film classification - the bbfc
What is the BbFC?
BBFC stands for The British Board of Film Classification. It is an independent, non-governmental body which classified films. They were set up in 1912 and videos/DVD's. Since then a Video Recording Act was passed in 1984. Statutory powers on film remain with the local councils, which have the power to overrule any of the BBFC 's decisions. Either passing the films that they rejected or banning the films that they have passed, or altering categories for films exhibited under their own licensing jurisdiction.
wHAT IS CLASSIFICATION?
All classifications are decisions based on the BBFC's guidelines, theses are published and regularly updated. These guidelines are a result of extensive public research and added experience the BBFC have gained over the many years.They reflect the current views on film, DVD and video game regulations.
Types of classification.
u.
The U symbol stands for universal. This means that the film is suitable for all audiences aged four and over.
12 and 12a.
The 12 symbol means that it is suitable for 12 year old's and above to watch the film.The 12A symbol means that the material is not generally suitable for children under the ages of 12, therefore no one under the age of 12 can watch the film, unless they are accompanied by an adult No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 / 12A rated video.
These are two examples of horror films that have been rated a 12. This means that within these movies dangerous behaviour should not be promoted and there should be no glamorisation of weapons such as knives. There is also no endorsement in a 12 rated film of anti-social behaviour. Moderate violence is acceptable however it must not dwell on detail. Therefore making a 12 rated horror would be very hard as it would not be as scary as it could possibly be, which would lose the target audience.
15.
The 15 symbol means that no one younger than 15 may see the film in a cinema, and no one younger than 15 may rent or buy and 15 rated video.
These are two examples of horror films that have been rated a 15. Areas such as; strong violence, frequency strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking are allowed. However all of these areas must not dwell on detail and must not encourage violent and anti-social behaviour.
18.
The 18 symbol means that they are rated 18 and are meant for adult. No one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy or rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated videos are suitable for children.
These films are two examples of 18 rated horrors. There are many more exceptions in films rated 18 such as: criminal offences taking place, detailed portrayals of violence and dangerous acts, illegal drug use, making sadistic and sexual violence look appealing and more explicit images of sexual activity. All areas that are in 18 rated films are in much more detail, meaning that horror films are able to be more extreme.
What age rating we chose.
We have chosen to do an age rating of 18, as this makes it easier for us to make a more realistic brutal horror. The age rating also relates to the main target audiences age and the rating will create curiosity within this target market as people will be intrigued on why it is rated an 18.