Drama More Of A Shocker Than Films, Says ITC

Viewers are less tolerant of strong scenes in television dramas than they are in films, according to an Independent Television Commission research report published today called Film Versus Drama: Relative Acceptability Of The Two Genres On Television.

According to the report, viewers very much appreciate information about the content of programmes, and consider television drama content to be a lot less predictable than that of films.

Some of the reasons which the ITC gave for different standards being applied to television dramas and films were as follows:

• Fantasy vs. Everyday Life: Films more linked to fantasy, often American, drama is seen as closer to life and generally British.
• Friends vs. Family: Films tend to be watched with peers; drama with family, and parents to be more conscious of content in a family setting.
• Expectations vs. Surprise: Films are often more predictable due to the viewer’s past experience with the genre, and publicity, whereas TV drama is less publicised and talked about, and therefore less predictable.

Watching a film is generally seen as an informed and conscious decision, whereas audiences seem to consider it more in their rights to complain about drama content as they perceive them as having been made for them, with their money.

The ITC concluded that there is a need for a comprehensive rating/warning system for drama on television. It also found that viewers show a considerable respect for the artistic integrity and independence of film makers, and feel that films shouldn’t be tampered with by broadcasters by means of editing.

ITC: 0171 255 3000