Research - Mrs Quinlan: Age certificates

Age Certificates

What is the role of the BBFC and why are they important to the film industry

As with most other types of media, most media are subject to censorship in particular films. This is to protect younger audiences from content which may be inappropriate or that may adverse effect on younger children. Most censorship is on the basis of that if you're planning to show this to an audience range would the film be too offensive or rude to show that target audience range. Most films are censored depending what type of content they have in the film. Most films will come under 6 bands. U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18, Films who don't make the criteria are mostly banned unless they censor or cut some of the content that is deemed inappropriate by the regulator.

The regulatory body of films is BBFC or the British board of Film classification. Their main job is to censor and certify films according to the content within in the film. They have to make sure that the film is for a suitable audience. BBFC has control on what films can be published and watched at the cinema. All UK films have to be certified by the BBFC before they can be shown to the public.

These are the current certification used in films and a the description of them as well

U

U or universal is for general viewing but some scenes are unsuitable for some children. The content that you would find in a U type film would be suitable for children the use of mild bad language at times where it's justified And there are not topics in which focus on heavy issues such as drugs, discrimination, sex or violoence. Unaccompanied children of any age are able to watch. but parents need to make sure that their children can watch it.

An example of a film that is rated U is Frozen

PG

PG or parental guidance is where its hard to judge if children are going to find it ok to watch however children over he age four may find it suitable to watch. However there should a positive moral framework and the film has to offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat and/or Horror. This means the film can focus on topics that are heavier topics and can use rude language but this has to be justified. Violence is allowed along with frightening scenes however it can not be intense and they should little as blood as possible and shouldn't make children uncomfortable they can be references to drugs, however, the film shouldn't be an emphasis on this subject.

An example of a film that is rated PG is Wreck-it Ralph

12

This is where content is not suitable for people under 12 since the content in these films may upset younger audiences also stronger language can be used such as swear words. Sexual references can be used only if this is references that are taught in school at that age. Films can have violence and  the use of guns and knives can be used however  these cannot influence the views of the audience. Also, more intense scenes are allowed in 12 with the occasional scene that is gory. Because of this content 12 and under cannot view this film.

An example of a film that is rated 12 is unknown  (2011)

12A

This is where a film is not recommended for children under 12 because it may feature unsuitable content however children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult to see the film. However, this is up to the parent’s decision. 12A rating is a relative a brand new rating that was introduced in 2002 after a lot of controversy after the BBFC couldn't decide on what age rating they should give spiderman. Moreover, they opinions on both side of the argument on what the film rating should be. However they gave the rating of the film at 12 first since a lot of people were upset that it was going to be a 15 however BBFC decided to create a new cartography as a compromise since the spiderman was been out for years and is effectively an institution and freely available for people younger than 12 to read.

An example of a film that is rated 12A would be Spiderman


15

This is where content may have content that is deemed inappropriate for children under the age of 15 since it may contain controversial elements. Such as discrimination violence, drugs and violence and frequent use of bad language However drugs, violence, and drugs cannot be promoted and injury and pain cannot be dwelled on either.

An example of a film that is rated a 15 is The Purge

18

This is where that the film cannot be categorized since may be inappropriate to teenagers and young adults, therefore, its classified as an 18. Most content that is related violence and illegal acts can be shown however not cause must harm to public health and morals. Also sexual content must be kept to the minute and you cannot show scenes of sexual intercourse or sexualised violence and it connect be portrayed as erotic, endorse sexual acts this includes rape however you are allowed to incinerate that it might have happened.

An example of a film that is rated 18 is Kill Bill

What age certificates do thrillers tend to get and why (relate to content)?

Most thrillers tend to be 15 or 18 because of the content and themes within most thrillers. This could be because of the language they use of violence, sexual content, rape and horror sequences that may not be suitable for people under 15 or 18 depending on the film or could be deemed too frightening to children and young teenagers. An example of a thriller film being rated a 15 is Scream. The use of violence and gore throughout the film deemed the film to be inappropriate for younger audiences

What age certificate would you give your thriller?

My thriller will be 15 since we won’t have sexual content and horror sequences in the film. We are planning to use various themes such as murder and blood to show what's happening to a character at the beginning. The opening scene may be intense for the younger audience and they will be the use of bad language and violence and it won’t be suitable for under 15s because of the content.

Conclusion: what have you learned about certificates and what you need to consider for your own thrillers in terms of what is appropriate for the different age groups.

The BBFC has strict ratings about what film get which age certificates. Most thriller is usually 15 and sometimes 18 or 12A. When i am create my film opening i have to make sure that my film is Suitable for 15 and not 18. I should follow the guidelines that the BBFC has set. It's important to understand what are the boundaries for various age certificates and why they are there. There is various reason why they have set these grade boundaries and what should film companies content should contain if they aiming for an particular age group