2. Introduction
The BBFC is used to classify films nationally, this organisation was setup in
1912.
Their aim is to provide consumers with information regarding the content
of the film.
Each film is given an age rating to dictate its suitability of viewing for
particular ages, this is established by the application of standards and
criteria found inside the BBFC Classification guidelines.
As my film is aimed at individuals as young as 15, I will be looking at 15
age rated films and then comparing that to 18 age rated films to see what
has been changed or altered to appeal to an older audience. I need to
make sure that my film falls into the guidelines of 15 age rated films as this
will allow the film to be viewed by a wider audience.
3. The BBFC
The BBFC dictates its age rating on films by following a set of
‘Classification Guidelines’.
The age rating guidelines were produced by professional individuals as
well as the public. They are constantly being changed and are based of
changes in society such as (public taste, attitudes or concerns and the law).
From the BBFC’s website http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-
classification/guidelines I can see that they are focussing on protecting the
public from ‘potentially harmful or unsuitable media content’ as well as
allowing viewers to ‘make informed viewing decisions’.
5. 15 Rated Movies
A film rated 15 means no viewers under the age of 15 are able to
watch that particular film.
Drugs taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not
promote or encourage drug misuse (for example, through
instructional detail).
The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances
(for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
Discriminatory Behaviour shouldn’t endorse discriminatory
language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic
or other discriminatory themes and language.
6. 15 Rated Movies
Imitable Behaviour this could be Dangerous behaviour (for
example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell
on detail which could be copied. Whether the depiction of
easily accessible weapons is acceptable will depend on factors
such as realism, context and setting.
Language may be strong. Very strong language may be
permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who
is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole
and any special contextual justification or reason for using it.
7. 15 Rated Movies
Nudity there are limited restrictions on nudity, unless in a
sexual context. When shown to the viewer in a sexual context,
the detail needs to be very limited.
Sexual Reference may be portrayed, but usually without
strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual
behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be
acceptable unless justified by a good enough contextual
reason. Films whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or
stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable and are rejected by
the BBFC.
8. 15 Rated Movies
Threat & horror may be strong. A sustained focus on sadistic
or sexual threat is unlikely to be acceptable.
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction
of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be
accepted. Strong sadistic violence is also unlikely to be
acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual
violence but the use of sexual violence must be discreet and
justified by context.
As the violence increases so does the age rating.
9. Examples of banned films
Freaks was banned by the BBFC.
The clinching argument that finally took the film
to 15 was based upon the climactic scene when
the ‘freaks’ wrought their revenge on the bullying
Hercules.
Increasing the age restriction to a 15 limited the
films success as a smaller audience could watch
the film.
11. 18 Rated Movies
A film rated 18 means no viewers under the age of 18 are able
to watch that particular film.
The films rated 15 that contain over detailed sexual scenes or
graphical content would be classed as a 18 age rated film.
12. 18 Rated Movies
Exceptions to freedom of choice
where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created
through the commission of a criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to us to risk harm to individuals or,
through their behaviour, to society. For example, the detailed portrayal of
violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to
public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual violence which
make this violence look appealing; reinforce the suggestion that victims enjoy
sexual violence; or which invite viewer complicity in sexual violence or other
harmful violent activities.
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity in the context of a
sex work or where the primary purpose of the images in question is sexual
arousal In the case of video works, which may be more accessible to younger
viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.
13. Examples of banned films
A Serbian film was banned due to the extremity of
the extremely strong and graphic gore, and
extraordinarily unusual violence and sexual
violence.
The film was only offered an 18 rating once it had
been cut adequately.
But it was still banned in over ten countries due to
its horrifying nature.
14. R18 Rated Movies
Exceptions to freedom of choice
In addition to the ‘18 Classification, the BBFC created an ‘R18’
category (R stands for restricted). Content of this calibre must be
only in specially licensed cinemas or licensed sex shops, as this
content is produced with a different intention for the audience.
Films of this category are never to be shown those under 18 &
are never to be shipped by mail.
15. Conclusion
So to conclude my research into the BBFC I can see that films targeted to a
certain audience need to comply with the regulations of that age for instance a
film aimed at 17 year old would need to involve the most entertaining content
possible for that audience but within the 15 age rated guidelines. Films that are
able to have a lower age rating are able to also take advantage of further
audiences that should increase revenue. So therefore some films hide or
remove scenes that are to sexually explicit as it will improve the volume of
viewers the film is capable of receiving.
So from the information I have gathered I can specifically select content that
will appeal to my audience but also content that complies with the BBFC
guidelines. This will allow my film to be effectively distributed to the TA without
any issues, and it should make the film the best it possibly can be.
Sources for BBFC - http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/guidelines
