Research on BBFC

The BBFC stands for The British Board of Film Classification and is the regulatory body that controls the British film industry. They create rules about film in the U.K. and decide what can and can't be shown in film as well as assigning age certificates for every film in the U.K. People can also complain to the BBFC if they are unhappy about the film they watched and want to complain. No film is allowed to go on the market if it hasn't received an age classification from the BBFC. 

 

Age certificates available- U, PG, 12A  (only available at cinemas), 12, 15, 18

 

What do they consider when awarding film certificates?

 

They have to consider scenes that would be disturbing or harming to a younger audience like:

 

> Strobe lighting 

> Scenes involving drugs, alcohol and/or cigarettes 

> Scenes involving child actors/characters       

> Scenes involving any kind of violence 

> Scenes involving sex and/or nudity 

> Scenes with discriminatory language 

> Scenes with obscene language

> Scenes involving self harm 

> Scenes involving criminal activity

> Scenes involving dangerous behaviour

They also consider context and if the film is reality or fantasy based or animated or live action. Normally animated or fantasy films can be given a low rating even if violence is portrayed as it is not deemed as 'real'. They consider the way in which issues are handled on screen; if drug use is showed in a minimal, sensitive fashion portraying it as something negative it may be given a lower rating to a film where drugs are used for fun without consequences. The tone of the film is also considered even if it doesn't include any obvious scenes containing any of the above. 

 

Using violence as a specific example:

> Does it seem normal?

> Why are they doing it? is it self defence? 

> Are there any injuries? has any harm been caused?

> Is the hero or villain being violent? 

> How does the perpetrator handle and treat the victim? 

> Is the violence enjoyed by the perpetrator or other characters?

> Is the violence glamorized?

> Is there a lot of violence?

> Is it realistic? 

> Do those get punished for doing violence? 

> These are all considered when determining what film certificate a film should get. 

 

The film certificate can also change depending on the format of its release, the BBFC are often stricter in dvd release than cinema release as they assume that people will be age checked when going to the cinema. 

 

The production company will send their film to the BBFC and they will give it an age certificate accordingly and they will then be able to release the film. However, if the production company is unhappy with the film they are able to go back and edit it for it to be re-rated by the BBFC. 

 

What film can/cant include to be awarded certain film certificates (info from the bbfc classification guidelines)-

 

Parental Guidance (PG)- this film should not disturb audiences 8 and older. No dangerous behaviour should be included that could influence younger children. Drugs and illegal substance abuse is only acceptable when carrying a strong anti-drug message with it. As well as discriminatory language- this is also only acceptable if it is disapproved of in the film. Mild bad language is acceptable but if used to frequently could make the rating higher. Any horror scenes that contain threat must not be prolonged, comedy and fantasy elements may change this however. Nudity is allowed if no sexual intent it applied, sexual activity may be implied but must be discreet. 

 

12A- this film will generally not contains material suitable for those under the age of 12. It is up to the parents if they choose to take a child under 12 to the cinema to watch a 12A rated movie. There should be no intended dangerous behavior which children would be obliged to copy, weapons should not be glamourized. Moderate bad language can be used depending on the way its used, discriminatory language must not be endorsed in the work as a whole. Drug use should not be glorified or shown with detail. If nudity is sexual it must be only shown briefly and discreetly. Some violent and threat scenes can be allowed if the overall tone of the film is not too strong or scary. 

 

15- violence and dangerous behaviour should not focus on any detail that could be copied. Discriminatory language is acceptable if it isn't a main focus of the film as a whole. There may also be strong language but very strong language may be permitted. Drug usage can be shown but not to promote any substance abuse. There are no restraints on nudity in a non sexual context, sexual nudity can be shown if it is brief with not much detail or if it is shown comically. Verbal references to sexual behaviour is acceptable. Threat, horror and violence are acceptable but should not be sadistic or be dwelled on any pain or injury. There can be strong verbal references to sexual threat and violence but should not be prolonged or detailed. 

 

18- any adults can watch this film at their own choice so little exceptions apply. If the material threatens the criminal law or has been created through a criminal defence it may not be aired. If the material seems to harm individuals it may also not be shown for example if rape is glorified. Films may be rated an R18 if the sexual content is more explicit. 

 

what would our certificate be and why?

 

In terms of our opening sequence and film idea, I think that it would be rated a 15 because there will be images of weapons in our opening sequences and criminal activity. If the whole film was made, I think it would contain some violence and threat as well as some strong language which is why I would give it an age 15 rating.