The BBFC

BBFC Age Certificates

The BBFC are the British Broadcasting of Film Classification. The BBFC has been sorting age classification of films since 1912. The role of the BBFC is to watch new films waiting to be released into cinema to decide which age certificate is appropriate for that particular film. The organisation aims to empower the public, especially parents to give them a choice of what they would like they child to watch. There are many age classifications ranging from a certificate of U through to 18.

                                                

The U symbol stands for Universal. A U rated film would be suitable for people aged 4 years and over and helps parents to decide whether they think the film is suitable for a child or not. Mild language is rarely used within a U rated film such as "damn" or "hell". The film would also not contain any sexual scenes as this wouldn't be appropriate for a younger viewer, however kissing or cuddling may be shown as a child may be used to this within the home. A U rated film would also not contain violence as this may scare or frighten a younger viewer. However, they may show behavior that a child can not pick up on or copy. This could be placing a character in danger which is then usually resolved. 

One example of a U rated film is "Monsters Inc" which is very well known and popular for all age ranges. I think Monsters Inc was given this age certificate because its child friendly and a happy, pleasant film to watch with a clear story line, and does not include any bad language. The only frightening scenes  could be is the monsters scaring children in the middle of the night. However, the film turns around this situation as it shows the monsters in a different light when they are caring for the child reassuring the younger audience watching the film that they are not horrible or bad characters.

A film with the rating PG stands for Parental Guidance. Meaning the film is suitable for general viewing, however instead of being rated as a U (Universal) adults and parents are advised to also watch the film with the child due to unsettling and difficult themes. PG films are classified as they generally involve topics such as bullying, death and racism, which are not unsuitable for a child to watch, but may cause upset as they may have experienced some of these issues. Sexual references are not used, or rarely used throughout a PG film similar to violence, however scenes may involve blood and fighting, but is not shown in detail or focused on so the child will not copy any certain aspects of from the film that they are watching.

An example of a PG film is "Home Alone". The film is suitable for general viewing from a wide range of ages, however may need an adult accompanying them as they may find themes that are being focused on difficult to view. Furthermore, some mild violence is shown throughout the film between the young boy who's house is being burgled and the burglars themselves. However the younger viewers are reassured as the film portrays the scenes in a humorous way which takes an uncertainty and fear away and enables them to enjoy the film. Lastly, like a stereo-typical PG rated film, it results in a happy ending as the burglars are caught and the child is reunited with his family and is no longer in any threat or danger.

Any film classified as a 12  is suitable for any child aged 12 or older as the topics or themes approached may not be appropriate for a younger viewer. A child under the age of 12 is not aloud to watch this film at the cinema and should not be aloud to watch the film at home. The BBFC say that strong language may be used in a 12 rated film, depending on how it is said, who is using the language, and how often it is used. Any form of aggressive and repetitive use of strong language would result in the film being given a higher age certificate. Films rated as a 12 will not contain heavily violent and gory scenes, they will mainly focus on the action or event that is occurring as they do not want or intend for a younger child to copy any bad behavior.

There is not much difference between films which are rated as a 12 and films that are rated as a 12A. The slight difference is between the ratings is that films rated 12A may involve and base the film on more controversial and upsetting themes which may be better for the younger viewer to be accompanied by an adult who will reassure them throughout the film. In addition to this, similar to a 12 rated film there is not any focused themes of violence and mainly focus on the event so it does not suggest to the younger viewer that the behavior is acceptable.

An example of a film with a 12A age rating is the well known romance film "The Fault in our Stars".  I think that it had this age certificate because the story line involved themes of terminal illness, and child cancer patients which could be upsetting for anybody let alone a child younger than 12.This film isn't like some other 12A films as it doesn't contain much fighting or much blood however does contain themes of alcohol which a adult may want to accompany a child for, however this is not glorified as the man who is drinking the alcohol is portrayed badly, so any younger viewers will not see this positively. Furthermore the film was also themed about love and was targeted towards teenage girls, so if this film was rated 15, alot of the target audience would not be aloud in to see this film. 

                                            

Films with a 15 age certificate means that no-one under the age of 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema due to the topics used and discussed throughout the film. A film rated 15 could possibly have alot of strong language and no themes are banned when creating the film, allowing violence, gore, sexual activity and remarks and also the use of drugs. This is because a 15 year old would most likely not find these themes upsetting or unsettling and may have been exposed to these themes before, and are now at the age to realise when something such as drug use is bad, so will not decide to copy this.  

                               

"Step Brothers" is an example of a film with an 15 age certificate This film is about two men still living at home, until their parents decide to get married and they have to become room-mates They have to overcome each others bad habits but find themselves hating each other in the process. I think "Step Brothers" has an age certificate of 15 because film strong language is frequently used throughout the film.The film is also rated as a 15 because it contains a limited amount of racism and dangerous behaviour such as vandalism of property. However all the behaviour is shown in a ridiculous unrealistic manor to make sure the audience's focus isn't fixated on this. However, if it wasn't shown unrealistically the age certificate could have possibly been raised to 18 as it would not have been suitable for 15 year olds.  

Films with an 18 age certificate indicates the film is only for adults. The content within 18 rated films contains strong violence, very strong language and discriminatory language and behavior. Within an 18 rated film there is no limit of the use of strong language and violence. Most horror films are rated at the "18" age certificate as they can contain strong gore, horror and sustained threat. 

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is a horror film with an age certificate of 18. The film is about a group of friends that help a traumatized young hitch-hiker by picking them up, however they find themselves stalked by a deformed chainsaw-wielding killer and his family of killers. The film contains violent scenes of horror and gore, and also sustained threat throughout.The film also contains strong language used throughout the film therefore it is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 18. This falls into the 18 rating as it contains scenes that are not permitted for any younger viewer to see. By researching information about the BBFC and different age classifications this has influenced me when I come to create my own thriller opening sequence as I will then know what is acceptable to put in the opening sequence to make sure it is appropriate for my target audience and the age range of my target audience.