Research into age certificates and the BBFC - Miss Georgiou

 The BBFC

 

 The BBFC (Board of film classification)are responsible for the classification and censorship of films in the United kingdom. They censor DVD's, videos and video games. They rate films from U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18, they rate the films as they seem appropriate based on whether the film is adequate for children to watch. These things include: drug references, sex, violence, aggressive language, discrimination, nudity, mature themes,gory violence. These help to make sure that young children or people under the age of the certificate aren't exposed to something they shouldn't be watching or viewing, also if the film is too scary that they don't get nightmares or feel shocked from what they are seeing. The BBFC on average views and classifies 600 films, 12,000 DVDs 200 trailers and 800 adverts, and from all of these only 29 have been rejected in the last 10 years.

U (universal) rated films means that the films are suitable for any age group as they have nothing unsuitable for children. These type of films usually have a very basic story line that everyone can understand and has a happy ending for example sleeping beauty as it has a simple story line and has a happy fairytale ending.






PG (parental guidance) films are admitted for all ages, but some scenes may be inappropriate for children as they may have slight drug/sex references, mild bad language and fantasy violence, therefore they should have a parent of guardian with them in case they get scared. Harry Potter is a PG as although it contains some moderate violence younger viewers would be interested in the films if they had read the books, therefore they are still able to see the film.

 12A films were introduced in 2002 because of a recent spider man film included a violent scene in it towards the end. The BBFC wanted to rate the film a 15 but decided to create a 12A certificate, so that the young children who look up to spider man as a comic book hero would still be able to watch the film with someone to look after them if they became scared or confused with the film. 12A films can include mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, infrequent strong language, moderate violence, sex references and nudity. An example of this is iron man 3, as there is infrequent bad language and violent scenes.

12 rated films are for those aged 12 and above. These films can include strong language, drug references, sex and mild violence. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is a 12 as it includes some mature themes, drug use and sex references that younger viewers may be confused and disturbed about as they are not old enough to be exposed to them.

 

 15 certificate films require someone aged 15+ to view them as they include adult themes, drug use, frequent strong language and limited very strong language, strong sex references and nudity. An example of this would be The Breakfast Club as the film contains sex references, drug use and strong language, this certificate is appropriate for this film as younger views may be offended by the context and not understand what is happening.




18 certificate films are of viewers aged 18+ as they include hard sex references, strong drug use, strong language, sex scenes and very strong/gory sadistic violence. 18 Films should not be viewed by younger viewers as they shouldn't be exposed to films that are going to scare them or give them wrong and false impressions of drug use. Younger viewers may tend to copy what happens in films so watching very violent films would not be appropriate. Trainspotting is classed as an 18 as all throughout drugs are heavily used, strong language and sex are also included. Trainspotting's target audience would probably be older teenagers/young adults as the film portrays a gory realistic portray of drug abuse and would not be appropriate for any younger viewers.

For my thriller clip, i would aim it to be age certificate 15 as it doesn't limit my audience age too much, and i can still use different cinematography and mise en scene to create a good suspense filled thriller. I wouldn't be able to include any gore or strong language which would help cut costs whilst filming as well and may put some viewers off.