Mainstream  FILMS

Mainstream films appear to be more popular as the film may have gained a previous reputation - through its actors, promotion or fans - which urges people to frequently discuss and recommend the types of films. Therefore, this results in some films becoming quite underrated and unnoticed.

Mainstream films are films of which are popular among the majority of people - which as a result, they end up watching.

These following films clearly demonstrates this: 
 

SAW

(2004)

THE CONJURING  

(2013)

INSIDIOUS

(2010)

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

(2007)

SAW (2004)

SAW, is a mainstream horror film because the majority of people think of this film due to its reputation, as a horror. Due to this discussion, the film/s have gained a reputation of which makes them aware that they are assured by the genre it promotes what will be included in the film.

The target audience for SAW, would be males 18-30, as they are looking for a thrill with reality.

independant FILMS

Independent films are films of which are made outside of major film studios - made by smaller film companies. They are films which aren't associated with major studios such as, Sony or Warner Bros. Actors use this way of getting established and then moving on to more mainstream films. They are usually low-budget and focus on enthralling the audience. 

IT FOLLOWS

(2014)

YOU'RE NEXT

(2011)

SPLINTER

(2008)

THE REVENANT

(2009)

you're next (2011)

You're Next, is an independent horror film because it may want a low-budget, low-distribution and limited marketing. This may be because it is a production that is not aiming for maximum profit but instead, focus on difficult themes, unfamiliar locations, a hand-held feel, and limited release.

The target audience for You're Next, would be males 20-35, as they may want to target an audience that understand the, possible, complex themes involved and understand the purpose of 'indie' films - helps them to understand why they do things differently to mainstream films.