Research into the BBFC - Miss Miller

BBFC

The BBFC, British Board of Film Classification, is an organisation responsible for censoring and providing age classifications for newly released films. The BBFC do this for many reasons, one of these being to protect the public, especially children, from content which may raise potential risks of harm.  They also empower the public, particularly parents, to make informed viewing choices. Furthermore, this organisation respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media content through discussions with the public and research. They also recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law.



Age Classification


There are many different certificates the BBFC can award a specific film. These include; U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 & 18. They base this decision upon the nature of the content. For example, if a film has a lot of blood and gore as well as scenes of a violent manner it would be awarded a 18 certificate as it is inappropriate for an audience of a younger age.



U Certificate

The U certificate stands for Universal, this means that films awarded with this are suitable for a viewing audience of all ages.  However, this only applies to young children at an age of 4 and above with an insight stating particular films are suitable for preschool children. The U rating means that no significant issues are raised regarding discrimination, drugs, imitable behaviour, strong language, nudity, sex, threat or violence. Very mild language is generally used and it is ensured that this language is used infrequently, for example bad words such as 'damn' or 'hell'. Furthermore, very few images of a sexual nature are shown in u films however some films may include characters cuddling or kissing but no immediate focus is placed upon sexual behaviour, language or innuendo. Consequently, sex and sexual references are treated identically to sexuality so there could be mild or undetailed references with the U certificate. Also, violent scenes are also used very mildly sometimes but not often featuring a brief fight sequence and a position where certain characters may be placed in danger. However, moments where emotional stress is clearly demonstrated is resolved quickly with a reassuring and positive outcome. There also may be scenes which may scare some viewers that are always balanced with consoling elements such as a comical interlude or uplifting music. Characters portrayed as being villains may carry weapons such as guns or knives however there is no emphasis upon this. Children or 'hero' characters are very unlikely to use weapons outside of context, for example; Historical settings. Within a U film it is highly impossible that it would encourage any form of anti social or dangerous behaviour that children may copy and is clearly disapproved of by the BBFC. U films cover a wide range of themes as long as it is appropriate for a young audience. Children's films will generally include positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship ideal for children. Normally at U, there will be no references to drugs or drug misuse unless the film has been created to carry an anti- drugs campaign within its storyline that children are able to understand.

Finding Nemo is a story about a clownfish, Marlon who becomes a single father after his wife Coral is killed by a shark. He is left to raise their son, Nemo on his own. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlon ventures on an epic journey to get his son back with the companionship of a forgetful fish named Dory with a lot of twists and turns on the way. This film details the importance of family and love. It is rated a U as it is an animation and shows an adventure which immediately appeals to young children as they are usually very bright and funny and can keep children entertained. Although there may be specific scenes where the plot is twisted and can come across as quite scary, this is always resolved in the end.





PG Certificate

PG stands for Parental Guidance which means that a particular film is suitable for general viewing but some scenes may be inappropriate for young children. A PG film shouldn't unnerve children aged 8 years and above. Parents are asked to consider whether or not the content may unsettle younger, or more sensitive, children. A PG film will not contain content inappropriate for children however, films with this classification can tackle social and emotional issues such as; Bullying, bereavement or racism. There may be some mild uses of strong language such as 'shit' or 'son of  a bitch' but is always shown in context and delivered by a character in a moderate way. For example, if the language is delivered in an aggressive manner or there is a clear frequent use of strong language, the film may be passed at a higher category. Furthermore, sexual references are very rare to appear in films of this classification but if there are, they are usually undetailed and infrequent. However, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, this may be allowed at PG. Comedy may also be used to minimise the impact of sexual references and innuendo. Violence and threat are used mildly in a PG film. Although there may be a scene where blood is shown, there will be no focus upon how the injury was inflicted. Violence is acceptable in the appropriate context such as in an historical, comedic or fantasy setting because of the elongation this provides. It isn't uncommon for PG films to detail 'roller coaster' action elements where emphasis is placed upon the journey or adventure of the main characters unfolding rather than the detail of violence. Some 'jump' moments or frightening sequences may be allowed as long as they aren't prolonged or intense. Films falling into the PG classification will rarely demonstrate behaviour which can be portrayed as being antisocial or potentially dangerous that children may feel encouraged to copy such as bullying or playing with electricity. Realistic or weapons that are easily accessed, such as knives, will never be glamorised in a PG film. Smoking and alcohol will not be focused upon and if child characters are seen to be drinking or smoking, there should be a fair message that this is a negative action. If drugs are mentioned or seen, a PG feature should represent them in an innocent manner or emphasise that they are harmful.

An example of a film classified as a PG is Minions. This quirky film details the story of minions Bob, Kevin and Stuart who are recruited by a super villain, Scarlett Overkill, who, alongside her husband Herb, hatches an evil plan to take over the world. The minions are much loved by all children after the successful release of Despicable Me. As it features a villain, some scenes may include some undetailed uses of violence which are inappropriate for some young children. This passes the restrictions required to be classified as a U which is why it is asked parents accompany their children to watch this film falling into the PG classification.






12A and 12 Certificates

Films classified as being 12A or 12 contain material that is unsuitable for children aged under 12. No one under the age of 12 may see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child to see a 12A film who is under the age of 12 should make an appropriate decision whether the content would be suitable for their child to view. The 12A certificate requires, by law, an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film in the cinema. This is enforced by cinema staff and a cinema may lose its licence if adult accompaniment is not enforced with children under 12 accepted into a 12A film. Accompanied viewing cannot be enforced in the home therefore the 12 certificate remains for DVD and Blu-Ray, instead of the 12A. The 12 is also a simpler scheme for retailers. This means that they cannot sell or rent the item unless the customer is over the age of 12. There is no lower age limit for the 12A, the BBFC consider the content of films of this classification to be suitable for children aged 12 and over. The overall tone of a film, and the way it makes the audience feel affects the classification significantly. For example, a film creating an overall dark or unsettling tone which could possibly unnerve the audience would be unlikely to be passed at a 12A even if the individual themes were considered acceptable to be classified at a 12A. BBFC guidelines state that strong language such as 'f**k' is deemed adequate for a 12 or 12A film, based on the manner it is delivered in, who is using the language, its frequency and the justification for the context it has been used in. Aggressive or frequent uses of bad language may result in a specific film or DVD being passed at a 15 certificate. However there is some allowance of innuendo on strong language in this category. There may be moderate language at 12 and 12A such as 'bitch' or 'twat'. Any discriminatory language or behaviour will not be approved as a whole. If this is used in an aggressive manner, for example; Homophobic or racist terms is unlikely to be classified as a 12A or 12 unless it is completely convicted. Sex will possibly be shown briefly and discreetly at this classification. Verbal references to sexual behaviour shouldn't surpass what is appropriate for young teenagers. Comedy may diminish the impact of some moderate sex references or puns but frequent crude references are unlikely to be passed at this category. There may be nudity in some 12A films but would be only abrupt and considerate. Moderate violence is allowed but should not bide on detail. There is usually no focus upon injury or blood but occasional gory sequences may be accepted if they can be justified by the content. For example, a brief show of blood in a medical drama. Action scenes and weapons may be permitted at 12 or 12A and there may be long fight sequences. Weapons, such as knives, which may be easily accessible to 12 year olds should not be promoted in films under this classification. Sexual violence, such as rape or assault, may only be connoted or briefly and discreetly designated at 12A and 12. Scenes of this nature must have a strong contextual justification. Some horror films are passed at this classification as long as horror sequences aren't frequent and the overall tone isn't deeply disturbing. Moderate physical and psychological threat is allowed at 12 and 12A. Dangerous behaviour, such as hanging, may be present in 12A and 12 films but will not emphasise on detail which could potentially be copied or present these images in a way that children feel inclined to copy. Anti-social behaviour is not promoted and there may be infrequent use of drugs and drugs misuse but the portrayal should not be glamorised.

A defined example of a film classified at a 12A is Insurgent. This film focuses upon the main character, Beatrice Prior, as she battles her inner demons to continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to eradicate society with help from others on her side. This film falls into this category as it contains frequent images of violence and fighting sequences which may be unsuitable for anyone under the age of 12 to view. As it is a 12A the adult may decide to let their child see it with their accompaniment. Mild uses of strong language is also used supporting the adult accompaniment law. Weapons are also a big factor in this film which would be inappropriate for a child under 12 to be seeing unless accompanied by a responsible adult.

In 2009, James Cameron directed the Box Office smash hit, Avatar which went on to break records making a staggering total of $760,507,625. This film documents the story of a paraplegic war veteran, Marine Jake Sully, who decides to take his life into the exquisite world of Pandora after the untimely death of his brother. Inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. There he begins to bond and quickly fall in love with one of their species, the beautiful Neytiri and Jake is caught up in the war between the Na'vi and an American corporation, led by ruthless Parker Selfridge whose only tactic is to obliterate all life in Pandora. The solder is forced to take a stand and partake in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora. This is rated a 12 as the violence is suitable for those over the age of 12 to view without having to be accompanied by an adult. Although these scenes may be intense and there are some images of smoking, it is deemed suitable for anyone aged 12 and over. Furthermore, the clothing worn by the Na'vi tribe is similar to what can be seen in a documentary about some indigenous groups.



15 Certificate

No one under the age of 15 is permitted to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated DVD.  Films classified at a 15 aren't suitable for children under the age of 15. No individual theme is completely restricted provided that the content is appropriate for 15 year olds. Films falling into this category usually always feature; Strong violence, frequent uses of strong language such as 'f**k', portrayals of sexual behaviour, strong verbal sexual references, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or activity and drug taking. Potentially, in a film of a high classification as a 15, there is usually a large amount of strong language. There is no upper limit of uses of bad language such as 'f**k' and there could possibly be uses of the strongest terms. For example, 'c**t' depending on the manner it is delivered in, who is using the language, its frequency and how it is justified by the context it has been used in. However, continued and aggressive use is not passed at 15. There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language and the film may explore themes related to this. However, at 15, the film shouldn't encourage discriminatory language or behaviour as a whole. Sexual activity is acceptable in a 15 film but usually with no attention to detail. Although, in this category, some sex scenes can be long. Similarly, although there may be scenes of nudity, there will normally be no strong detail. There are no restrictions on nudity in non-sexual or educational content. Violence may also be strong but should not focus upon the infliction of pain or injury and the strongest, goriest images are not likely to be passed at a 15. Strong, sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be precise verbal references to sexual violence. For example, descriptions of rape or sexual assault in a courtroom scene but any portrayal representation of sexual violence must be reasonable and justified by context. At 15 there could be strong threat and horror as long as there is no continuous focus on sadistic or sexualised threat. Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote the theme of drug misuse for example through the use of instructional description. The abuse of accessibly and highly dangerous substances like aerosols or solvents is highly unlikely to be accepted at 15. As a highly acclaimed organisation, the BBFC carefully consider the risk of potential harm to susceptible teenagers. For example, emotional issues such as self harm and suicide should not be clearly emphasised which could be copied. Whether the depiction of easily accessible weapons is acceptable will be based upon factors such as realism, context and setting.

Knocked Up details the story of a rising journalist, Alison Scott, who makes a huge mistake after a one night stand with irresponsible slacker, Ben Stone that results in an unexpected pregnancy. Instead of raising the baby on her own, she decides to give Ben a chance to see if he could be a good father to their child. However, he is unsure if he is ready to be a parent, and both wonder if they could be compatible partners raising their baby together. This particular film has been rated at a 15 as the story line focuses upon sexual activity and pregnancy as well as including frequent uses of strong language and drug misuse. There is some images of nudity as well however this is censored and is shown briefly and discreetly. The birth scene is also very graphic which would be inappropriate for anyone under the age of 15 to see.






18 Certificate

Films rated at an 18 are strictly for adults only. Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated work is suitable for children. No theme is prohibited in this classification. Adults are free to choose their own entertainment provided the content is not illegal or potentially harmful, consequently it is possible that some themes addressed in 18 films may be offensive even to some adult viewers. Issues which could feature in 18 films include; Very strong violence, frequent strong language such as f**k and c**t, strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror sequences, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances) and discriminatory language and behaviour. There is no limit on the number of uses of strong language such as f**k or even very strong language such as c**t which can be passed at 18. Uses can also be used in any manner or form of context. For example, aggressively, directed, frequent or accompanied by strong violence. There may also be racist, homophobic or discriminatory language at 18, and any film under this classification can explore a range of themes relating to discrimination. Although it is possible for discriminatory language or themes to be the main focus of the work and for main characters to engage in discriminatory behaviour, it must not breach any relevant legislation. There can be strong and detailed sexual activity at 18. There may even be emphasis upon the infliction of injury or pain and contain scenes of strong sadistic violence and threat or sexual violence. The strongest, goriest images are permitted at this category. There can also be strong and detailed scenes of sex in films classified at an 18, including full nudity. There are no pressures on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Very strong, crude and explicit sex references are allowed at 18. An 18 film may also contain portrayals of real sex, as long as it is not a sex work. A sex work is a work with its primary purpose being to create a feeling of sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be stimulated are usually passed at 18. Those containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material and sexually explicit images are generally passed at the R18 category. At 18, many horror films may contain very strong gore and constant threat. Drug taking is also shown in an 18 film but must not encourage drug misuse. Though 18 films may address difficult themes, harm is still a possibility. To take this into consideration, very dangerous or criminal behaviour, for example behaviour which poses a significant risk to a person's safety if copied, may be cut from the film.


A prime example of a film classified at an 18 is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

After many years in banishment for a crime he didn't commit, Benjamin Barker returns to London under the new name of Sweeney Todd, only to find his wife dead and his daughter in the arms of evil Judge Turpin. In his anger, Sweeney embarks on a murderous rampage across London against those who made him suffer and lose his beloved family. Enlisting the help of Mrs Lovett, he opens a barber's shop above her pie shop and they form a deadly alliance. Todd's business lures the customers in with a charming smile only for it to end with him slashing their throats with a flick of his barber's razor. This film has been rated as an 18 due to the frequent uses of extreme blood and gore unsuitable for any child to view. As adults can make their own choices on what they deem suitable for their entertainment, this would be appropriate for them to watch. There is also a clear emphasis upon the infliction of pain and injury for example, the slashing of the victims' throats with the blade which children would be able to pick up on and possibly copy therefore having to classify this particular film at an 18.
                                                                         

To conclude, this research has helped me significantly in choosing what classification my own thriller sequence will fall into as I have a clear understanding of what each certificate restricts and allows as well as knowing the difference between them. As it is a thriller, it will fall into either the 12A or 15 classification due to the nature of the genre but it will depend on whether there is gore or focus upon the infliction of pain or injury which would set it aside from the 18 certificate for example. I know not to include too much blood and gore so as to appeal to as wide a viewing audience as possible. If its too graphic, it will only be suitable for adults to view and I want my thriller sequence to appeal to adults as well as teenagers/young adults.