Research into audience expectations of thriller genre conclusion

The results from our questionnaire showed that the audience generally preferred mainstream films to independent films. When asked why they explained that mainstream films have good special effects, and normally have their favourite Hollywood actors, which seems to be an important characteristic of favoured films.
Our audience expected a mainstream film to have a ‘Hollywood’ cast and several big city locations. They also expected mainstream films to have professional, high budget special effects and big stunts, these expensive explosions and graphics etc. seem to be a large factor into why audiences prefer them.
In contrast, our audience expected an independent film to have unknown actors, minimum worldwide set locations. They also expected independent films to have little special effects and big stunts, with more attention spent on plot, and a good soundtrack.
The general expectation was that thriller films often contain dark, urban damp locations and when asked about British thrillers they expected a location with tower flats, dirty urban streets, a working class/industrial setting. An example of this kind of setting would be the independent film 'Essex Boys' which contains a very urban setting throughout.
When asked about characters in thriller film they mostly expected the lead to be male, white and working class, with females normally being used as tools in crime. Though of course often turn out to be very dangerous, street-wise characters in the case of femme fatales...
From the research we have concluded that from our sample the audience preferred a mainstream film; the passive hollywood blockbuster is popular for an audience who dosen't want to be challenged, and wants to enjoy seeing their favourite actor/actress and special effects. These mainstream films can often give a comforting appeal to an audience, as they can be safe in the knowledge of knowing that the often predictable outcome of the narrative will have a happy ending, that all can enjoy!