BBFC classification guidelines

The BBFC Classification Guidelines:

The BBFC or British Board of film Classification is the organisation legally responsible for film classification across the United Kingdom. The BBFC have the power to persuade cinemas into choosing the movies they will show at cinemas as many local authorities rely on the certifications of the BBFC.  Every film released in the UK must have an age certificate by the BBFC, which limits the ages of the audience that can watch, rent or by a specific movie. The BBFC sets guidelines that assess the appropriate viewing rate for theatrical films. These guidelines include Discrimination, Drugs, Horror, Imitable behaviour, Language, Nudity, Sex, Theme and Violence. All films in the United Kingdom are classified by these absolute guidelines. The certifications add details to allow the audience to witness the conventions that have placed a specific film into a certification. The BBFc’s guidelines are crucial for the audience and the BBFC has broken the certificates into “U” “PG” “12” “15” and “18” guidelines, all according to age. These certificates define the movie to the audience and also prohibit certain age groups attending movies as it may psychologically affect them.

Universal (U) – A universal certified film is suitable for all ages. The BBFC believe that it is impossible to predict what may upset a child in this movie. Universal films should be set in a positive moral framework that counterbalances any violence threat or horror. The Conventions within a universal film would show that:

·        Discrimination – No discriminatory behaviour

·        Drugs – Drugs can only be approved if they are being used to teach morals

·        Horror – Mild sequences, which will not cause anxiety to young children. The outcome must be reassuring.

·        Imitable Behaviour – No Dangerous behaviour that children will imitate and no emphasis on easily accessible weapons.

·        Language – Very mild bad language.

·        Nudity – Occasional natural nudity, but no sexual content.

·        Sex – Mild sexual behaviour for example kissing and inferences.

·        Theme – The theme must be sensitive for young children.

·        Violence – Mild violence used.

An example of a Universal certified film is the 2003 film “Finding Nemo” which was certified as available for all ages by the BBFC.

The Trailer of “Finding Nemo” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfgeIZyrIM0

“Finding Nemo” is an example of a universally certified film. However, a thriller sequence could not be certified as a “U” as it would restrict the amount of psychological tension and suspense, as it would be more than likely that young children may be affected from sequences of the thriller genre. The only positive would be that the audience will not be restricted.

Parental guidance (PG) – A “PG” certified film is classified as general viewing however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children to watch. A child accompanied by an adult may watch a PG rated movie, but parents should assess whether the context may upset a child less than 8 years of age or children with a more sensitive nature. The Conventions within a Parental Guidance film would show that:

·        Discrimination – Unlikely unless it refers to educational or historical context.

·        Drugs – Reference to drugs must be negative and portray that drugs are wrong.

·        Horror – Sequences must not be too intense or prolonged. Fantasy sequences are alternatives.

·        Imitable Behaviour – No focus on dangerous acts a child is likely to follow.  

·        Language – Mild bad language only

·        Nudity – Natural nudity and no sexual content

·        Sex – Sex activity can be implied, and innuendo can be shown

·        Theme – Serious themes such as domestic violence should be condoned as wrong.

·        Violence – Moderate Violence without too much detail.

An example of a Parental Guidance certified film is the 2002 film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” The BBFC believed that parents should asses the movie before taking their children to watch the film. 

The Trailer of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmPrfYkpwTY

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is an example of a Parental Guided certified film. However, similarly to a universally certified film a parental guided film would restrict the amount of psychological tension and suspense within the thriller sequence. Although parents would be able to assess if the sequence would be suitable, a Parental Guided film still dilutes the true conventions of a thriller film as it could affect young children.

12A – A “12A” certified film is suitable for children aged 12 years and over. The content is only suitable for people aged 12 and over and younger children are advised not to watch, as it may cause upset. No one under 12 may see a “12A” film unless accompanied by an adult, if the adult’s judgement is suitable for the film. This moves the responsibility of the child’s actions on to the adult. The Conventions within a “12A” film would show that:

·        Discrimination – Discriminatory behaviour must not be constantly used.

·        Drugs – Any misuse of drugs should not be glamorised and scenes involving drugs must be infrequent.

·        Horror – Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted, but these scenes are not frequent.

·        Imitable Behaviour – Dangerous behaviour should not be copied or appear harm free.

·        Language – Moderate Language can be used and bad language must be infrequent

·        Nudity – Sexual content must be brief and discreet

·        Sex – Sex can be briefly portrayed. These scenes must not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.

·        Theme – Most themes are acceptable as long as they are suitable for young teenagers.

·        Violence – Moderate violence, but not dwelled upon. There should be no emphasis on blood, but occasional gory sequences can be accepted if it is related to the context. Sexual violence must be implied and have strong contextual justification.

An example of a “12A” certified film is the 2007 film “Spiderman 3.” The BBFC believed that children under 12 should be accompanied with an adult when watching this film. 

The Trailer of “Spiderman 3” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szh5ZsAcgJU

“Spiderman 3” is an example of a 12A certified film. However, unlike universally certified films and parental guided films and thriller sequence could be introduced at the rating of a “12A.” This rating allows a thriller that plays on mild suspense and tension to develop however some conventions in this guideline would still restrict the sequence developing in full contextual depth. An example would be the limit of  horror as only mild psychological threat is accepted and the scenes must be infrequent, but this is crucial factor in Thriller scenes.

15 – A “15” certified film is suitable for people aged 15 years and over. It is prohibited for people under the age of this group. The Conventions within a “15” certified film would show that:

·        Discrimination – The film must no completely endorse discriminatory behaviour.

·        Drugs – Drugs can be shown, but the movie must not encourage drug misuse.

·        Horror – Strong threat or menace are permitted, unless they are sadistic or sexualised.

·        Imitable Behaviour – Dangerous behaviour should not be dwelled upon or glorified.

·        Language – Frequent use of strong language, but harsher terms e.g. “cunt” must have a relation to the context. Words can be repeated

·        Nudity – Nudity is acceptable without strong detail.

·        Sex – Sexual activity is acceptable without too much detail. There can be strong references to sexual behaviour and it must be justified by the context. Sexual arousal is accepted.

·        Theme – No theme is prohibited, as well as it is suitable for 15 year olds.

·        Violence – Violence is accepted, but it cannot dwell on the infliction of pain and injury. Strong gory images are not acceptable

An example of a “15” certified film is the 2007 film “Kingdom.” The BBFC believed that children and adults over 15 are recommended age to watch this movie.  

The Trailer of “Kingdom” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGcdCjg_cMc

“Kingdom” is an example of a 15 certified film. Similar to “12A” certified film thriller sequences can be used within this rating as the conventions situated within a “15” certified film can apply to a thriller sequence.  A thriller sequence would be easily portrayed within this certification as fear, threat and mild horror can be applied to the sequence. A certification of “15” would help the audience asses that there will not be too much horror within the sequence because it is not an “18” certified film, which would possible play on the horror frequency of the thriller genre.

An “18” certified film is suitable for people aged 18 years and over. It is prohibited for people under the age of 18. An “18” certified film must relate to the 1998 Human Rights Act which focuses on what adults should be able to watch. Exceptions would be found in the following areas.

·        The material may breach criminal law or has been commissioned through a criminal offense.

·        The film appears to risk harm to society e.g. dangerous acts, which could effect social or political morals.

·        Explicit images must be justified within the content.

Other conventions in the “18” certification include:

·        Sex education – sex material informs and education’s matters in human sexuality.

·        Sex works – the focus on sexual arousal and stimulation and these stimulation are generally passed.

An example of a “18” certified film is the 2007 film “28 Weeks Later.” The BBFC believed that children and adults over 18 are recommended age to watch this movie.  

The Trailer of “28 Weeks Later” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiLQmDBQawE

“28 Weeks Later” is an example of an “18” certified film. Unlike the ratings of “12A” and “15” certified films “18” certified films could limit the age groups of people that will be able to watch our thriller sequence. The general age group of thriller as 14 – 20 year olds and if our thriller sequence was certified “18” our audience would be limited.  People may expect more gory scenes and horror in an “18” certified film and this is not an ideal convention for the thriller genre. A certification of “18” may provided limitations for our thriller genre.  

Apart from these age guidelines, the BBFC also look at legal laws in society. These include:

·        The obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964

·        Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008

·        The Protection of Children Act 1978

·        The Animal Welfare Act 2006

These acts of legislation also contribute to the final certification the BBFC give to films

Questions in regards to guidelines:

How would each of the possible classifications affect the options for your film?

Our opening sequence is in relation to the thriller genre. This would require some psychological suspense and dramatic tension that may affect the audience. However, the certifications of “12A” and “15” can be considered as possible classifications for the thriller sequence. The guideline of “12A” could be ideal as it provides the audience with enough suspense without using gory images or psychologically affecting a young audience of 12 years and above. In addition, this would lead to the certification of “15” which would further allow our opening sequence to target a slightly older audience who could be more aware of certain physical or psychological effects situated within the sequence.

 

However the “18” certification may not be the best candidate for the thriller sequence. The “18” certification can relate to the thriller genre. However, if the audience saw that our thriller sequence was rated “18” the may believe that the sequence would relate closer to the horror genre. An example of this is “28 Days later” which is acknowledged in both the thriller and horror genre. This may damage the effect of our thriller sequence and the audience we may want to attract.

 

Which classification will be the most suitable in terms of audience and content appropriate for the thriller genre?

The best classification for a thriller sequence would be a “15” as it allows the directors to expand their conventions applied in the sequence, something they may not be able to do in the “12A” certification. However, the “12A” certification could also be equally effective, but it may depend on the subgenre of the sequence. An example of a “12A” thriller would include “Flight Plan” whilst other thrillers such as “Phone Booth” have been classified under the certificate of “15.” Both certifications can be equally effective, but it depends on the subgenre of the sequence and the approach directors may want to take in regards to the sequence e.g. Themes.