2. The History of film Certification
From 1912 to 1932 there was only two film classifications; Universal, where
everyone could watch, and Adult, where children had to be accompanied
by an adult. From 1932 to 1951 the film certificate ‘Horrific’ was
introduced which meant you had to be over 16 to watch the film. In 1951
the name was changed to ‘x.’ From 1970 to 1982 the four film certificates
were; Universal, which meant suitable for all, Advisory, where those
aged 5 and older were admitted, but not recommended for children under
14 years of age, AA, where children 14 and over could watch, and x,
where people 18 and over could watch. In 1982 the film certificates
changed. There was still universal however there was now a ‘PG’ which
was parental guidance, a 15 for aged 15 and over and an 18 for aged 18
and over. In 1985 ‘Universal children’ was added which meant it was
suitable for all but especially for young children. In 1989 a 12 was added
which was for aged 12 and over. In 2002 the 12 certificate was modified
and a new one was introduced called a 12A. This meant anyone under
twelve had to be accompanied by an adult. Finally, in 2009, ‘universal
children’ was removed and leaves us with the certification system we
have in place today.
4. Film certificates impact on an
audience:
◻ Film certificates can mean targeting a certain audience. For
example, an adult who enjoys scary films would not want to watch a
‘Universal’ rated film as the storyline wouldn’t suit what they want. It
can help audiences rule out what sort of films they wouldn’t want to
watch and pick out a few that look appealing so they don’t waste
their time or money in a cinema. It also allows parents to get an
idea of what films would be suitable for their children to watch and
make sure they don’t see anything inappropriate.
◻ Film certification can also isolate groups of audiences. For example,
the trailer for a popular film may be released and look really good
however, if it was rated as an 18 the majority of teenagers wouldn’t
be able to go and see it. It could also put them off. Another example
would be a ‘PG’ rated film wouldn’t be appealing to an adult and
could therefore isolate children.
7. Case Study: Juno
Juno is a comedy drama about a streetwise 16 year old girl who gets
pregnant and decides to give her baby up for adoption. It was
submitted to the BBFC with a PG request however, the film
classification now is a 12A. This is due to the use of strong
language (f**k) and fairly frequent sexual references regardless of
them being comical. There is one very brief and discreet sex scene.
A cinema trailer for Juno, which cut together some of the film’s
highlights including some comic sex references, a passing mention
of hard drugs and sight of a character giving another ‘the finger’,
caused some complaints during its theatrical release – as it was
played before children’s film. The DVD version was passed for a 12
in 2008.
