BBFC- Harrt

Explain why the BBFC is important to the film industry

The BBFC stands for the British Board of Film Classification, the BBFC was established in 1912. The purpose was to introduce age restrictions for safety reasons after many films became unsuitable in venues.

The BBFC doesn't just put restrictions on films, they also games as well. It is illegal for a shop to sell games/films to a person under the age restriction from UC  to 18. This is important as it is to protect different age groups from viewing films that could scare them or cause them to copy something they see.

Age Certificates

Their are 6 categories that films can be placed in. The age groups are;

Universal

The 'U' stand for Universal, this means that ii is suitable for everyone from 4 years and over.

For a film to be classed as a 'U' it will have;

- Have scary sequences that are mild to assure that young children are not afraid.

-No dangerous behaviour that could cause young children to copy it.

- Very mild bad language.

- Mild sex behaviour like kissing or making love etc.

- Mild violence only.

Parental Guide

PG stands for Parental guide, this is for the general public, but some scenes may have unsuitable content which could upset younger or sensitive children. As a result of this the BBFC advises parents to consider if they want their children viewing it.

For a film to be classed as PG it will have;

- Mild language only.

- Moderate violence without detail.

- Natural nudity with no sexual content.

- Frightening sequences should not be intense.

12 years and Bellow
12 / 12A is for 12 year old's and over, films are placed in this category because the material is suitable for only those aged 12 and over. Some scenes may upset children under 12 which is why 12A is created. 12A is only seen in cinema films. Nobody under 12 can see a 12A film or can they buy or rent a '12' film.

For a film to be classed as a 12 / 12A it must have;

- Moderate physical threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent.

- Dangerous behaviour should not be shown in detail. The means hanging, suicide or self harming.

- Moderate language is allowed, but the use of strong language must be infrequent.

- Mature themes are allowed, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

 15 years and bellow

15 year old rating is for 15 year old's and bellow, nobody bellow 15 can watch a 15 film in cinema or can they buy a 15 rated filmin stores. This is because some scenes in 15 rated film could scare younger viewers or is inappropriate for them to watch.

 For a film to be classed as a 15 rated film it has;

- Strong threat that is permitted unless sexualised.

-There can be a use of strong language (f*ck). The strongest term (c*nt) may be allowed if justified by the context. However if the use of the strongest lamguage is repeated it is unlikely to be accepted.

- Sexual activity may be shown without strong detail.

- Violence may be shown in strong detail but should not dwell on inflicting pain or injury

18 year old's and bellow

The 18 rated films and games means that nobody younger than 18 can watch a 18 film in cinema or can they buy in a shop. This is because it involves allot of violence, sexual scenes and drug or alcohol abuse.

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

Restricted 18

R18 means restricted to anyone bellow 18. This category is to be shown in special licenced cinema's or supplied in licenced sex shops. The R18 category means that sex and a strong fetish material  involving adults will be shown.