amended powerpoint on film classification

1. By Alex Dibble

2. • U: stands for Universal, should be suitable for
anyone from the age of four, though this can
depend on how sensitive a child is. Only mild
language such as ‘damn’ or ‘hell’ is allowed, and
there is no real reference to sexual behaviour.
There is only mild violence shown, such as brief
fight scenes, and the overall tone is reassuring.
PG: stands for Parental Guidance, which
should be suitable for anyone aged 8 or
over. There are still no inappropriate
themes, but issues such as bullying and
racism may be explored, with a emphasis
that it is wrong.
12&12A: Not suitable for anyone under 12,
all children must be accompanied by an
adult (12A films). Strong language may be
passed, but it depends on the context it is
used in. There are some moderate sex
references, and moderate violence is also
allowed, with no emphasis on injuries.
15: there can be frequent strong language,
nudity, discriminatory behaviour and drug
taking. However, there is still a strong
emphasis on not promoting this type of
behaviour. Any dangerous behaviour such
as suicide is not dwelled on in detail.
18: only adults are allowed to see these films, as there
are no limits on themes, unless it deemed harmful or
illegal. There can be very strong violence, frequent
strong language, and scenes of sexual violence which
would not be appropriate for anyone younger than 18.

3. Originally, local
authorities were
in charge of
authorising films
and licensing
the cinemas
that showed
them. Then the
BBFC (British
Board of Film
Classification)
was set up in
1912 to help
regulate the
standards of
film
classification
and have done
so ever since.
These are the
categories and
how they have
changed since
then.

4. • The BBFC watches any film made, certifies and gives it a
rating which is appropriate for the content in the film. This
is to make sure that any audience watches what is
appropriate for their age range, and that nothing
unsuitable is included in it.
• This classification, along with a synopsis of the film, is
usually given prior to it’s release so any potential
audience members can decide whether or not the film is
appropriate for them, or for any children they may be
accompanying.
• Also, they will make sure that they have assessed the
potential impact upon the target audience before release.
This means in for example children’s films, any negative
behaviour such as violence and racism that might be
shown has a strong emphasis on it being inappropriate.

5. • In some countries, film distributors, who bring the films to
the cinemas, will allow a certain film to be shown under a
higher film rating in one country and a lower one in
another. This is because the various different age ratings
differ in each country, and also they may have more strict
guidelines on what can be shown.
• In Commonwealth countries such as Australia, laws such
as the Commonwealth Classification Act 1995 are
followed which have restrictive guidelines so that only
appropriate material may be shown. However, in
Australia they have different states and territories that
can make their own additional legislations on films.

6. • In 1982 the ratings U, PG, 15 and 18 were introduced which are
still used today. However, it soon became apparent that the film
classification board needed to cater for the age gap between the
ratings PG and 15, because it meant anyone between those
ages were unable to see some films that might be appropriate for
their age. So in 1989 the 12 certificate was introduced, and the
first film to be awarded that rating was Tim Burton’s Batman
(1989). This was because this film had darker tones than
previous ones, as some characters such as the Joker may have
been scary for young children, but it would be acceptable for
younger teenagers to watch.