Jude White
A2 Media
9315
BBFC Ratings
In order to produce authentic media products for this unit, we will need to understand how film classification works in the UK, and rate our own work according to BBFC guidelines. The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) classifies films based on their content, organising them into different age-appropriacy groups. These BBFC classifications can be seen below. These classifications often have legal implications for cinemas, but not the end user in a home environment. A cinema may not, for example, allow a twelve year old to enter a screening of a film rated 15, or it will risk facing legal action. The most relevant restrictions to horror have been highlighted in RED.
U (Universal)
Universal films should ideally be suitable for children of four years and over. There can be 'U' films aimed at very young children, but this will be specified on the BBFC's website. There will only ever be very mild and infrequent use of bad language (such as 'damn' and 'hell'), and there will be no overt sexual references or behaviours, although characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be mild references to sexual behaviours. There will only ever be very mild violence in a 'U,' film, and the threat will be quickly resolved, with a 'reassuring' outcome. There will, in particular, be little or no emphasis on weapons with the exception of villain characters. Any anti-social or potentially dangerous behaviour will be presented in a negative light. These films are unlikely to contain discrimination unless specifically approved in certain circumstances; for example, if a villain picks on a protagonist in a children's film, and this is then overcome. There will not normally be any references to illegal or recreational drugs unless there is a specific message which will be understood by a younger audience.
PG (Parental Guidance)
PG films should be suitable for general viewing, but at parenal discretion. A PG film should not be distressing to a child of age eight or above, but not all PG films are aimed at children. A PG film may deal with heavy themes, but not themes that are inappropriate for a child. Examples could be bullying, bereavement etc. With regards to sexual references, these are unlikely but possible. For example, if an innuendo is unlikely to be understood by a child it may be allowed at PG. Relatively mild bad language may be passed at PG, such as 'shit,' but context and delivery is important; is used aggresively, the film may be passed in a higher category. Violence in a PG is usually mild; there may be some blood, but the acts of violence themselves would not be focused on in detail. 'Roller-coaster' action sequences, where the focus is on the characters and their journey rather than the violence itself, are common. In terms of threat and horror, a few 'jump' moments may be permissible dependent on duration and context. Any drug references will be mild and innocuous unless used with an educational purpose, or to deliver a strong anti-drug message. Any dangerous or anti-social behaviour that children may try to imitate will not go unchallenged.
12A and 12
12 rated films should not be seen by any child under 12. 12A is simply a symbol that says any child under 12 who wishes to see a 12-rated film at the cinema must be accompanied by an adult. The tone of a film is often a determining factor in whether it receives a 12 rating or higher. For example even if the individual themes in a film were deemed acceptable, a film with a deeply unsettling tone would likely receive a higher rating. Stronger language, such as f***, may be portayed, dependent on context. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed, but any content or references should not go beyond what is deemed suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed, but should not dwell on details such as blood or wounds. In certain circumstances, such as a medical drama, this may be allowed if brief. Some horror films, such as The Woman in Black, can be passed at this category; moderate physical and psychological threat is allowed provided the tone is not to disturbing. Suicide can be presented, but cannot be dwelled on or shown in copiable detail. Anti-social behaviour or drug use should not be glamourised or provide instructional detail.
15
15 rated films are deemed suitable for viewers aged fifteen and over. Anyone under the age fifteen will not be allowed to see these films at a cinema, regardless of whether they are accompanied by an adult. No themes are prohibited provided they are treated appropriately for a 15 year old. There could be a great deal of strong language, with even the strongest examples such as c*** being acceptable in certain contexts. There may be racist or discriminatory language, but at 15 it must not endorse the behaviour presented. Sexual activity can be presented, but usually without much detail. Sex scenes can be quite long at this category. There can be strong references to sex or sexual activity, but certain examples may not be acceptable based on detail or context. At 15, there can be strong violence, but it should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Sadistic content will not be passed at 15. There may be verbal reference to sexual violence (such as in a courtroom etc) but any actual depictions should be discreet and justified by context. There can be strong horror or threat at 15 provided there is not a focus on sadistic or sexualised threat. At 15, drug taking can be shown, but without endorsing or condoning the behaviour, or showing any instructional detail. The BBFC considers the impressionability of vulnerable teenagers, and dangerous behaviours such as self-harm and suicide should not be presented in copiable detail.
No films rated 18 are deemed suitable for children. There is no limit to the number of uses of strong language, and whilst the work may not breach appropriate legislation, racism or discrimination can be main themes of the work. Nudity in an educational or non-sexual context is unconstrained. However, anything that could be considered a sex work will be classified R18. This is not to say that 18 films cannot depict real sex, however, provided the main purpose is not arousal. Violence can be strong and intensely gory, or even sadistic. Drug-taking may be shown provided the film as a whole does not promote or encourage drug use. Material that depicts harmful behaviour which may be copied, or which is seen to promote the acts depicted, may be cut.
18
R18 is a rating usually reserved for pornographic material, and is of course not relevant to our film. R18 works are filtered out by search engines unless the user specifically enables them. R18 films may not be supplied by mail-order, and can only be shown in certain licensed cinemas.
To conclude, our film will most likely fall into the '15' age rating category, as do many psychological films with an emphasis on subtle horror, and a lack of overall violence.