BBFC - Miss Miller

BBFC

The BBFC stands for the British Board of Film Classification. They ensure that every film released has the appropriate age certificate for the target audience. This is extremely important when a film is being processed as, an incorrect age certificate could determine the film's success. Having an organisation that deals with this solely ensures that each age certificate given to each film is accurate and correct and therefore, reliable when the public is seeking guidance. An age certificate also narrows an down audience to a niche one and is more likely to attract the film's target audience from the guidance of the age certificate that would be clearly displayed on the DVD cover/film poster. 

There are six different age certificates (U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18) each with specific features 

within them.

'U' stands for Universal and films with this rating are able to be watched by anyone over the age of four years old. Because this is the lower end of the category range, it's hard to predict how the film will affect the child depending on their individual personality and personal reactions to particular scenes. With a 'U' categorised film, the language is very mild bad language with no inputs of swearing and also no reference to drugs. This is because it is seen as immoral and inappropriate for a person of such a young age to witness scenes including elements such as these. Furthermore, there is a very mild use of violence and sexual references as the majority of a 'U' audience tends to be a very young one, so are not allowed to be influenced in any negative way. Anti-social behaviour is disapproved of meaning that it in no way can influence a young child that happens to be watching the film. Having these restrictions means that parents can feel confident in knowing what their child is watching and that it is appropriate for their child's viewing. The 'U' rating however, is appropriate for everyone and even if a film has an age certificate of a 'U' it does not necessarily mean that the target audience will be a young one - but most likely that it will be.

'Toy Story' is an example of a 'U' film as it has distinctive features specific for this type of age certificate. This Disney film has a young target audience which makes it complement the age certificate of 'U' perfectly. The film is like a cartoon with fictional, happy characters that put across positive messages about honesty and friendship - meaning being a positive influence on a young audience. There are no potential dangerous or anti-social behaviour within that may influence children, making it suitable for such a young age to watch. The problem at the beginning of the film is when the toys become separated from Andy (the toy's owner). This problem is resolved and so, shows a young audience how everything can work out in the end and that happy endings exist. The parents are able to feel comfortable with their child watching this as the narrative is so child friendly and the age certificate guides them to ensure that this film will be appropriate for their child's viewing.

'PG' stands for Parental Guidance. Fundamentally, this means that films with this age certificate are suitable for general viewing, however may contain some scenes that are slightly more inappropriate for children under the age of 8 years old. A 'PG' allows the parents to be able to decide whether or not the content may upset or affect their child. Not all 'PG' films are made for younger audiences, Grown Ups for example. Some films just contain content that shouldn't unsettle the majority of children over 8 years old and so are regarded as a 'PG'. It is possible that 'PG' films can include and explore challenging issues such as racism and bullying, though, will not include any themes inappropriate for a child's viewing. The language in a 'PG' work is mildly bad and sexual references are highly unlikely unless they are not in detail and also not frequent. Violence will usually be mild with no detail within, so maybe the witnessing of blood for example, but not how the injury occurred. Also, as long as they are not prolonged and extreme, frightening sequences and 'jump' moments may be included. In 'PG' works there isn't much for a child to copy as the including of weapons such as knives or guns is not enhanced nor shown to be a good thing. Likewise with drugs and smoking, if this is included, it is made sure to be shown as a bad thing to be involved with.

'Home Alone' is a 'PG' rated film that fits this age certificate due to its use of mild bad language and lack of detailed violence. It's narrative is appropriate for this target audience, however, some younger children may feel unsettled by the burglars, but as the film is also humorous as well, it takes that possible fear away. Due to the protagonist being a young boy also means that as the 'PG' audience is young, they can relate to the character and build a relationship with him. This makes the audience feel more involved in the film and more knowing of the character from the empathetic effect they create towards the audience. The fact that the antagonists here are the burglars show that burglary and crime is not glamourised at all and is shown as a bad factor. Therefore, it is not likely to influence the audience of a 'PG' from the particular way in which they are portrayed. The fact that the problem is resolved in the end also gives the young audience piece of mind and will distract the fear that they possibly may feel. 


Content of films with this particular age certificate is not appropriate for viewing of anyone under the age of 12 years old. '12' and '12A' works are quite similar in the fact that this 12 years old 'barrier' is in place, however, '12' rated films may contain slightly less uses of strong language, certain ant-social behaviour or drug or sexual references for example. Nudity, for example, is most likely not to be shown in a '12' certified work, though, may be shown in a '12A' work. This is because parents are able to control whether they would like their child to witness this kind of feature that may be contained in a certain film. Features are pretty much similar in both '12' and '12A' works, although the extent of some are slightly more in some aspects within '12A' works. 

'The Lucky One' is an example of a '12' rated film. Although it contains romance and some references to the sensitive subject of war, it is still able to be a '12' as it does not exceed the expectation for a 12 year old to watch. With a happy ending, it makes it more suitable for a 12 year old at least to watch because it's like the idea of a fairy-tale. There isn't any reference of drugs and so children from 12 years old cannot be influenced by it at all. The topic of war is quite a sensitive subject, however, in this film it is shown to bring a positive aspect to a certain character's life. This puts a positive perception on war but obviously not to show that war is a good thing as a whole. It reflects that hope can be retrieved from war and not every ending is a bad one. In addition, there is no extent of gore when injuries during war occur and therefore have no way in creating a squeamish feel within the audience. 

'12A' works have need of anyone under the age of 12 to be accompanied by an adult when seeing the film in the cinema (otherwise cinema's are at risk of loosing their licence). Material found in '12A' films may not be as suitable for children under the age of 12, so having this rating allows parents to decide whether or not a certain film is suitable for their child/children to watch. The overall tone of a film and the way in which it inclines the audience to feel, regulates what classification it falls into. A '12A' could be driven more to a '15' with some '15' certified film features contained in it, however, other features, say if the film is particularly positive making the audience feel comfortable, may stop this change in category. Language in a '12A' can be strong and may only be passed if it is used in an appropriate manner. For example, if strong language is used in aggression, depending on its extent, it may cause the film to be categorised as a '15'. Furthermore, moderate language is also sometimes included and probably likely to be. Sexual references should not go beyond what is suitable for the likes of a 12 year old and what they understand. Often in these works, humour is used, to dilute the impact of particularly moderate sexual references. Horror films may be passed at a '12A' or even a '12', as long as tense pauses are not too frequent and prolonged and there is a small risk of any physical or psychological effects on the audience, bearing in mind of a 12 year old. Other types of '12A' works can contain devastating events such as wars, earthquakes and tsunami's, etc. 

A good example of a '12A' film of this kind is 'The Impossible'. It's narrative is a devastating story (based on a true one) about how a family are separated due to an unexpected tsunami that hits their holiday location. Although the ending is happy, because of this sensitive subject different 12 year olds may be affected in different ways, therefore, parents can judge if the film will affect their child. For example, in 'The Impossible' there are scenes where open wounds are visible to the viewer, so, if a child is squeamish to this viewing, it may affect them. There are particular parts that can also be quite emotional when characters cannot find other characters but also frustrating for the viewer as you hope for the best. The way it is based on a true story allows such a young audience to appreciate what they have and the safe environment which surrounds them but to also be aware of what happens in other parts of the world other than where they are. 

Anyone under the age of 15 is not allowed to see a '15' rated film in the cinema nor buy/rent a '15' rated DVD/video. This is because the content in '15' works are not suitable for anyone for below 15 years old. Providing that the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds, no theme is restricted. Many features found in a '15' rated films are specific to this age certificate, for example if any of these features were in a '12' or '12A', it could push it to a '15'. Some content may have features such as sexual nudity, strong violence, frequent strong language, drug use and discriminatory behaviour. Sexual violence to an extent may also be included, for example, reference to rape - however, will not be shown intimately. Language may also have homophobic or racist references within and possible exploration of the subjects, however, is not regarded for the audience to express. Influential behaviour is not shown in detail for example self-harm, as for many teenagers it can be a sensitive, relative issue or easy to copy. Drugs may be used in a '15' film but not shown in good light and are not shown to create a good influence.

'Ted' is a '15' age certified film and contains many sexual references, however, of which are minimised due to the combination with comedy. Making comical remarks makes the content not seem as strong as it may be, therefore films with this style of content usually get passed for a '15'. Because the film contains humorous comments also, it allows the audience to get more involved with the film and understand what is going on a bit better. Throughout the film, there is no scary aspects in which should affect a 15 year old, only possible where a man kidnaps Ted. However, this may only affect the minority of 15 year olds as none of the content throughout is too extreme for a viewing of a young person. 

You are not allowed to buy/rent any '18' rated film if you are under the age of 18. Furthermore, '18' age certified films are not in any way suitable for children due to the content within. Being an '18' film, this means that there is no theme that is banned, so there is a risk that some themes at '18' may affect or offend viewers, even if they happen to be adults. Blood and gore in detail, very strong and sexual violence, strong language and anti-social or inequitable behaviour are aspects that are likely to be included in '18' works. There is literally no limit when it comes to an '18' work - pretty much everything is allowed. Language can be as strong as intended and used in a direct or aggressive way, due to the older audience, this should affect more the minority of audience if any at all. Homophobic or racist terms may be used for example, may even being discriminated - to an extent. Full nudity can be included also as well as sexual images. If an '18' happens to be a sex education film to inform and educate viewers, in such matters, stronger images of sexual activity may be permitted. Horror films will contain very strong horror images, many horror films are an '18' as the extent of the horror is strong. Drug taking can be shown, however must not be promoted to be misused. Criminal behaviour or behaviour that would cause great risk to a person may be cut so that audiences are not influenced enough to copy the behaviour. There are however some limits on '18' films and may have to be cut from behaviour against the law, where material can cause a risk of harm to viewers or where sexual activity exceeds the limit where context is not justified. 

'Scary Movie' is an '18' work which is actually a comedy horror spoof, so, even though it is mocking scary movies, the content is still not suitable for children under the age of 18. There is a fair amount of violence and strong language throughout the film and so makes the film unsuitable for anyone under the age of 18. Some content may shock viewers and so even though it is funny from the comedy side of it, it can still affect viewers. Although it is also not scary due to the input of comedy, some scenes may be scary to particular individuals depending on their personal feelings and reactions to certain films. 

In conclusion, this research has helped me understand the importance of age certificates from the certain criteria that is regarded specifically for each individual age certificate category. This has allowed me also to think deeply about the age certificate in which I will apply to my own opening thriller sequence as the content in-particular has a big influence on what category a film falls into. Knowing the criteria that falls into each will allow me to confidently state the category in which my film will fall into. I will know to be careful that certain features could push age certificates up or bring it down depending on the extreme of violence for example. However, I am quite sure that the age certificate that will be applied to my thriller sequence will be a '15' from the characteristics of the criteria that match the content that is most likely for it to contain. To ensure that my thriller will stay in line with the various regulations of a '15' certified work, I will make sure that violence for example, is not too extreme and the language used does not express controversial topics such as racism for example in deep exploration. The criteria for a '15' will be followed strictly to make sure that our target audience is met and we stay in the '15' age certificate category with no possibility of it falling into a different age certificate.