Research on BBFC

BBFC - British Board of Film Classification

　
　
　
Before deciding which is our target audience, we had to do some research on the different age groups and what they prefer in a film. Whilst doing this, we found out that certain age groups have limitations on what they can watch and what not. This is decided by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) who are not apart of the government but are a independent organisation that are financed and supported by the filming industry within the UK. The BBFC are responsible for organising films and looking over each film individually with them receiving a certificate. Alongside it they have to label information specifying references to violence, any strong language and nudity/sex. Therefore the board also has to clarify a certain age suitable to watch these films and only they are allowed to purchase them.


Suitable for all ages / Universal
When labelled a ‘U’ it usually is understood for all ages to watch, however seeing as anything they see can trouble a child, its put down that these films are suitable from four years and above. Violence, sex or any threatening scenes are not shown so that no significant issues arise which may disturb a child in particular but also adults who may be offended by any discrimination or other issues such as race or sexuality. If any violence or horror do occur in the film, they should be over quickly so that it doesn’t upset a child. They should also know the difference between right and wrong so complex issues can not be put in the film to confuse a child.


Parental guidance
When labelled this, it means that children of any age can watch these movies with or without a adult present. However certain scenes may be unsuitable for a child under the age of 8 so parents are recommended to consider themselves whether they feel if the content will trouble their child. Above the age of 8, the content should not upset a child. Mild bad language is allowed and any violence has to end quickly and also cannot be shown in detail. Discrimination and drugs are not allowed unless it teaches them that it is wrong, dangerous and not tolerated.


Suitable for 12years and over - Cinema only
This was introduced in 2002. This rating is used only for films which are shown in the cinemas. Only the age of 12years and over are allowed to watch these films. However, a child under 12years is allowed to watch these films if accompanied by an adult, who have to be above the age of 18. They are responsible to be with the child whilst the movie is playing. It is solely up to the adult and their judgement, if they would want the child to see the film but it is recommended that they don’t. This is because films under this category may contain mild swear words, mature themes and violence/sex references.


Suitable for 12years and over - Videos and DVDs only
This rating is used only for videos or DVDs which are to be purchased or put as rent. No one under the age of 12 is allowed to purchase or rent a 12 rated film. Unless extra content has been added to the film, 12A films are usually given a certificate to be rated as a 12 when being put onto video. This also includes a game which has been rated a 12. It cannot be bought by someone under the age of 12 and should be accompanied by a adult.


Suitable only for 15years and older
Only people at the age of 15 and above are allowed to view a 15 rated film. This means that they can watch, purchase and rent this film or game by themselves without no adult supervision necessary. No one below this age are allowed to do so. Films rated 15 have the permission to include contents such as strong words, moderate violence/sex references, not detailed sex activity but also hard drugs which is a complex issue.


Suitable only for adults
Only adults are allowed to see this from the age of 18years and over. If rated 18, no one under this age is allowed to see these films in cinema and neither are they allowed to purchase or rent a film/game of this rating. Films rated this have usually no limits to what contents they are allowed to display. This can contain bad language and strong violence/sex reference along with non-detailed sex activity which is also permitted to show. Hard drugs can also be used. However there are still limits on discrimination so no race, religion, sexuality issues are permitted unless created in humorous ways and not directly trying to out them out.