Research into the BBFC and age certificates-Miss Georgiou

BBFC and Age certificates
28-09-13
Vasil Nikolov

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), originally British Board of Film Censors, is a non-governmental organisation, funded by the film industry and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom. The film corporations fund the BBFC so they would not depend on the government. Without the BBFC, all ages could watch inappropriate for them movies. For example, Expendables 2, could be watched by 10 year olds, or a 5 year old watching Enemy at the gates. Watching similar films at a too young age might confuse or even mentally harm the young viewer. This is why, the BBFC is important for the film industry as it acts as a filter for what the viewers are able to see.
The BBFS has 6 types of a certificate for the public. 

The first certificate is called a Universal certificate. With this certificate, the audiences of all ages can participate in watching the film. Disney movies such as: "The Smurfs", "Cars" or "Planes", are rated and given the U Certificate. The language is very unoffensive in order for it`s younger audience not to learn bad language. Characters may be seen kissing but there will be no focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo. A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring. Gory material is not permitted to be seen in a U certificate movie, as it harm the child`s mental state. Guns are also not allowed to be seen in this type of films as it can lead to violence. This is why, I will not have a target audience for this type of films as my one will have weapons, such as: Knives and ropes. There will also evidence for a murder and there will be music that might frighten this audience. This is why, I will not have a U certified film.

This category of films is for ages of eight or above. In this category, parents need to give permishion to their children to watch it as certain scenes may contain mild language or drug references. Sex references are also possible. The film above is called "The Artist". Even though, this film is rated PG, it is mainly viewed by adults as the film is not interesting enough for the younger audience. This is because there is not much violence or rude language as the film is without speech. Unlike category U films, PG allowes some scenes containing dangers behaviour or violence, however the results from the violent scene should encourage the audience not to repeat it or do it in the first place. In "The Artist",  the main character falls in love with a common girl and teaches her, how to perform with him. They become famous stars, but at one point she overtakes him as she is younger and more cute. She forgets him while he becomes poorer. However at one point she sees him playing a film and starts to look for him. They find each other on a street and fall in love.  This is to teach it`s audience that love always concers and it is important to remember who helped you. Effects wise, the BBFC do allow small quantities of blood, however, they do no allow detail from the wound to be shown. In those scenes, mild language is possible to be heard, however it would be a very basic level (characters using the word S**t).  I However, would still not use a film category, such as this one, as I would have to show wounds and there will be mild and extra-hot language.

Introduced in 2002, films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people. 12A is for films at the cinema only. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, infrequent strong language and moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sexual violence may be implied or briefly indicated. The first film to be categorised as 12A is the first Spiderman movie due to the scene where the green goblin is killed by his hoverboard. The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg. 'f***') but it must be infrequent.  There may be nudity in 12A films but sexual nudity should only be brief and discreet. At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context. Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12 or 12A, and there may be long fight scenes or similar. In the film RED 2, there are a lot of action scenes, however it is counted as a 12A film due to the fact that the wounds can not be seen. There is a use of weapons that are not easily accessible in the domestic households as easily accessible weapons such as kitchen knifes are banned in this age certificate. This is why I will target my audience at the age of 15 as I will use domestic weapons such as knives and there will blood and concentrations on wounds.

Many of the films rated 12 are Films rated with the 12 certificate are very similar to 12A Films, unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating. Nobody younger than 12 can rent or buy a movie/game of this certificate. The film is called "Lord of the rings" and it falls under this category as it  portrays mild language and flesh wounds that are visible.

15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include frequent strong language, strong sexual activity, sexual nudity, drug taking or discriminatory language. At 15, sexual activity can be portrayed, as long as there is no strong or graphic detail. Some sex scenes can be quite long at this category and may involve some nudity and movement.

There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. There can be strong references to sex and sexual behaviour, but especially strong or crude references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. In the film "Tropic Thunder", the audience will see, strong language, discrimination and small quantities of racism.  This proves that the film is perfect for the category. Many horror films are rated 15 as there are plenty of unrestrictions. By making the film acceptable for 15 year olds rather than for 18 year olds only, the film producers are able to accuire a greater target audience which loves similiar movies.  This would be where I would target my audience to be as I can use domestic weapons, Strong language and it will be open to a wider age generation.

Nobody younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category do not have limitation on the bad language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and explicit sex references along with detailed sexual activity are also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context. Very strong, gory, and/or sadistic violence is usually permitted. Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is eroticised or excessively graphic.

From This information, one may conclude that he will use the requirements for films that have a 15 certificate as that way there would be a greater audience and because many teenagers like thriller and horror movies. Also some of the scenes would be very inappropriate for the younger years. There would be mild language and violence. The scenes might have gory images which are not detailed but longer than the requirement for a 12 certificate movie.