This document outlines the BBFC film classification guidelines for films rated 15. Films rated 15 can contain strong violence, frequent strong language like fuck, portrayals of sexual activity and references to sex, brief nudity, and references to sexual violence or discrimination as long as they are not endorsed. Drug use may be depicted but not in a way that promotes misuse, and very dangerous behaviors that teens could copy should not be dwelled upon.

1. RESE

2. Melody and I have decided to make a trailer
for a film with the BBFC classification of 15.
The 15 symbol means that no one under the
age of 15 is permitted to see a 15 film at
the cinema or buy/rent a15 rated DVD. '15
rated works are not suitable for children
under 15 years of age (BBFC)'.
'Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be
strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic
or sexualised), although the strongest gory images
are unlikely to be acceptable (BBFC)'.

3. 15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could
include any of the following:
●
strong violence
●
frequent strong language (eg 'fuck').
●
portrayals of sexual activity
●
strong verbal references to sex
●
sexual nudity
●
brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual
violence
●
discriminatory language or behaviour
●
drug taking

4. Language:
At 15 there is no upper limit on the
number of uses of strong language (eg fuck).
Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest
terms (eg 'cunt'), although continued or aggressive
use will not normally be passed 15.
There may be racist, homophobic or other
discriminatory language, and the work could
explore themes relating to this.
However, at 15 the work as a whole must not
endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

5. Violence:
15 violence may be strong. It should not dwell on the
infliction of pain or injury, however, and the strongest
gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to
be acceptable.
Easily accessible weapons may not be glamorised.
There may be detailed verbal references to sexual
violence (for example descriptions of rape or sexual
assault in a courtroom scene or in victim testimony) but
any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and
have a strong contextual justification.

6. Sex and nudity:
At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, as long as there is
no strong or graphic detail. Some sex scenes can be quite
long at this category and may involve some nudity and
movement. Though nudity may be allowed in a sexual
context there should be no strong detail.
There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or
educational context.
There can be strong references to sex and sexual
behaviour, but especially strong or crude references are
unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context.
Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are
treated the same.

7. Drugs:
At 15 drug taking may be shown but the work as a
whole must not promote or encourage drug
misuse.
The misuse of easily accessible and highly
dangerous substances like aerosols or solvents is
unlikely to be acceptable at 15.

8. Dangerous behavious/things teens might copy:
We consider the risk of potential harm to
impressionable teenagers. For example,
dangerous behaviour such as hanging, suicide
and self-harming should not dwell on detail which
could be copied.