<i>Understanding Audiences and the Film Industry </i>brings together an introduction to academic study of audiences as readers of films and an investigation into how the film industry perceives audiences as part of its industrial practices. The approach draws on ideas from film, media, and cultural studies in order to present new insights into a range of puzzling questions:<br>* What makes the biggest box office films attractive to audiences? <br>* Why do films that work well with audiences sometimes suffer poor distribution? <br>* What is a cult film and how do such films gain their status? <br>Case studies of films such as <i>Donnie Darko</i>, <i>Ringu</i>, and <i>Hero</i> are included alongside discussion of film distribution, exhibition, and the growing importance of audience comments and discussion via internet forums.<br>This book will help film and media students with their studies and will provide the general reader with an accessible introduction to the international film industry.