The document discusses the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and their age rating system for films and videos in the UK. It provides details on the content guidelines for each rating, from U which is suitable for all ages, up to 18 which is only for adults. It also discusses targeting a 12A or 15 rating for a new thriller film to attract audiences while allowing for horror and intense content.

1. The BBFC
BEN IRELAND

2. What is the BBFC?
 The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-
governmental body.
 It has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912 and
videos/ DVDs since the Video Recordings Act was passed in
1984.

3. Age ratings
Suitable for all audiences
Parental guidance
Cinema release suitable for 12
years and over
Video release suitable for 12
years and over
Suitable for 15 years and over
Suitable only for adults

4.  This age rating means the media text is suitable for ages.
 Very little bad language, words such as ‘damn’ and ‘hell.’
 No sexual content, only really incorporates kissing/cuddling.
 There is very little violence and the fight scenes are short.
 Emotional stressful scenes are quickly reassured with a positive outcome.
 No reference to drugs
 Aimed at 4-8 year olds.

5.  PG stands for parental guidance. This means the film is suitable for
general viewing but shouldn’t upset viewers around 8 or older.
 Common themes of a PG involve dealing with issues such as bullying.
 Lack of sexual references, only innuendos.
 The violence is very mild, there may still be blood in the film but the
audience do not see it to the extent of the damage/stab wounds etc.

6.  The difference between a 12a and a 12 is that in a 12a, any under 12’s
must be accompanied by an adult.
 Strong language is used such as (f***) however it does depend on the
frequency, who says it and how many times it is said.
 Derogatory language and discrimination is very unlikely to pass as a 12 or
12a.
 Sex may be shown briefly. Sex references should not go past what is
acceptable for a teenager.
 Horrors can pass for a 12a
 No emphasis on blood but gore may be shown briefly.

7.  Nobody under 15 is allowed to see the film.
 Strong violence, sexual activity, nudity, sexual reference, drug
taking, sexual violence or reference to sexual violence.
 No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is suitable for a
15 year old.
 May be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory terms.

8.  No one under 18 is allowed to watch/rent/buy an 18 rated film.
 No theme is prohibited.
 Strong language and violence, portrays of sexual activity, sexual
violence, blood and gore, strong horror, real sex, discriminatory
language is all permitted.
 Drug taking is permitted in the film.

9. Our thriller
 To attract audiences we could consider doing what the producers of the
Woman in Black did and try to make it a 12a. It was successful for the
Woman in Black because fans of Daniel Radcliffe want to see where his
career would take him next.
 Also a 12a does permit the use of horror, so horror-thriller hybrid is an
option.
 However a 12a does not permit the use of blood or anything, so a 15 may
open the doors for more opportunities for the content of our film.
 We need to make an intense opening to our thriller as thriller openings
take an intense start on the film and drop the audience in the
disequilibrium.