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.
Examples of U certificate films; Peter Pan, The Smurfs and The Princess and the frog.
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 mentally 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.
Examples of PG certificate films; Home alone, Up, Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets, Shrek and the Incredibles.
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.
Examples of 12 and 12A certificate films; The great Gatsby, The hunger games, Iron man 3 and The dark night rises.
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;
Examples of 15 certificate rated films; Friends with benefits, World war Z, Olympus has fallen and Identity thief.
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;
Examples of 18 certificate films; Spring breakers, I spit on your grave 2, Breaking bad and Django.
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 if my film was classified as 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.
This post demonstrates some understanding of the film industry. You have identified the correct age certificates and you have also started to include examples to support the points that you have made. However, you need to relate to more further examples from the films, to demonstrate further understanding as to why a film belongs to a U, 12, 15 and 18 certificate audience.
ReplyDeleteYou have also made a start in explaining why you have selected a 15 age certificate audience, but further discussion of your narrative is needed, to demonstrate further understanding.