The document discusses the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and its criteria for rating films, which includes assessment of context, tone, potential discrimination, drugs, language, sexual content, and violence. The specific film in question is rated as a 15 due to its references to suicide and graphic violence, although it aims to limit excessive content to appeal to audiences under 35. The film will primarily use suspense and horror themes while avoiding excessive gore to satisfy viewer preferences.

1. BBFC Post
The BBFC stands for the British Board of Film Classification and it is an independent, non-
governmental body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912 and also classifying
videos and DVDs since the Video Recording Act was passed in 1984.
In order to classify films they have to take in to account many things. The first thing they consider is
the context which decides whether the story is suitable for a certain age limit. Then the tone and
impact of the film is how it makes the audience feel. Therefore, if it fills the audience with suspense
it will not be suitable for a PG age limit. Also, the BBFC think about main issues raised within many
films. For example, the behaviour as to whether there is references to suicide or whether it
promotes self-harming issues. Then there is discrimination which is language or behaviour that is
frequent or aggressive. Also, discrimination involves the film targeting a certain race, religion,
gender, disability or sexual orientation. Drugs are an issue as to if they are shown within the film or
whether there are references towards them. Language is repeatedly or aggressively used. All
references to sex or explicit sexual images. Also, seeing nudity or sex education used within a film.
Finally, the usage of violence or horror. This is discussed as to whether there is violence towards
humans or animals and the film focuses on injury, violence or death. These are all considered as to
how much they are used and how explicit the usage of it all is to what rating is given to the
film.
Our film would be considered as a 15 for the film rating. We have decided to rate our film as a 15
due to the content that is involved within the film. To begin with we show a mentally unstable male
rocking within the corner of a derelict building. Which if shown to anyone under the age of 15 would
be disturbing for them to witness. Also, within the film opening we see the same man walking up
some steps to a noose. This then is a reference to suicide which is definitely not appropriate for
anyone under the age of 15 as it could lead them to think that it is the right thing to do if you aren’t
content with life at that moment in time. Also, if this film was to be seen by people under 15 then
they wouldn’t really understand the concept of the suicide which make them confused with the
storyline. Within the rest of the film we are going to include the footage of the male killing his family
members which could get graphic when talking about a brutal murder. This film part could be
considered as an 18 as it will be a really horrific scene. However, when it is considered with the rest
of the film which doesn’t involve a lot of obscene content. Then the film rating is only considered as
a 15. Throughout the film it will involve the theme of horror which will leave the audience in
suspense throughout the majority of the film. This means that the film wouldn’t be suitable to be
shown to an age grouping under this age limit as it will make them feel uncomfortable rather than in
suspense. Including all of this we see our film still suitable for our primary and secondary target
audience which is the females and males under the age of 35. This is because when we were
interviewing the said they didn’t want blood and gore included, and for our film we aim to include as
little as possible in it. Also, the film rating it high enough to allow certain issues within our film but it
Violence Graphic Violence
Language Mild Language
Sex/Nudity No sex/nudity references
Themes Horror, violence, behaviour

2. doesn’t allow for them to get over the top and start referencing all of the issues that BBFC discuss
within the majority of the film which is what an 18 could involve. As our film is a horror film we have
also decided to stick with the main theme of the film to be the horror, so the majority of the film will
be made up by using enigma as a suspense mechanism, Which then ensures that the film is suitable
for our target audience.