Research into the BBFC - Miss Miller

Chloe Eustace

Research into the BBFC

BBFC

The BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification. This is a company that is very experienced in making a decision as to what audience a film to be released is suitable for. The aim of this is to make the audience aware if the film can or should be deemed appropriate. This helps to protect the public, especially children from content that might produce potential risks, such as threat or the infrequent copying of violent behaviour. Films are split into 6 different categories 'U, PG, 12A, 12, 15 and 18' and there is a specific requirement that the content in each film needs to pass in order to get the rating that they want. Every director for a film will have an outlook on what audience they want there film to be so the way that they produce there content is considered when choosing an age classification. The BBFC are in control of what age group each film can come under. The BBFC is not jut in control of the ages of cinema film they can control DVD, Bluray, Video Games and Film Trailers and if they are suitable for all audiences. 

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U

The letter ‘U’ (Universal) on a film means that the film is suitable for all, so any child of any age can see that film. There is almost nothing with that film that is deemed unsuitable for children, therefore no violence or sexual references/content is or can be included. The BBFC states that for a film to classify as a 'U' there can not be any violent behaviour that young children can copy, as well as there being no emphasis on any easily accessible weapons e.g. knives, guns, swords etc... As well as this violence must be very mild and should not cause any upset or anxiety to those over the age of 4.  

An example of a film that has an age certificate of ‘U’ is Despicable Me 2 (2013). This is certified a ‘U’ because there is no content within the film that is unsuitable for children specifically under the age of 8. Within this film there is two main characters that are villains and they try to outdo each other within the film with villain like things. During all this of which there is no use of weapons that could be used on a day to day basis. The protagonist through the film develops some feelings and adopts three small children who change his mind on the whole villain thing and he becomes the bigger man. In turn this means that at the end of the film the man that is still a villain gets his comeuppance and doesn't win. This film is suitable for all, therefore anyone who wants to watch it including children can. This film contains very mild scary scenes of violence. The script includes some rude words however nothing that would influence children. There is no sexual content other than the exception of kissing and a wedding. There is no Alcohol or drug use therefore this film is awarded a ‘U’ certificate. The poster for this film does not contain any threat or potentially dangerous violence.

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PG

PG (Parental Guidance), means that the recommendation is for parents to watch this film with children or possibly see the film  beforehand so that parents are aware of what content is in it, this means that all ages are permitted but certain scenes may not be suitable for young children. The film should not disturb or worry children aged 8 or over, therefore meaning that it is advised that those younger than 8 are accompanied by an adult. The PG film may contain mild language, very mild sex/drugs references. They may contain moderated violence.

An example of a film that has a Certificate ‘PG’ is  Frozen (2013). This has an age certificate of ‘PG’ because anyone can watch this film including children but parents are recommended that those under the age of 8 should watch the film with an adult.. In this film there is minimal sexual references or sexual activity with the exception of one kiss and two characters falling on top of each other by accident. The film is based around the idea of love and trying to get that in order to undo the past. Within the film there are playful characters such as a snowman and reindeer that can talk and therefore interact with a child audience. This films very friendly to children with the inclusion of happy easy songs that are not inappropriate for the audience that can be easily sang along with. There is no foul language however it does contain mild threat and/or a small amount of violence. There is small amounts of violence such as the fact that there is bullying, and weapons such as arrows, and swords, which are not weapons that can be accessed on a day to day basis so should not influence children directly. There are drinks served at a social event however there is no obvious reference to this being alcohol and there is no drug use.              (Picture Reference Google)

12A

This category applies within the cinema only and only with releases of film since 2002. The reasoning for the introduction of 12A films in 2002 is because some films did not pass the classifications in order to be a PG and so would have then been rated a 12. People thought that this was unfair because especially in big branded films that have been raged about for a long time like 'Spiderman' children will want to see it. Which is why in 2002 the film 'Spiderman' was the first film to come under the classification 12A. Films within this category are considered to be unsuitable for young children. It is recommended that children under the age of 12 do not watch the film however they can and may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult. Films within this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, infrequent strong language and moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual violence/activity may be briefly and discreetly be portrayed.

 An example of a 12A film is The Hunger Games Catching Fire (2013) which means that it was released in the cinema as a film that can be viewed by children under 12 with parent accompaniment. This film includes characters going into a gaming arena where there is a variety of weapons that are used in order to kill each other in the bid to survive. The characters throughout are close and many characters within the film do die. This film was awarded a ‘12A’ because it contains moderate violence and threat as well as infrequent strong language. It has intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images and suggestive situation language.  Characters remove dead animals and forced to attend ceremony’s with soldiers etc… There is also reference to the fact that there is people with in the arena that are dying and that is made very clear. Sexual content is minimal as characters kiss on several occasions, and a female character undresses and the back of her body is seen. The script contains some bad language however it is very minimal. There is Alcohol used because one of the main characters is an alcoholic, and they are given medical injections to relieve pain and cause sleep. This means that this film meets the BFFC’s criteria of 12A in cinema and was awarded a ’12’ for DVD release. (Picture Reference Google)

12

It is only films that are allowed for 12 years and up. The content of 12 is the same as the 12A, they are only different if there is too much of the content explained. Films within this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, infrequent strong language and moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual violence activity may be briefly and discreetly be portrayed.

An example of a film that was awarded ‘12’ was Gravity (2013). This film was awarded a ‘12’ because it contains sustained moderate threat, disturbing images and strong language. Within this film is violence of intense scenes of accidents in space including explosions, space debris, damage and corpses. Characters within the film experience distress and impending death. There is some brief strong language and a number of slang words and curses. There is limited Alcohol use when a character takes a swig of vodka. The requirements of this film being rated a ‘12’ is that there is some inappropriate content however it is the same criteria also of a ‘12A’. (Picture Reference Google)

15

These films are suitable for only people that are aged 15 and over. Films in this category can contain many adult themes such as mental illnesses, drug problems, alcohol issues or references to death. There can be hard drugs used within 15 films or reference to drug problems, regular use of bad language such as swear words and sexual words and limited use of very strong language. Strong violence including fights, and war as well as explosions can be shown and sex references as well as nudity without graphic detail can be portrayed to a 15 audience. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and justified by context.

An example of a certificate rated ‘15’ film is Silver Linings Playbook (2012), this was rated a ‘15’ because there is violence, including punching numerous times, a lot of physical fighting and wrestling. Within this film there is two mentally Ill characters and these are the protagonists of the film, which indicates that it would not be very acceptable for children as they are exploring life. Violating the law through the trying to communicate with someone with a court order on them. There is a lot of sexual activity within the film, with some people in the shower seeing limited nudity. There is sexual language within the film. There is a lot of foul and rude language used including swear words and sexual references. There is some mentally ill characters, alcohol use is in various scenes, as well as some betting scenes. This film was awarded a ‘15’ because it meets the BFFC criteria of too much violence and explicit scenes for those under the age of 15.

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18

These films are suitable only for those 18 and over meaning that only adults can view these films in the cinema. Films under the 18 category do not have limitation on foul language that is used therefore use of frequent swear words and sexual words, hard drugs are generally allowed and explicit sex scenes and references along with detailed sexual activity are also allowed within reason. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context, however is sill limited, the is however no use of pornography. Very strong, gory  and sadistic violence usually permitted with the use of dangerous weapons and hard drugs scenes are permitted as well as the use of alcohol and alcohol and drug issues.  Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is eroticized or excessively graphic.

An example of a film that was certificated ‘18’ is The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) this was rated an ‘18’ under the BBFC because it is unsuitable for view for those that are under the age of 18 years old due to the fact that there is sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout and there is some violence.

There is brief explicit violence, and sexual violence. There is some domestic content. Within this film there is frequent nudity and explicit sexual references within this film with the use of betting, alcohol and drugs frequently.

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Conclusion

In conclusion the importance of the BBFC with regards to films is that they are there to make people aware if or not a child or teenager should watch the film, and if it is deemed appropriate. They recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law. They help to respond and reflect changing social attitudes towards media content. 

This research into the BFFC age certificates will help me when it comes to deciding who I want my target audience to be for the film and bare that in mind when creating it so that the content within my film will meet these classifications so that those of a specific age are aware if they can watch it or not. When I come to creating my own thriller sequence the age classification I want to aim for is '15' because it is a more broad and varied age category. This means that the content that I will have to be mindful about is sexual content and to much violence. In order to get the classification I need to consider that the BBFC will not be mindful about anything that is inappropriate for a younger audience and so they will not give the classification that you want so my sequence must not have too much violence that can easily be copied or used in the same way and must have only brief sexual content in order to comply with the BBFC rules of age ratings and film classifications.