book, which would be distributed via audible. The audio book is on the top recommendation list of audible and can be downloaded for free when first signing up to audible.

The novel follows Mark Watney, a since stranded astronaut after a storm on the surface of Mars lead the crew to presume he was dead. In order to survive Watney has to utilize his resources, during this NASA prepares to launch a rescue mission. But can Watney's wit and NASA's tech get him home?

The target audience for the Martian can be looked at in lots of different aspects. For a start there is the target for the original fans of the novel, as it has managed to reach critical acclaim with not only fans but NASA themselves, as they gave their approval for the films production. There is also a strong fan base which is evident during a recent Reddit AMA (Ask me anything) with the author. 

The audience for the book ranges from late teens - older ages. As Weir takes the genre of Science Fiction and widens the appeal to everyone through genuinely funny and artistic writing. Because of this it also appeals to both genders, although it is seen an men are more towards the science sectors, yet again because of the writing Weir leaves a compelling story wide open for the audience. Yet, it isn't for a younger audience as although they may find the story interesting there is strong language throughout. Which isn't suitable for a younger audience. Lastly, there isn't really a geographic restriction/ ethic and lifestyle choices to the audience as the book is available via the internet so anyone can pick it up. It does have strong links to the country of America, as it is a NASA mission.

With NASA being a leading company in the exploration in space. Which will draw in the older side of the audience as the Space Race between Russian and America will have played a key role in their childhood/growing up. As the moon landing happened in 1969. With Neil Armstrong being the first man on the moon, alongside Buzz Aldrin. Whilst Micheal Collins stayed inside the Moon Lander. So to finalize the audience for the book is late teens - elder ages (15-60) of both genders, who are not restricted by location and are part of any belief/have any sexual orientation.

The reason I did the book first, was because this audience is also strong to what the film does. Yet the film goes a bit further to draw in an audience. Alongside the established audience/audience of a similar interest, other factors are:

• A strong cast, the film consists of: 

Matt Damon as Mark Watney
Jessica Chastain as Melissa Lewis
Kristen Wiig as Annie Montrose
Jeff Daniels as Teddy Sanders
Michael Peña as Rick Martinez
Kate Mara as Beth Johanssen
Sean Bean as Mitch Henderson

Sebastian Stan as Chris Beck

Aksel Hennie as Alex Vogel
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Vincent Kapoor
Donald Glover as Rich Purnell
Benedict Wong
Mackenzie Davis as Mindy Park
Naomi Scott
Lili Bordán
Nick Mohammed

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With Matt Damon being the lead it is bound to draw in fans of his work. As he has been known for similar strong roles to which received a positive reaction. As in the Bourne Trilogy, Damon is often alone trying to figure out whats going on and how he's going to survive which matches the action genre in both films. Damon also recently starred in the film Interstellar. Which saw him play the role of a mad astronaut who was abandoned on a life less planet. Although his role was a minor one, it will be interesting to see how he plays the role of a witty, cocky and clever Botanist. Other actors such as Jeff Daniels (Dumb and Dumber - Newsroom), Kate Mara (House of Cards -Fantastic Four), Sean Bean (Known for dying in everything he stars in - Game of Thrones - Lord of the Rings - etc...) and many more. 

Finally there is a target audience for the fans of the director Ridley Scott, as he has a history with strong Sci Fi films such as: Alien and Prometheus. He has also had a good commercial success with other films such as  Thelma and Louise, Legend (Fantasy and Adventure film from the 80,s, not the Kray twins) and Exodus Gods and Kings to name a few. Because he has a following due to his directing style, it is likely to draw in a larger audience.