Semiotics

Semiotics is the term for the way in which humans can read and intepret symbols in different ways. This is important to remember when creating a media production aimed at a specific audience as they will assume different things based upon the symbols used by the BBFC to classify films (http://jameswigger.blogspot.com/2009/10/british-film-classifications.html).

An example of this having an impact would be if we aimed to classify our film as an 18. The audience would expect content that would justify this such as excessive sex, drug use or gore. If we did not deliver on this assumption the audience would feel cheated (as well as us cutting swathes of a potential market to show the piece).

On the other extreme if we aimed for a U but had adult themes not only would there be a significant public backlash as they would use this symbol to judge the internal content as suitable for children - but also we would alienate the audience who would enjoy it as they would not be willing to pay to see a Universal rated film.

People instantly recognise this as a radiation warning, despite having no words on it to explain it. Similarly the colour connotations of Yellow indicate warning.