Mature Content Policy
page 5
eroticism & exploitation
eroticism - performing for the viewer
Thousand Year Films does NOT permit content for the purposes of titillation or eroticism.
To titillate means; “to excite or arouse, tempt, or tease” or “tantalize, thrill, entertain.”
The attribute of this is ‘eroticism’. Eroticism is; “the sexual or erotic quality or characteristic of something,” or “the use of sexually arousing or suggestive symbolism, settings, allusions, situations, etc.,” or “an abnormally persistent sexual drive.”
Eroticism can be achieved in multiple ways but in general; if there is a larger focus on the sexual activity or images themselves; as opposed to the emotional state of the characters.
- Performing or showing for the camera.
- This is when a sexual activity, image, or performance that is intended to ‘arouse’, ‘tantalize’, or ‘entertain’ (in other words to seduce) becomes equally for the viewer (or even more so) than the characters in the film. In these cases, the character being ‘seduced’ in the film is merely acting as a ‘proxy’ for the viewer to experience the gratification.
- This can also be done with insert shots or ‘cut-a-ways’ focusing on suggestive body parts, or full body, and is not limited to either male or female actors.
- This is when a sexual activity, image, or performance that is intended to ‘arouse’, ‘tantalize’, or ‘entertain’ (in other words to seduce) becomes equally for the viewer (or even more so) than the characters in the film. In these cases, the character being ‘seduced’ in the film is merely acting as a ‘proxy’ for the viewer to experience the gratification.
If the sexual content is there for purposes of entertainment or gratification to the viewer;
it is NOT permitted in a Thousand Year Films production.
Exploitation
Exploitation film is an informal label which may be applied to any film which is generally considered to be both low budget and of low moral or artistic merit, and therefore apparently attempting to gain financial success by "exploiting" a current trend or a niche genre or a base desire for lurid subject matter. Though, commonly, exploitation can also occur on any size budget.
Content that is exploitative in nature, either through extreme depictions or the act of censoring are NOT permitted.
The other important element in regards to the term exploitation is that it’s the usage of something in an unjust or cruel manner. This can occur when a “horrific” event is being utilized for the purposes of entertainment, escapism, pleasure, or amusement. This can be done in a fictional setting as well as recreations of real events, and can also coincide with the purpose of gaining financial success.
Exploitation is generally very extreme in it's depictions of violence and sex, often combining the two for entertainment purposes.
Exploitation via Censorship
Exploitation, while commonly used to describe extreme depictions, can also occur on the opposite end of the spectrum when something is censored, watered down, or made more digestible - because it is also an act that trivializes a traumatic experience. In many cases events are watered down to a PG or PG-13 level for the purpose of entertainment or financial success as it can appeal to a wider audience. This is another example of an unjust and potentially cruel usage of sensitive subject matter. (See section on ‘Censorship’ for more information.)