Audience -BBFC

BBFC classifications


In order to assess what classification would be suitable our production or see what needs to be achieved to get the ideal classification we will need to understand what each classification contains and how a thriller can or cannot fit into it. The BBFC (British Board of film Classification) is a legal organisation which is responsible for choosing the films that are shown in cinemas with specific classifications, every film can only be released with an age certificate by the BBFC which gives restrictions to who can watch certain films. BBFC set up their classifications on the basis of these certain contents: Horror, Imitable behaviour, discrimination, drugs, language, theme, nudity, sex and violence. These guidelines help form the classifications which are according to age, “U”, “PG”, “12”, “15” and “18”.


Universal (U)

A universal certificate means the film is suitable for all ages. In order for a film to achieve a ‘U’ classification it must “be set within a positive moral Framework” – (BBFC classification guide). This means that in a universal certified film there should be no discriminatory language or behaviour unless disapproved of, no reference to use or misuse of illegal drugs unless there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message for the children. Scary sequences must be mild, unlikely to cause anxiety for the child and the outcome must be reassuring, there should be no potential dangerous behaviour and no emphasis on realistic weapons. In terms of language there should only be infrequent use of bad language and occasional natural nudity is allowed with no sexual content. Only mild sexual behaviour like kissing is allowed and reference to sex must be said as in “making love”. Violence is only allowed to be and occasional mild threat or menace. Themes may be problematic but they should be sensitive for the children.

Parental Guidance (PG)
A parental guidance certificate means a child under the age of at least 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. Discrimination in a PG is unlikely unless it is referred to for educational purposes, drugs must carry an anti-drug message, and in terms of horror frightening sequences must not be prolonged. There should be no detailed potential dangerous behaviour in which children can imitate and no false glamorisation of realistic weapons. There may be only mild bad language and natural nudity with no sexual content. More serious themes feature in a PG film e.g. domestic violence but nothing in the treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour. Moderate violence is allowed without detail and must be justified, for example; for history, comedy or fantasy. 

(12A/12)

A 12 is suitable for people at the age of 12 and over, and both 12A & 12 work with the same criteria. The “12A” classification only works for cinema films, meaning no one younger than 12 can watch the film unless accompanied by an adult but it is not recommended for people younger than the age of 12. Discriminatory behaviour must not be used, and horror can be moderate physical and psychological threat but scenes must not be frequent. The misuse of drugs should not be glamorised and scenes which involve drugs should be infrequent. Imitable behaviour which is dangerous should not appear to be harm free, showing consequences. Moderate language can be used and bad language must not be frequent. Nudity is allowed but sexual content must be discreet and brief. Sexual acts may be portrayed, but only discreetly and briefly, sex references must not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Most themes are acceptable but the treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed but shouldn’t be dwelled upon, there should be no emphasis on blood or injuries though occasional gory moments are permitted but must be justified by the context. Sexual violence may be implied briefly and must have a strong contextual justification.


(15)
A 15 film is only suitable for people who are 15 and over, no one younger can watch a 15 in the cinema. The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory behaviour and drugs may be shown but the misuse of drugs should not be encouraged. Horror may have a strong threat unless sadistic or sexualised. Dangerous behaviour like hanging or suicide shouldn’t be glorified or dwelled upon which could be

copied and easily accessible weapons shouldn’t be glamorised. There may be frequent use of strong language (for example fuck), the strongest terms like (cunt) may be acceptable but justified within the content. Repeated or aggressive strong language is unlikely to be acceptable. Nudity is allowed in a sexual content but without strong detail and sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. Strong verbal references to sexual behaviour are allowed but the strongest have to be justified within the content. Films who intend to sexual arouse or stimulate the viewer are unlikely to be accepted. No theme is prohibited but it must be suitable for the age group. Violence may be strong but shouldn’t dwell on pain; strong sadistic or sexual violence is unlikely to be acceptable and detailed verbal references to sexual violence is acceptable. Although portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and be able to be strongly justified within the context. 

(18)
A certified 18 film means no one younger than 18 should watch the film. In line with the 1998 Human Right Act, BBFC’s guideline concerns will normally not override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment; exceptions are most likely in the following areas:


• Where the material is a breach of the criminal law or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence.

• Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or through their behaviour to society – for example and detailed violent or dangerous acts shown which may cause the public health to be harmed or morals.


• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by the content as such images are only appropriate in a “R18” film.



Which classification will be the most suitable in terms of audience and content appropriate for the thriller genre?
The best classification for a thriller sequence would be a “15” as it allows the directors to expand their conventions used in the sequence, which is something they may not be able to do in the “12A” certification. However, the “12A” certification could also be equally effective, but the subgenre must be taken into account as the extend genre could have another certificate. "U" would be a good classification for a thriller as everybody would be able to watch it but in terms of the conventions that are needed to make a thriller it would not be suitable as "U" classification. 


"U" would be a good classification to use because it would target a wide range of audience as everyone would be able to watch it. As everyone has the opportunity to watch the film with that classification it allows the film to be viewed by a very large audience. Though a problem with making the film a "U" classification means hardly anything can be advanced to meet the conventions of a thriller. The theme of a thriller would be too menacing for a "U" classification meaning that, that classification would not be ideal for a thriller. 


"PG"








What considerations must you take into account in terms of content?
As our opening sequence is under the thriller genre the content must proved suspense and dramatic tension. Both the “12A” and “15” classifications can be under the thriller genre, the “12A” classification would be ideal to provide suspense without having to show gory images affecting the audience. Though if we wanted to take it further and have aspects of a dry horror a “15” certificate would be suitable as it can make our options and variety of choice more open as their is an older audience who are more aware of the physical and psychological effects regarding the sequence.