2. What/Who is BBFC?
• BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification and
it was created by members of the film industry in 1912,
and it allowed the industry to censor and certificate
films rather than the government taking this role.
Although there is now a board the government still has
ties with the BBFC.
• The BBFC award certification on the basis of how much
sex/nudity, violence, drug use and strong language is
included within the film. All these factors will prohibit
minors of a certain age to watching the film in cinemas,
or even purchasing the material on DVD or Blu-Ray
disc.
3. Certifications
• At present there are five different certifications:
• Universal – There is no unsuitable content for very young children, and can
be viewed by everyone.
• PG (Parental Guidance) – Viewable for all ages, may unsettle young
children.
• 12a – Used to be known as ‘12’ however the BBFC altered this to allow
those under the age of 12 to view this material when accompanied by an
adult. 12a usually contain moderate adult themes, drug use, strong
language and some brief sexual references/nudity.
• 15 – Only those who are aged 15 and above are allowed to view material
that has a 15 certification, this is due to the fact that the material usually
contains moderate adult themes, drug use, strong language, sexual
activity/nudity and violence.
• 18 – Only suitable for those aged 18 and above; material usually contains
no limits of violence and strong language, there is also constant drug use
and sexual activity.
4. Certification for my documentary
• I believe that my documentary would get a certification
rating of ‘PG’ (Parental Guidance), I have decided that
it should be a ‘PG’ rather than a ‘U’ as it discusses a
distressing theme (Bullying) that may upset those of
younger years. Also themes that are projected within a
‘PG’ rated production should not upset anyone above
the age of 8 years old, therefore the theme of bullying
is only spoken about directly through narration and
within some interviews that are conducted during the
documentary; this is to help it follow the conventions
of a ‘PG’ certified film/production.
