How the issue of censorship affects our notion of collective identity and therefore britishness in film

In terms of choices in production a film script and plot is based around a target audience and how scenes are planned and carried out depend on the age group targeted and how to make the scenes suitable for their specific viewing age. For example the portrayal of themes such as violence and swearing can be used in order to portray the link to real life themes although these wouldn't be suitable portrayals for younger viewing audiences to see. However films that are rated PG contain some of these more adult themes, but are strictly limited in order to stay within the boundaries of set by the BBFC and still attract a large age base for the film.

In terms of how the issues of censorship can affect our consumption of a film through semiotics the themes of violence and sex for example signify a link to real life portrayal and signifies that some younger audiences need protection from these themes as they will stop them influencing them and also may not understand why these things occur. Also changes in the censoring of films signifies that times are changing in the film industry in terms of what lower age viewing audiences should be allowed to see. For example in 2002 the new 12a rating replaced 12 as the first Spiderman film had driven away so many young fans and this was a prime part of the target market. Therefore 12a was introduced where a child who saw a 12 rated film in the cinema must be accompanied by an adult.

Britishness in film is also effected by the notion of collective identity especially as 18 rated films such as ' This is England ' can represent the worst of British culture and also in lower rated films the best of Britishness with attributes such as equality and helpfulness higlighted almost like the worst of britishness in films is trying to be kept as secret as possible through higher film ratings.