BBFC - Film Trailer

1. British Board of Film
Classification (BBFC)
During most trailers, the age rating of the film is normally displayed, this
is to warn the audience of the rating and suitable audience for the film.
However, these ratings are chosen by the British Board of Film
Classification. So because of this I have researched this company to see
how and what they class in the different age ratings

2. The BBFC (British board of film classification) protect children from unsuitable content in
films and videos which is why they all have age ratings. These ratings give the consumers
information they might need about the particular film before viewing it. The independent
scrutiny prior to the release of new films ensures the highest possible level of protection
and empowerment.
To make a fair judgement on the rating the film proceeds to be released at is a relatively
long process as typically, two examiners view a film for the theatrical release and in most
cases a senior examiner will conform the recommendation. This process is why
sometimes films are being advertised but are shown to have no age rating as it is still
being classified.
The BBFC look at issues such as discrimination, horror, drugs, dangerous behavior, nudity,
sex, language and violence. All of these aspects are kept in mind when providing the film
with the appropriate certificate.

3. U – Universal
Universal more commonly known as a U film is suitable for all
audiences above the age of four. However, it is still impossible to
predict what might upset a particular child. So because of this it is the
parents responsibility to let there child watch it regarding the
classification given. Stereotypically a U film should be set within a
positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any
violence. Throughout the film discrimination and bad language should
be very limited, the use of drugs is only accepted if it provides a well
reasoned educational message. Both nudity and sex have to be very
little, meaning that the idea of sex in a U film would be kissing.

4. PG – Parental Guidance
PG- Parental Guidance basically means a general viewing however, some scenes may be
unsuitable for very young children. The specification says that a PG film should not
unsettle a child aged 8 or over. The certificate PG allows unaccompanied children to
watch, but parents are required to consider whether the content may upset younger
children.
Discrimination and bad language is unlikely to be deemed acceptable for a PG film unless
used in an educational or historical context. The use of drugs in a PG is very small as they
believe they are only acceptable if they carry a suitable anti-drug message. Nudity and
violence will be very mild in these films.

5. 12/12A
12a / 12 – Films classified with this particular age rating contain material that is not suitable for children
aged fewer than 12. If the film has a 12A certificate no one under the age of 12 can view this unless they
are under supervision by an adult. A 12A allows the parent/guardian to decide whether they want the
younger viewer to watch the film.
Within this certificate discrimination and language may be moderate as it is for an older audience but
the misuse of drugs must be infrequent and shouldn’t be glamorized to this age range. The use of sexual
references and nudity in 12’s can be allowed as long as it is brief when referring to sexual context. Finally
violence and threat can be more exposed, however, there shouldn’t be details on the injuries meaning
no focusing on injuries or blood, some people may refer to this a ‘comical violence’.

6. 15
15 – If the film has a certificate of 15 it means that no one younger the 15
can view the film in the cinema or buy and rent a 15 rated video. This is
due to the strong nature of discrimination and language that can be used
within the film. This film can allow homophobic themes and can contain
very strong language depending on its context. The limited use of drugs
and violence in the previous rated films is lifted as they can now express
drug taking and express violence. Also sex and nudity is freely allowed in
a 15 rated movie as long as it is not expressed in strong detail, this also
allows strong references to these particular subjects to be deemed
acceptable.

7. 18 18 rated films shouldn’t be viewed by anyone under
the age of 18. It is deemed that adults should be free
to choose their own entertainment however, there are
some exceptions:
When the material being expressed is in breach of
criminal law
When the material appears to be a risk/harm to
individuals through the behavior demonstrated.
Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity
in the context of sex work

8. R18
R18 – This rated movie is to be only shown in licensed cinemas and
supplied only in licensed sex shops as it is only for adults. The R18
category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for
explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving
adults.