Mature Content Policy

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graphic content

graphic - a full and accurate picture

At Thousand Year Films, when we create a character we approach without judgement trying to see a full and accurate picture. By full and accurate picture we mean a ‘clear and effective picture depicted in a realistic and vivid manner’; and to see a ‘full and accurate picture’ we need to see the ‘full and accurate picture’.

This is where ‘graphic’ comes in....

Graphic actually means; “giving a clear and effective picture” or “depicted in a realistic or vivid manner.”

Thousand Year Films WILL permit Graphic Content

Sometimes in giving a ‘clear and effective picture’ some things need to be shown, said, or included in some fashion that are possibly uncomfortable, possibly ugly, possibly painful, or possibly are of what would be considered ‘substandard morals’, but it is worth noting that just because a word, image, action, idea, appears in the film does not necessarily mean that the filmmakers condone that element in real life.

The category of ‘graphic’ can be extensive as to what it is due to the virtually limitless amount of different ‘contexts’ it could be placed into. So in some ways, it may be easier to look at the material and make sure that it doesn’t fall into any of the ‘Non-Permitted’ elements as previously illustrated because it’s easier to define what is not acceptable.

"Just because a word, image, action, idea, appears in the film does not necessarily mean that the filmmakers condone that element in real life."

However, here is a list of things we look for in identifying ‘graphic’ content:

1. It must have a valid and acceptable purpose that does not collide with any of the ‘unacceptable’ non-permitted activities as previously described (see gratuitous, titillation/eroticism, and pornography segments for further detail). It should accomplish one or more of the following (the more it accomplishes, the stronger its purpose becomes).

  • To provide insight or shed light on an element of the human condition.
  • To provide a sense of empathy.
  • To reveal more of; or to enhance the understanding of the emotional state of the characters.  Meaning it must be more than just the sexual act (in the case of sex). If only the information that two characters have had sex is relevant to the plot and it’s not particularly about the emotional impact it has on either of them during the event itself, it is better to lead up to and then imply rather than show.

2. It must fit into the context and tone of the overall movie.

3. It must be a truthful and honest portrayal; having something to say on the subject matter.

4. It must be done in a respectful manner; neither exploiting nor trivializing the material.

5. The graphic content should not become pervasive or excessive that it overwhelms all other elements; this could veer it dangerously close to a ‘Non-Permitted’ element.

"It must be a truthful and honest portrayal; having something to say on the subject matter, and must be done with exploiting or trivializing the material."

It is important to understand that while ‘graphic’ is permitted it may not be relevant on every production or in regards to all aspects of a production and is therefore not required.