This document summarizes how the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rates films based on their content. It discusses the various rating categories (U, PG, 12A, 15, 18) and what types of content qualify a film for each rating. It explains that the BBFC aims to allow adults freedom of choice in films while also protecting children from unsuitable content. The ratings provide guidance on issues like violence, language, sex, and drug use that may be present in a rated film.

1. A journey into the realms of the Thriller Genre uncovering how
it pleases and targets it‟s audience.

2. As you can see there is a distinction
between not only gender but also if you are
under or over the age of 25. This implies
that depending on what quadrat applies to
you, you may use the media for different
uses and gratifications than a member of a
different quadrat. Basically, a rom-com is
less likely to appeal to a member of the
male over 25 quadrat than to the female
under 25. Thus I am going to use this
theory, along with some other to help me to
find my audience and target them
appropriately.
The four audience groups
Under 25 Male
Over 25 Male
Over 25 Female
Under 25 Female

3.  Thrillers main features are
suspense, tension and excitement.
 Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewer's
moods, giving them a high level of
anticipation, ultra-heightened
expectation, uncertainty, surprise, anxie
ty and terror.
 Most films involve violence or
emotional turmoil so they are unsuitable
for a really young audience.

4.  Taken from the BBFC website explaining why they feel the need to classify films.
“In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and
videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or
video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films
and videos before they are released.”
 This is what they take into consideration when deciding how to certify a film:
“We look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable
behavior, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the
work is also an important consideration. We also consider context, the tone and likely
impact of a work on the potential audience.”

5. The BBFC believes it is important to comply with what the public want. There are two
key principles which guide them when they apply the Guidelines:
 First, films and videos should be allowed to reach the widest audience appropriate for
their theme and treatment.
 Second, adults should be free to choose what they see, provided it remains within the
law and is not potentially harmful.
There is also a service called the BBFC insight. This is aimed at parents so they can
find out more information on what issues will be portrayed in films their children may
watch.

6. Universal- suitable for any age
Parental Guidance- Parental
guidance is required for
children below 8 years old or
sensitive children as content
may be slightly upsetting
This is used primarily for cinema
experiences.
This may have dark tones and
be unsuitable for younger
audience members, however
positive reinforcement may stop
the film from being considered a
15.

7. It portrays themes of:
1.
strong violence
2.
frequent strong language (eg 'f***').
3.
portrayals of sexual activity
4.
strong verbal references to sex
5.
sexual nudity
6.
brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal
references to sexual violence
7.
discriminatory language or behavior
No themes are prohibited.
• Strong language such as the C word may be used but
not extensively or in a threatening manor.
• Sex will be portrayed but not in a threatening, violent or
sadistic manor.
• Prejudice will be evident although it must not endorse
it.
• Drug use will be portrayed but again it will not be
encouraged it glamorised.

8. 18 works are for adults and can contain strong
issues such as:
 very strong violence
 frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and/or very
strong language (eg „c***‟)
 strong portrayals of sexual activity
 scenes of sexual violence
 strong horror
 strong blood and gore
 real sex (in some circumstances)
 discriminatory language and behaviour
Cuts can be made in 18 movies:
• where the material is in breach of the criminal
law, or has been created through the commission
of a criminal offence
• where material risks harm to individuals or, through
their behaviour, to society – for example, any
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 might, for
example, make rape look appealing
• where there are more explicit images of sexual
activity which cannot be justified by context. Such
images may be appropriate in R18 works and, in
„sex works‟ (see below), would normally be
confined to that category.