Is it unethical? Prohibited?

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Hi friends i wanted to know one thing. Recently i was dicussing an idea with my mate about a story. I want to know one thing related to it. Showing a kid of 9 years try to suiside ( i will not exactly show him on CAM doing anything but make it feel to audience that he attemtet to suiside) is it prohibited in Films? any idea what does generally law says about it?? will i be permitted to show this scene in a film? Do you think will it create a problem ?

I know that US law might be different but few thing are comman in many pasrts of the world. for example if movie contain sex etc it has to be mentioned on the film's starting.

So please guide me about it

Regards


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If the idea is to lead the audience to believe that the 9 year old child has attempted suicide without showing anything graphic to the audience then it will be fine. However if you showed a graphic scene of a child attempting suicide then your probably looking at having an R rated movie which i'm sure you know means over 18 only.
 
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Here in the U.S. there are currently no laws prohibiting freedom
of expression.

Movies are rated by a non-government, private company to let
people know the general content. But it's isn't against the law to
write a story about a 9 year old committing suicide nor is it against
the law to make a movie from that script. It might create a problem
in getting the finished movie into the market - but there is no way
of knowing at this stage.

It really depends on how the story line and actual scene is handled.

At last years Sundance Film Festival a Grand Jury Prize nominee was
a story in which a young girl is rapped. It caused some controversy
and got a lot of press. But when Empire Pictures distributed it, the
movie got terrible reviews and made under $100,000 at the box office.

There is no U.S. law prohibiting the depiction of a child's suicide in a
movie. But people may not pay to see a movie about that subject.
 
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Legal in the US has a different meaning that some other countries. In your country laws are different.

Suicide of a 9 year old (or attempt) would be very painful to watch, but may not result in a higher rating, but then again could result in higher ratings. It isn't only about the thought, it's also how you show it. In any case, you also have to understand child labor laws and such in your country. Just as an aside, there is a Reverend in the U.S. who paddled his son, who was arrested for child abuse (if I could only remember my vice principal's name in middle school, I'd have him locked up :)) You need to understand the laws of where you are.

I don't know about Australia, but here R is under 17 with a parent or guardian is okay.

Here are the ratings for all:


G - General Audiences
All ages admitted.

No nudity, no sex, no drugs, minimal violence, and very limited use of language that goes beyond polite conversation, such as an occasional damn or hell.


PG - Parental Guidance Suggested
Some material may not be suitable for children.

May contain some profanity and nudity, mild violence, or very mild drug references.


PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned
Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

May contain strong language, some explicit nudity, strong bloody violence and/ or gore, or mild drug content.


R - Restricted

Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

May contain very strong or sexual language, strong explicit nudity, very, strong violence and gore, or strong drug content.

NC-17 - No One Under 17 Admitted

May contain very strong sexual or offensive language, strong explicit nudity, very, very strong gore or disturbing violence, or strong drug abuse.

Chris
 
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As long as the kid isn't a method actor, you should be good. Might limit distribution options pending how you do it, but isn't a big deal. Directorik makes the best point- no one wants to pay to see a 9-year-old off himself.. unless, like, he kills himself with a dinosaur, which WOULD be pretty cool, actually. I'd pay to see that...
 
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As long as the kid isn't a method actor, you should be good.
Click to expand...

Hahaha

no one wants to pay to see a 9-year-old off himself
Click to expand...

I'm sure a lot of people including myself would of said "no one wants to pay to see 2 men fooling around on a mountain" But Brokeback Mountain was a pretty good film.

IMO If it is a great story, the 9 year old offing himself might give the film that extra emotional intensity.
 
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A 9 year old offing himself sound like the start of a horror film. Not sure I'd center a story around it, but it could make a tragic subplot to drive other characters. Or you could even stretch it into a black comedy if the kid tries to kill himself only to find out, just like with Saturday morning cartoon characters, he can't die.

But, no, I don't think it would create a problem if it is necessary to tell your story.
 
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Thanks a lot for the replies friends

well VPturner the story i am thinking is not a horror one. Infact it is a comedy story.
By the way just wanted to make it clear that i will not really show the child killing himself. I mean it will be not visible in the screen. He might put a knife on his wrist vain and then a shower of blood can be shoot out. SOmething like that

Regards


_____________________________
www.indie-filmmaking.blogspot.com
 
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