BBFC

The BBFC have been classifying films since the early 1910’s and included videos in the 1980’s. The BBFC stands for the ‘British Board of Film Classification.’ Every films released in Britain is watched by the BBFC and they put a minimum age rating on it. This age rating stands for the people who can watch the film. For example, a 15 means that only people of the ages 15 and over can watch this film. The classification varies from film to film because of the contents the film has. The age restrictions may drop because of the type of film it is. For example, the BBFC tend to let younger audiences view films that have an educational hint to them because they’re educational. Also the age ratings of subtitled films are normally dropped because the audiences are much older anyway.

 

The catorgeries that the BBFC for both cinema and video are


Universal – Suitable for all
The BBFC state that ‘It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child’. But the U classification is mainly for children ages 4 and up. The behaviour in the film will be extremely child friendly. For example, Discrimination, drugs and imitable behaviour are not allowed and violence, sex, nudity and violence must be bare minimum. The horror in the film must be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young and must include a reassuring outcome.


Parental Guidance
The BBFC’s classification of PG means that an unaccompanied child of any age may watch but the film should not disturb a child aged 8 or older. They also state that ‘parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.’ 
The BBDFC say that the contents of the film may include discriminatory language and behaviour, as long as it is clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context. Illegal drug references may be included but must be innocuous or carry an antidrug message. Horror scenes must not be intense or prolonged and no detail of dangerous behaviour which can be copied by young children. Realistic weapons and weapons which are easily accessible must not be glamorised. Mid bad language only and natural nudity may be allowed. Sexual activity must be implied and infrequent. More serious topics, like domestic violence, should be condoned as unacceptable behaviour.    


Suitable for 12 years and over
Both 12 and 12A are the same but are used for different things. 12A is used only in cinema and means that the films are made for children 12 and under but if an adult believes that the under 12 can manage the film, they’re allowed to accompany them. The 12 category are used on videos and only a person of 12 years old or older can buy/rent the film. Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Whereas aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned. Drug use must be infrequent and not glamorised. Moderate violence and language is accepted but language such as the F word must be infrequent. Emphasis of an injury must not be too prolonged. Nudity is allowed but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained. Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. Dangerous behaviour, e.g suicide, must not be dwelled upon in a way in which a teen could copy the behaviour.

Suitable for 15 years and over
No one younger than 15 can buy or watch the either on video or at the cinema. The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Drug taking may be shown but the film must not promote drug taking. The misuse of easily accessible substances, e.g. solvents, is most likely to be not accepted. Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. Dangerous behaviour must not be dwelled upon in such detail that it could be copied. Easily accessible weapons must not be glamorised either. There may be frequent use of strong language, e.g the F word. The strongest terms, e.g C word, may be acceptable if justified. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is not acceptable. Nudity may be allowed as well as sexual activity. Violence may be strong but pain should be dwelled upon. No themes are prohibited.
 

Suitable only for adults (18+)
This certificate is used at both the cinema and on video. The Human Rights Act of 1998 states that at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• Where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence.
• Where the material or treatment appears to the BBFCC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals.
• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.

 

R18

R18 films are only to be shown in specially licensed cinemas or supplied in licensed sex shops to adults no younger than the age of 18. The following content may not be acceptable:

• Any material which is in breach of the criminal law
• Material, including dialogue, likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity e.g. rape, incest or paedophilia.
• The portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent
• Penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm
• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual is unlikely to be unacceptable.

Our Thriller

We feel that our thriller should be rated a 15 because it means that young teens (15/16/17) can still watch our film. The film will be more psycological which means that it won't be too graphic, but the theme may be quite strong. Nudity will be either minimum or none at all and language at some parts may be strong interlectally wise.