Regulations - The BBFC

The BBFC is the biggest regulator for British media. They are trusted to filter out any harmful content that may be included in films and classify that certain text to a suitable age group. This helps protect the public, mainly children, from witnessing inappropriate matter. They also bare in mind the freedom adults have over what they and/or their children should view. The BBFC regulate not only films but games and programmes released on DVD, also.


The main issues the BBFC have to take into account would be horror, drugs, language, sexual activity, criminal behaviour, discrimination, nudity, themes and violence. The regulation of these issues are then split up into the different age classifications: U, PG, 12A, 12, 15,18, R18.


U- Universal

These films should have a 'positive moral framework' and should balance out any violence or horror in a way that is reassuring and justified. these are usually aimed at 4 year olds and over.

PG - Parental Guidance

PG films advise parents to decide as to whether or not their child can watch these films. There may be a few upsetting scenes that would not be suitable for 8 year olds or younger. The makers of PG films need to leave out any scenes that would be considered as disturbing material for 8 year olds.

12A/12 - Suitable for 12 and over

These films have violence and other such factors that anyone below the age of 12 may find upsetting. 12A films are for cinema use only, so there is parental supervision.

15 - Suitable for 15 and over

For these films, no one below the age of 15 may view, in any circumstance, the material being shown. This is due to a stronger use of violence, sexual activity and language.

18 - Suitable for 18 and over

18 films are usually a lot more explicit and for adult viewing only as many of the main issues within these films will upset and disturb younger years.

R18

Too explicit to be shown in regular cinemas. Only to be shown and sold in licensed cinemas and shops to 18+.

I have read through the BBFC specifications and guidelines, and I have come to the conclusion that my film will be classified a 15.


Guidelines Of A 15 Rated Film

Discrimination

No discriminative behaviour or language should be used at all.

Drugs

The usage of drugs may be shown as long as the substance is not glamorised or encouraged. Easily accessible drugs are unlikely to be accepted.

Horror

Threatening behaviour is acceptable as long as it is not sexualised or sadistic.

Dangerous Behaviour

Behaviour that can be easily copied, such as self-harming, suicide and hanging should not dwell on the action of which can be imitated. Any weapons used in the act should not be glamorised.

Language

Frequent use of strong words, such as 'fuck', can be used. However, stronger words can only be used if justified in context. Aggressive use of very potent language will not be accepted.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed in education or non-sexual context, baring in mind that any nudity in a sexual context is slightly censored.

Sex

Sex will not be accepted if it's the work's primary theme. However, sexual activity can be shown without strong detail and verbal reference to sex is allowed. The strongest of verbal, sexual references are unlikely to be accepted.

Theme

No theme is allowed unless it is strongly suitable for 15 year olds.

Violence

Sexualised, sadistic or the strongest gory images is unlikely to be allowed in a 15 rated film. Any violence included can be strong but should not dwell on infliction of pain or injury. Detailed, verbal reference to sexual violence may be allowed alongside discreet portrayal of sexual violence with strong contextual justification.

As my film is primarily a horror, I have to take into account any issues relating to violence or imitable behaviour. My film will not dwell on pain, injury or dangerous acts. Strong language may be used, but I will not use the strongest of language that may be upsetting. My film includes strong stereotypes, but I will make sure that there is no discriminative material. Keeping to the guidelines of this classification, my target audience will be a lot wider and at the same time, allows for more freedom of shown material.