Age Certificates

Age Certificates

Why is the BBFC important to the film industry?

The BBFC produces detailed information about the content of every film and video game that is classified, which  are called Extended Classification Information, or ECI.  This is in addition to the short sentence of Consumer Advice which appears on posters and advertising for films. The BBFC is important to the film industry as it protects the public and mainly young children from seeing harmful images, also it helps parents make an informed decision on whether allowing children to view certain age certificates. The BBFC is known as a content regulator.

Research into the different age certificates and define each age group,

U - Universal, suitable to all. No discrimination, no reference to drugs, no bad imitable behavior. Only natural nudity. Only very mild language.  Only very mild violence, and mild theme. No reference to sexual context, only kissing. Horror scenes cannot cause any anxiety or stress on a child.

PG - Parental Guidance - General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Reference to drugs must contain anti drug use message. Frightening scenes must not be prolonged or intense. No bad imitable behavior  no glamorization of real modern day weapons. Mild language  Natural nudity only. Discreet sexual reference or innuendo. Theme should not condone unacceptable behaviour. Moderate violence without detail.

12/12A - Suitable for children of 12 years and above. A child younger than 12 cannot enter the movie without being accompanied by an adult.

12 - means no-one younger than 12 can buy or rent a film this age certificate. Discrimination should not be endorsed or encouraged in any way. Any use of drugs should be infrequent and not give instructional detail. Moderate physical and psychological threat may be present if not prolonged or intense. Dangerous behavior should not be prolonged nor give instructable detail. No use of easily accessible weapons should be glamorized. Moderate language is allowed, strong language such as 'fuck' must be infrequent. Nudity is allowed but must be brief. Sexual activity must be brief. Mature themes are acceptable but must be suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed but must not dwell on detail.

15 - Suitable for only 15 years and older. Must not endorse discriminatory behavior.  Drug taking may be shown but film must not promote drug use. Strong threat may be shown unless sadistic or sexualised. Dangerous behavior must not be detailed an  

d accessible weapon use must not be glamorized  Frequent use of strong language ie fuck is accepted but for stronger terms it must be acceptable in certain context. Sexual activity and nudity may be shown without detail, sexual reference is acceptable unless strong. All themes accepted. Violence is accepted but must not dwell on gore or pain.

18 - Not suitable for anyone younger than 18. Everything is accepted and permitted. A film may not be allowed if it endorses things suchas sexual assault and may cause harm to the public and public morals. Also if a film is made with the intention of sexual arousal it is certificated as R18 these types of showings are only allowed in sex shops and licensed cinemas.

Decide on what age certificate your film will be and why? consider the content of your narrative and your target audience too

The film me and my class members are producing is going to be rated a 15 and this is because this is the most suitable age. We have chose 15 because it is not too young yet it is not to old and would attract the most audience. The content of our film will be too much of a thriller for children younger but might not be as appealing to older people because the characters in our film are of that age.