1) What is the BBFC?
The BBFC also known as The British Board of Film Classification is a non-governmental organisation which is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films with in the UK. It is also required to classify all videos, DVD's and some video games under the Video Recording Act 2010. It was establish in 1912 and began operating in 1913.
2) Why is the BBFC important?
The BBFC is important to the film industry because it helps avoid controversy when a film is released. It allows alot of people to view the film and vote which allows a majority rules decisions. These opinions are made by film experts who would rather label a film to high then too low. By having the BBFC inplace it ensures no one watches anything that is that can cause mental harming regarding inappropriate violence, language and events within a film. By reviewing the film first it ensures that certain ages are not be permitted to view the film even if this is because of one particular unsuitable scene.
3) Research into the different age certificates (define each age group- include examples to support the points I make referring to films and scenes)
Overall there a seven film categories that a film can be labelled as. These include U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 and 18 and 18r. The film categories 12 and 12A and 18 and 18r are very closely interlinked as have hardly any difference between them but have just extra features on the if a film is linked inbetween and so needs extra justification.
U- The symbol U in a film stands for universal. In order for a film to be classified as a U it needs to include no violent or scary footage that could mentally scar a child. These films are often animated. The guidelines for a U film also suggests it should also be suitable for audiences aged four years and over however, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child so the film is design with a majority of children in mind.
PG- PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for everbody, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. Because of this a PG tag is put on the film to ensure a child is accompanied by an adult. This is to make sure the company suffers no backlash if a parent complains that their child was mantally scarred. However a PG film should still not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Through putting a PG label on a film it is then down to the parents to judge whether the content might upset younger children.
12 and 12A- 12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them. The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only.
15- In a 15 no-one under the age of 15 is allowed to see the film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. This is due to them not being suitable for anyone under that age. In a 15 film screening people that seem questionable to the staff are allowed to be ID even if they are with a parent. In a 15 the film will include features such as;
18- Films rated 18 are for adults only. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. A 18r includes the same context but the person buying the film has to have a lisence. Again anyone questionable can be ID and anyone who cannot provide proof may be turned away as a percaution. The reason a film is classified as 18 is because it will include most if not all of the following;
4) Decide what age certificate your film will be and why? (content of narrative and target audience)
Personally, when creating my film I will be aiming my content to be classified as a 15. This is because it allows my film to target a larger group of people than an 18 and there fore will allow my film to target a larger target market. As well as this I am hoping my film is focused around the element of suspense and trying to make the audience jump which would classify my film as a 15 as to be an 18 the film usually contains more gory elements which makes the audience wince and feel sick as opposed to feeling on edge.
You have identified the correct age certificates that are used within the film industry above, but you have not referenced your research, to show where your source came from.
ReplyDeleteWithin each age certificate, you need to relate to film examples, to show further understanding of the role of the BBFC and how it is used within the film industry.
Finally, you still need to explain what age certificate your thriller will be and why, by focusing on the narrative of your thriller in further detail.