Hobbit film seeks to employ 1000 Nigerians in survey project

THE Hobbit trilogy, isa film adaptation of a classic English novel is of immense scholarly interest. The final film in the trilogy premiered on December 1, and released around the world including Nigeria shortly after. Also on December 1, the most ambitious research project ever undertaken into film audiences was launched.
Researchers in 46 countries, including Nigeria will be collaborating to seek responses to a survey designed to get inside all the meanings that fantasy has for people around the world. The mission is to recruit at least 1000 Nigerians (regardless of their age or residence) for this international audience study. Since the films are being shown in Nigeria, the researchers expect to recruit Nigerian based respondents as well. The survey is now live at www.worldhobbitproject.org”
Ten years ago, a similar but smaller survey (studying The Lord of the Rings) managed to gather almost 25,000 responses. That study did not include Nigeria but the aims are higher this time. Research concerns include and not limited to ;How might responses to this film compare with audience experience of other films (Nollywood perhaps)? When people think about their reactions to the story, what larger communities do they reference or identify with?. The project is expected to link larger questions about the role of fantasy in contemporary cultures