Category: Art / Television
I keep forgetting to mention this, and it's so important, I'm sure.
The Purpleism Art Manifesto - Tele content (Sound / Visual)
Television/Radio: Preserving the Integrity of Films and MediaAltering movies from their original state should only occur under the most justifiable circumstances. Here are guiding principles to maintain the quality, integrity, and respect for the original art:Advertisements
Overlay Ads
Excessive or intrusive overlays are a disservice to both the viewer and the content. Advertisements should be subtle, non-distracting, and placed thoughtfully, such as a small, semi-transparent logo in the corner. These achieve brand recognition without disrupting the audience’s experience.
Commercial Breaks
Commercial breaks should only appear on “free” TV platforms and must be spaced no closer than 15-minute intervals. Premium or paid platforms should remain ad-free.
Saturation Advertising
Repeating the same commercial multiple times during a single show or within an hour is unnecessary and alienates viewers. If a company needs additional slots, it must provide unique commercials. Saturation through redundancy is ineffective and counterproductive.
Format AlterationsPan and Scan (Misleadingly Called “Full Screen”)
Cropping widescreen films to fit standard screens is an unacceptable distortion of the original composition. The full frame as intended by the director must always be preserved.
Language and Content
No language or content should be altered without the director’s explicit consent, and even then, such changes should be minimal and purposeful. Altering an artist’s original vision is a violation of artistic integrity.
Colorization
Colorizing black-and-white films should only occur if it aligns with the director’s original intent and is backed by their approval. Films like Citizen Kane or Casablanca, which were intentionally shot in black and white, must never be colorized. Doing so undermines their artistic value and historical significance.
Censorship
Films should be broadcast in their original form, including visuals and language. If edits are necessary, they must be clearly labeled (e.g., “edited for TV” or “director’s cut”) and never replace the original version. Gratuitous censorship, including to achieve a lower rating, is an affront to the original art.
Cultural Updates
Words or themes that are no longer politically correct should remain intact for historical context. A disclaimer before or after the film can provide valuable insight without altering the original work.
Nudity
Nudity, when included as part of the film’s narrative or artistic intent, is not offensive. Societal discomfort with nudity should not dictate its removal.
Broadcast StandardsInterruptions
Ads, news updates, or streaming information must never overlay a film. If urgent information must be shared, interrupt the film briefly, make the announcement, and return to the broadcast. This applies especially to political updates, voting results, or polls.
Sound Levels
Audio levels must be standardized across channels and segments. No viewer should endure dramatic volume changes when switching between content and commercials. Manipulating sound ranges to make ads appear louder is disruptive and disrespectful. Advertisers and broadcasters breaking this rule should face penalties.
Technical Presentation
Films should be remastered for quality improvements (e.g., resolution and sound clarity), but not fundamentally altered. Classic works deserve preservation, not revision.
Respect for Artistic IntegrityThe director’s vision, and by extension the film’s original form, is paramount. Any alteration should be done sparingly, transparently, and with the utmost respect for the art, the artist, and the audience. Maintaining this integrity ensures that we preserve not just entertainment, but cultural history and artistic expression for future generations.