At Title Productions, we have often been entrusted with the task of creating films targeted specifically towards young people and children. While many of these projects are commissioned by educational departments or authorities, they may not always come from sources that children typically relate to.
In order to create impactful content, we invest significant time in pre-production to better understand and connect with our target audience. However, catering to the 11-16 age group can be particularly challenging, as young people at this stage are not quite children anymore, but not yet adults either.
Engaging Young Audiences
When producing videos for young viewers it is crucial to incorporate content that resonates with their existing interests and experiences. This involves featuring peers who can share and discuss relatable situations to the viewer. In order to capture their attention and keep them engaged, it often is necessary to offer more social and interactive experiences within the material than traditional media typically requires. The days of relying solely on outdated, data-heavy materials are gone and meeting the expectations of a younger audience requires a much fresher approach.
Recognising Individuality and Catering to Uniqueness
Young people are diverse and possess a wide range of interests, experiences, and abilities compared to other target audiences. When developing media content for them, it is crucial to acknowledge and cater to their individuality. Remaining youthful in spirit, it is important to provide various hooks within the film and use examples, experiences, content, and challenges to accommodate the diverse preferences of younger audiences.
Including Every Young Viewer
Younger viewers often struggle to perceive themselves as the intended audience of a video, leading to feelings of exclusion or boredom with the content. To combat this, films targeting this age group should eliminate any physical, mental, or intellectual barriers to engagement. It is essential to showcase a diverse range of representative individuals from the outset, quickly dispelling any doubts about the relevance of the film. A youthful look and feel should convey that the content within the production is designed specifically for them.
Broadening Perceptions and Building Engagement
To genuinely connect with a younger audience, it is essential to broaden their perceptions. By incorporating references and diverse points of view, media productions can bring a greater relevance and confidence to the material, thus engaging young viewers on a deeper level. By understanding their world, we can create content that speaks their language, amplifies their experiences, and encourages them to actively participate.
Conclusion
Producing films for young people and children requires a meticulous understanding of the target audience. The 11-16 age group, in particular, presents unique challenges as they navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence. To captivate young minds, it is crucial to create content that aligns with their existing interests, encourages engagement, recognises their individuality, and offers a diverse range of representative individuals. By establishing a youthful look and feel and incorporating relatable experiences, producers can effectively connect with this vibrant and dynamic audience and leave a lasting impact.
