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Film classification
- 1. FILM CLASSIFICATION Eman Shah A2Media Studies
- 2. BBFC – Howdo they classify? In order to protect children from films which are unsuitable and may contain harmful content the British Board of Film Classification classify what age restrictions are placed on to films. They watch films and videos all the way through before they are released and then have the right to award each film with an age rating by using the classification guidelines. They look at subjects such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangers and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex and violence before making a choice of which classification. Also the classification of the DVD releases could be stricter and there is a greater chance of underage viewing in the home.
- 3. Universal The classification universalmeans that the film is suitable for all ages, but it is impossible to predict what may upset or hurt the child. A ‘U’ film should be suitable for all aged 4 years and above, there should be a positive moral within the film. Discrimination - No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of Drugs - No references to illegal drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear demonstration of educational purpose Imitable Behaviour - No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy and also no emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons Horror - Scary sequences should be brief and unlikely to cause anxiety to young children Language - Infrequent use only of very mild bad language Nudity - Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual content
- 4. Parental Guidance General viewingbut scenes might be unsuitable for younger audiences, Unaccompanied children of any age may watch a PG film as it should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children,. Discrimination Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of in an educational context. Drugs References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti drug message Imitable Behaviour No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy Language Mild bad language only Sex Sexual activity may be implied but should be discreet and infrequent.
- 5. 12 and 12A Thesame criteria is used to classify 12 and 12A. The material is classified in conjunction of it being suitable in general for those aged 12 and over. Films at the classification may upset children under 12 and or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. The 12A classification only exists for cinema films and no one younger than 12 may see it unless accompanied by and adult. Discrimination Discriminatory language or behaviour must be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned. Drugs Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail Language Moderate language is allowed Sex Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers/ Theme Mature themes are acceptable, but it must be suitable for young children
- 6. 15 A 15 ratedfilm is only suitable for people of 15 years or over. Therefore no one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ rated film in cinema or rent/buy a 15 DVD. Discrimination The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Drugs Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example solvents) in unlikely to be acceptable Language There may be frequent use of strong for example the word ‘fuck’. Aggressive or repeated use of strong language is unlikely to be acceptable Nudity Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail Sex Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal of references to sexual behaviour but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context.
- 7. 18 An 18 filmis only suitable for adults and no one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in the cinemas and they are not allowed to rent or buy and 18 DVD. In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998 at 18 the BBFC’s guidelines concerns will not normally override the principles that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Where the material is in breach of the criminal law or has been created through the commission of criminal violence Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to an individuals or, through their behaviour or society for example any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health morals Sex education at 18 Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex, explicit images or sexual activity Sex work at 18 Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex work containing only material which may be stimulated are generally passed ’18’.