Film Certificates Research

    
         The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent organisation which has classified cinema films since set up in 1912. The BBFC's vision statement is that through their efficient classification of the 'moving image' into advisory and age-related categories they are able to serve a socially useful function. They provide the public with information that enables us to make appropriate viewing decisions for ourselves and for others in our care. The BBFC believe that they are able to "protect vulnerable viewers and society from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content while respecting adult freedom of choice." Media industries also benefit the BBFC's work with the reliable and cost-effective regulation in protecting such industries from deviating from the UK law. 


Their categories for certifications are as followed:

The 'U' literally means 'Universal' so this indicates that the film is suitable for all audiences. However the BBFC believe that a 'U' film should be suitable for audiences 4 years and over and that they should be focused within a 'positive moral framework' and there should be a reassuring counterbalance to any violence, threat or horror. 

A certificate 'PG' means 'parental guidance' and so it is appropriate for general viewing but some scenes are warned to be unsuitable for young children however unaccompanied children of any age may watch the film. They state that a 'PG' film should not disturb a child around 8 years or older but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger of more sensitive children.

The same criteria is used to classify a 12 and a 12a film. This certificate is given for material that is generally suitable for those over the age of 12 and those under 12 years may find material upsetting or which parents may deem unsuitable for them. A 12a is only used for films at the cinema where children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult and therefore the responsibility lies within the adult to judge is the material is suitable to be viewed by a child younger than 12. 

This certificate indicates that the film is only suitable for audiences who are 15 years and over. Also this means no-one younger than 15 may view the film in a cinema. 

A certificate 18 is stated by the BBFC to only be suitable for adults and so only audiences of 18 or above are allowed to view these in the cinema or purchase/rent them. 

 This certificate is a special and legally restricted one for explicit material of sex or strong fetish material. These films may only be shown in specifically licensed cinemas or licensed sex shops. 

Therefore, from researching into the BBFC, my group and I must have a clear target audience in mind when creating our opening so that the guidelines of the BBFC are met so that we can represent the appropriate material for our targeted demographic. 

    

(source taken from BBFC website)