Research into the BBFC - Miss Miller

Research into the BBFC

introduction

The BBFC stands for British board of film classification. Their aim is to protect the public by educating them with a guide to what films each age group should what and what content they believe is suitable for all audiences. The BBFC was set up in 1912 in order to make sure that films that where being released where suitable for certain age types and particular people.

Age Certificates

U

The lowest age certificate they produce is a U. The BBFC state that films classed as a U, are usually suitable for all age groups. These films are usually full of very bright, inviting colours. They normally would be based around fairy tales and characters such as knights, princesses and princes. The example I have used is 'Barbie the princess and the pauper'. This film consists of a storyline of two girls that look very similar and find each other. One of them a princess which is a typical convention of the U Certificate. The other a poorer girl from a family who has no money and is now in debt, working as a dress maker. The Atmosphere within the film remains very magical and full of talking animals and handsome princes for the princesses.  These sort of films usually come with an inner meaning. They have morals hidden in them for example to always be honest and kind etc. The ending finishes happily and continues to remain good and lively, always upbeat and on occasion presents songs about being magical and brave and following your dreams, most U films contain a message that enables characters to express to the audience that happy endings do happen and that dreams do come true. This is common in films such as Barbie and Disney as the content remains innocent and full of fairy tales.

PG 

The next age certificate the BBFC have is a PG. This stands for parental guidance which means that for the younger ages the parents should watch first to decide whether the film is suitable or to actually accompany the child when watching the film. These types of films normally have the same sort of story lines, except there could be more violence or anger in this story line. Meaning that parents may have to watch to decide whether the content is too sensitive for their child. Harry Potter is a perfect example of this. In the first Harry Potter movie. It shows Harry's life and how horrid it is. It then goes on to him joining a magical school and making friends and learning spells. Although Harry Potter does contain the typical magical, make believe story line, there could be content that is too harsh for the very young generation. Characters and creatures that may be humorous to one child, may be very frightening for another which leaves the parent to decide whether there own child should be able to watch the film or whether the content is too sensitive for them. This is why the BBFC came up with PG's as although they are professionally inclined to decide whether content is suitable not all parents may agree.

12A & 12

The 12A certificate states that the film is suitable for anyone above twelve but anyone younger may watch the film as long as they are accompanied with an adult. This is one of the newer age certificates and was brought in due to the popularity of films such a 'Spider Man' as content was too harsh for young viewers but because of popular demand the younger generation still wanted to watch it. These films normally consists of content that could be too emotional or frightening to some children but others it may be fine for. This gives parents a chance to decide whether or not the film is suitable or not.  The 12 age certificate is similar to the 12a except the BBFC have decided that the content is far to mature for anyone under the age of 12. Even with adult supervision. Spider man is a film that consists of a super hero going around and saving citizens from robbers, murders and other nasty and criminal people. The characters in spider man consist of the protagonist 'spider man' and the damsel in distress 'Mary-Kate' finally the antagonist 'The Green Goblin' Which is a very violent and evil character that is more for the mature audience, this is why parents may be needed to watch the film also.

15

The 15 certificate is for ages over 15 the content involved in this age limit is usually, violence, sexual behaviour, strong language and drug abuse. Normally these films will contain moderate examples of each, nothing too gruesome or inappropriate that would disturb a 15 year old, but sensitive enough for anyone younger then 15. American Pie is a film that is rated 15. It is a story of a teenage boy going through experiences. This is a comedy that allows the audience to laugh at the boys embarrassing sexual encounters. They are able to laugh at the awkwardness and feel humiliated for him. The film consists of endless amounts of parties and drinking and teenage experiences that often end badly and humorous. It is a film that contains strong sexuality and dialogue. The film involves a alot of drunken encounters that is not suitable for anyone younger the age of 15 due to the fact the younger teens may look up to some of these actors and actresses and want to inspire to be like them they might take things the wrong way into believing that it is acceptable in society to drink at a young age.

18

This rating is one of the most common, highest rating there is in cinemas today. This is because the films content is normally very disturbed or unsuitable for anyone younger then an adult. It usually contains story sexual content and violence and even drug use. The BBFC would rate films of extreme content at an 18 due to the fact if anyone under this age was to witness this it could emotionally damage them in some way. 'Pulp Fiction' was rated an 18. In the link below is the trailer of this film. Although this is only the trailer we are able to witness what type of film this is. It contains heavy crime and violence. Possible heavy sexual content and overall disturbing scenes. All from well-known actors which would've influenced the BBFC even further. Knowing that fans of these actors may well want to see the film regardless of whats its narrative is. Overall 18's often contains story's about gangs and crime. All things that are too disturbing for a child or young teen to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7EdQ4FqbhY

Conclusion

Overall the BBFC are there to provide reassurance for parents and guardians that what there children are watching is suitable. If there where no restrictions on what children and teens could watch, Overall it could influence them in negative ways. Having a professional company's guidance and opening entitles the parents to make more valid decisions when letting there children watch films. When creating my own thriller sequence I have decided to follow the guidelines that accompany a 15. This is due to the fact this is the type of audience we are aiming our thriller at as well as the content is going to be violent but not to harsh for anyone aged 15 and over.