Are you a ‘scattergun’ who enjoys film as part of a wider cultural diet; a ‘specialist’ who frequently dismisses films they do not deem worthy; or a ‘summit’ who works in the film industry and is therefore interested in the business of film?
You can find out for yourself by having a look at new UK Film Council research which explores what turns film fans into film ‘avids’. According to A Qualitative Study of Avid Cinemagoers, film avids(what used to be called ‘film buffs’) are obsessed by film, follow the work of particular directors and get satisfaction from seeing films they might not actually like but which help them to explore and challenge their tastes.
Amongst other things, avids are marked out by their regular cinema-going habits – at least twice a week and every night of film festivals and seasons.
The report also attempts to pinpoint what is unique about film as a cultural experience and what makes it attractive to avids. The report suggests that it is the immediacy of film and the fact it is immersive, accessible and a widely-shared cultural experience – inspiring people and allowing them to escape – which appeals to fans.
The report also examines what turns people on to film and describes the different stages of being a film avid. It recommends ways in which people might be supported and given more opportunities to develop their love of film. These include: cinema admission concessions for younger audiences and supporting the development of school film clubs; supporting film societies; and providing and promoting access to specialised films.
The full report is available from the UK Film Council.